One Drop Water Memorial Museum Introduction
The origin of the name "Itteki Memorial House" comes from the desire to commemorate Mr. Minoru Mizukami, the son of the original builder, who inherited the Zen Buddhist philosophy of "dripping water" from Japan. He advocated for the cherished use of all resources, emphasizing that even a seemingly insignificant drop of water should be utilized fully. Additionally, the name honors all the volunteer laborers who contributed to the relocation process, as they conveyed the spirit of selfless dedication through their actions. Though small, like a drop of water, their efforts ultimately gathered the energy to complete this challenging international relocation project, hence the name "Itteki Memorial House." The passionate and selfless process of relocation began with a wooden structure from Ōi Town in Fukui Prefecture, Japan, built in 1915. This move was rooted in the friendship between the Japanese and Taiwanese people, linked by the Hanshin earthquake in Japan and the 921 earthquake in Taiwan. Thanks to the efforts of many dedicated individuals from both countries, the dismantling started in 2005 and was completed in December 2009. After about five years and multiple transfers, the building traveled over 3,000 kilometers from Japan to Taiwan. Besides serving as a platform for Taiwan-Japan exchange, this relocation represents a spiritual stronghold for community building between nations. The memorial house also houses the "Minoru Mizukami Library" and the "Chen Shun-Chin Library" to promote modern literary exchange between Taiwan and Japan. Examining the architectural vocabulary of this century-old folk house: this ancient building, hand-built by the Japanese literary master Minoru Mizukami’s father, Kyoji Mizukami, features over 600 beams and columns without using a single nail. It incorporates more than 20 different methods of mortise and tenon joints, showcasing the pinnacle of wooden architecture. The large black pillar in the house, calculated as the third from the entrance, is the longest and connects the most horizontal beams. In Japanese culture, it represents the role of the family patriarch. The "doma-fuda" at the top of the pillar serves as the identity certificate of the folk house, encased in a red cloth, documenting the year of construction and the name of the "master carpenter." Wrapped around it are a pair of split-toe sandals, symbolizing the meaning of taking root and no longer being moved, adding an interesting and thought-provoking element.
