Sakhalin museum of regional

Japanese school pavilions in Southern Sakhalin.

In 1889 the First Constitution of Japan was proclaimed. The new constitution was built upon the idea that the Emperor was the source of all power. Schools had to cultivate the loyalty to the Emperor and the portraits of the Emperor and the text of the Constitution were given to every school in Japan.

A special fireproof pavilions were built in school yards and these precious relics were kept there. These school pavilions were called “Go-shin-ey-hoan-den”. After World War 2 all school pavilions in Japan were destroyed under the order of “Gaidzin Shogun” Genåral Douglas McCartur. Southern Sakhalin is the only place where these objects are still remained.

It is true to say that the school pavilions are the real objects of the historical and cultural heritage because of the following reasons. 1. They are the typical objects of an important period of modern history of Japan. 2. They reflect the first Japanese experience in concrete construction. 3. They have different and individual features and it makes them to be an interesting and important architectural monuments.

Pavilion of Merey school was found in summer 1997 during field investigations in Prigorodnoye. Such kind of investigations were undertaken in order to find and save historical sites which could be destroyed during construction of SPG plant.
Pavilion was found partly destroyed, it was replaced from the foundation and turned upside down in 1970-s. Leaders of “Sakhalin Energy” decided not to finally demolish it but restore and expose for the public. Pavilion was replaced, restored and put up in the yard of Sakhalin Regional Museum. This job was made by “Sakhalin Mostootryad” company.