In the medieval Japan the rich families, samurai and merchants alike, were building a separate storehouse to keep safe the valuables. This was the kura, a structure designed to resist fire and protect against thieves, with thick plaster walls and heavy doors. Of course, the kura was also a symbol of status, having one meant having enough valuable to justify the construction. Also, building a kura was quite expensive.

Merchant house, Mitsuhama, Ehime

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Riverwalk KitaKyushu and the Kokura castle moat