AndTech Corporation and Aspect Corporation have dedicated a 3D printed sculpture of the ‘Octagonal Five-Storey Pagoda’ to Kawasaki Daishi (Kongozan Hirama-ji Temple), with the aim of revitalising the local area of Kawasaki City and promoting the use of 3D printing technology.

The pagoda was set up to commemorate the Great Kaicho dedication ceremony held once every 10 years at Kawasaki Daishi, and is the first octagonal five-storey pagoda officially approved by Kawasaki Daishi in Japan. It aims to demonstrate how technological innovation can contribute to cultural heritage and contribute to improving the attractiveness of the region.

This 3D printing technology enables precise modelling and is a method of digitising traditional architectural styles and forming them by layering materials layer by layer. The dedicated ‘five-storey octagonal pagoda’ is an example of how the technical features of this technology can be used to faithfully represent detailed decoration and shapes, bringing new possibilities to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage.

The project is a striking example of the fusion of culture and technology, and suggests new formative possibilities for 3D printing technology to be applied to traditional temple architecture. It is an example of how technological advances extend and complement ancient building techniques and cultural values, specifically the use of digital technology to recreate traditional designs and form them with modern materials, thus combining classical beauty with modern technology. They also provide innovative approaches in the preservation of cultural heritage, contributing to the creation of new cultural values.

The newly dedicated ‘octagonal five-storey pagoda’ has also had an impact on the local community. As well as enhancing the value of the local Kawasaki cultural landmark, it also contributes to stimulating the local economy, and the installation of the formative objects is expected to attract tourists from home and abroad. In addition, the exhibition of advanced technology arouses interest in science and technology, especially among the younger generation, and contributes to the educational aspect of the project, so that a single cultural project has a positive effect on the local community in multiple aspects, such as the economy, education and tourism.