Former National Raw Silk Conditioning Houses, Government building with Gothic architecture in Onohama-chō, Japan
The Former National Raw Silk Conditioning Houses is a reinforced concrete structure with Gothic architectural details on its exterior, located in Onohama-chō. Inside are multiple testing chambers where moisture and weight of raw silk were measured using precision instruments.
Built in 1932, the facility became crucial for testing raw silk quality before it could be exported worldwide. It marked a shift in how Japan managed its silk production, moving from local practices to standardized international procedures.
Merchants from across the region brought their silk here to have it officially tested before sending it abroad. The facility became a gathering point that connected Japanese producers directly to international markets and buyers.
The building contains specialized testing equipment housed in compact inspection chambers designed to evaluate moisture and weight of raw silk samples. Visitors should be aware that the scale and design reflect the industrial practices of that era.
The exterior displays Gothic architectural features while the interior was fitted with practical industrial equipment, a rare combination that shows how Japan blended European design influences with functional manufacturing needs. This mix makes the building a distinctive example of how 1930s Japanese architecture bridged two worlds.
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