Hiroyasu Imura spent 19 years pursuing his boyhood dream of faithfully producing a replica of Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture.The 69-year-old former insurance examiner completed his model of Himeji Castle at a scale of 1:23 in the garden of his home in Ise, Mie Prefecture, in April.
His wife, Ikuko, 66, gave him a book containing photographs of the castle on his 47th birthday. He saw a drawing of the castle in the book and made up his mind to build a replica.
Imura bought a plot of land in the town of Enza in Ise, which has a beautiful view of mountains unhindered by the sight of power lines — a setting he thought would be perfect for the replica.
He moved to the town and began building the model in 1989, using experience he gained as a joiner during his youth.
After retiring at age 60, Imura devoted his life to building the replica.
More pictures after the jump.
Source: Japan Times via Japan Probe
Image: Tokai Subculture Site
Tags: Castle | Himeji Castle | DIY
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