The design for a series of planned homes in Kisarazu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, is deeply rooted in the legend of “Ototachibana-hime,” the inspiration behind the city’s name. Named “hareiro: Homes Draped in the Hue of Legends,” this design concept elevates the narrative, drawing on the term “Hare” to signify days of special celebration, distinct from the mundane, and “iro,” reflecting a palette of vibrant colors. This blend of words captures the essence of special occasions, intertwined with the story of Ototachibana-hime from the Kojiki, Japan’s oldest chronicle, dating back about 1,700 years to the era of Emperor Keiko. As he set out to subdue the eastern lands, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, with his wife Ototachibana-hime, encountered tumultuous seas. In a selfless act to calm the storm, Ototachibana-hime sacrificed herself to the sea instead of her husband. Her sacrifice is immortalized in the name “Kisarazu,” derived from a poignant poem expressing sorrow over her loss.
This design, “hareiro” (colors of celebration), inspired by the princess’s legend, aims to capture the concept of “being adorned in beautiful, vibrant garments” in the architecture. It merges the roof and exterior walls into a unified form, symbolizing a garment, complemented by a boundary wall that leads from the entrance. This creates an impressive facade and a welcoming space, characterized by a bold use of colors and an embodiment of elegance and historical depth.
By infusing the homes with the region’s unique history, culture, and traditions, this design contributes to the local streetscape and landscape, enhancing the overall potential of the area. It stands as a contemporary homage to the rich cultural heritage of Kisarazu, celebrating the concept of “Hare” — moments of special celebration — through its architecture, while “iro” brings the story of the princess to life in vivid colors.