In the town of Tondabayashi, 39 km from Osaka, there is the world’s strangest tower. Behind the mysterious structure towering over the city is a religious group, the Church of Perfect Freedom, which wanted to create a huge cenotaph. The tower’s bizarre shapes are somewhat reminiscent of Gaudi’s designs.
Perfect Freedom
Founded in 1924, the Church of Perfect Freedom (PL Kyodan) wants to bring peace to the world through its teachings. PL Kyodan has no religious book, but there are 21 ‘truths of faith’, the most important of which is: “life is art”. The church is headed by a patriarch (oyasama) and the headquarters is located in Tondabayashi near Osaka. Although PL Kyodan has no representation in Poland, the church is present in more than a dozen countries worldwide.
In 1970, the church decided to build a huge 180-metre cenotaph, a symbolic tomb for all those who died during the wars. The tower is dedicated to all victims regardless of their origin or religion. The Great Peace Prayer Tower (Dai Heiwa Kinen Tō) is therefore not a burial place, but only a symbolic tribute.
Japan’s largest design studio, Nikken Sekkei, is responsible for the design of the unusual tower. The tower looks as if it has been ‘improved’ from white clay, which is partly correct. The structure is made of concrete and expanded clay, or fired clay. The organic shapes, unexpected joints, curves and openings make the building a Gaudian quirk.
Gaudian monstrosity
Since for PL Kyodan life is art, such an artistic religious monument should come as no surprise. However, opinions on the tower are divided due to its size and shape. It is hard to believe that the monstrosity dominating the city is not the product of artificial intelligence. What’s more, on 1 August, a ceremony is being organised under the monument to pay tribute to the victims of the wars. The event is accompanied by one of the largest firework displays in the country.
Although visits to the high vantage point are not available at all times, it is still worth seeing the tower that dominates the city. Nor is it the first Japanese monument to tower over the city. In Sendai, residents live under the watchful eye of the Buddhist goddess Guanyin, whose statue rises 100 metres. You can read more about this equally unusual monument HERE.
View this post on Instagram
Source: Offbeat Japan
Also read: architecture | Interesting facts | sacred architecture | Japan | whiteMAD on Instagram
