Celebrating Japan's traditional roof tiles

Among the scores of anniversaries, commemorations and observances on August 8th annually, an auspicious date in Japan, there is Kawara no HI かわらの日. Kawara are the traditional ceramic roof tiles that have shaped the look of Japanese towns and cities for centuries. 

The date was chosen because the kanji for 8, "八" (hachi), resembles the shape of the slope of a roof and when doubled, "八八" it evokes the image of overlapping tiles, as well as the idea of prosperity spreading outward as is associated with the digit "8" in Japan. 

Japanese Kawara roof tiles are more than just decorative. Made from fired clay, they are designed to protect homes from rain, wind, sunlight and heat. Their curved forms help channel water, while their weight stabilizes roofs during storms.

The day was established by the National Federation of Ceramic Roof Tile Manufacturers, and a related anniversary, Roof Day Yane no Hi, is recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association. 

Photo: an exhibition of Edo period houses under construction with sections of the roof covered in Kawara