Mie: 1/200 Scale Models of Now Rare Circular School Bldg Created, Displayed

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:01 JST, April 4, 2026

ASAHI, Mie — The Asahi municipal government in Mie Prefecture has recently created 1/200 scale models of a circular-shaped school building in the town that is registered as a tangible culture property, to promote the charms of its distinctive architecture.

Five models were created of the building, which continues to be used today as part of the municipal Asahi Elementary School. Some are on display at the town hall, while another has been added as a return gift under the furusato nozei tax donation system.

Valued for their efficient use of space, circular school buildings were popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Over 100 such buildings were constructed nationwide.

However, due to challenges faced in expansion and renovation, they have been steadily demolished as they aged. According to the municipal government, only five such elementary schools still exist across Japan, including Asahi Elementary School.

The resin-made model measures 16 centimeters in diameter and 10 centimeters in height. Based on the original architectural blueprints, 3D data was used to meticulously recreate the building’s interior, including the fan-shaped classrooms, desks and staircase handrails. The roof, shaped like a pot lid, and each of the floors can be taken off to view these details more closely.

Around ¥1.5 million was needed to create the model, secured via crowdfunding and donations in support of the project from within and outside the prefecture.

“We hope the models will help spread the appeal of the circular school building and that the return gift allows people to fondly remember their alma mater,” said a municipal government official.