［column］Red under the Eaves / Nagara Wada

Red objects are dotted around here and there under the eaves of houses. Getting closer, I see they are buckets (either tin or plastic), each filled with water and with “Fire Prevention” or “Fire Extinguisher” written in white on them. Some are just left there, while others are lined up like companions for the plant pots. Though less common than these buckets, nonetheless under eaves somewhere around the city I would always spot red boxes. On the front of the boxes it said, in white writing, “Fire Extinguisher,” and then, on the side again in white, the name of the district. Kyoto is crammed with wooden houses, so were just one fire to break out in an alleyway, it would quickly spread. The city has frequently experienced major fires. The memory of this runs through to these eaves that exist in the city today. Keeping the red of flames under control with the red of fire prevention. Water on standby.