Katsuogi (鰹木, 堅魚木, 勝男木, 葛緒木) orKasoegi (斗木) are short, decorativelogs used inJapanese andShinto architecture. They are placed atright angles to the ridgeline ofroofs, and are usually featured in religious or imperial architecture.Katsuogi predateBuddhist influence and are an architectural element endemic toJapan.^[1] They are often placed on the roof withchigi, a forked ornamentation used on Shinto shrines. Today,katsuogi andchigi are used exclusively on Shinto buildings and can be used to distinguish them from other religious structures, such asBuddhist temples in Japan.

The original purpose of thekatsuogi is uncertain. A theory is that the wooden logs were initially used to weigh down thethatch roofing seen in early Japanese structures.^[2] As construction techniques improved, the need for weights disappeared, and the logs remained only for ornamental value. Their existence during theKofun period (250–538) is in any case well documented by numerous artifacts.^[3]

Like thechigi, thekatsuogi was initially reserved only for the powerful nobility. It was first described in theKojiki, a 7th-century Japanese text, where it seemed to be something accessible only to theemperor. In the excerpt,Emperor Yūryaku (418–479) sees an official's house laden withkatsuogi on the roof. Angered by this, he pronounces the official a knave and a scoundrel for building a house in imitation of the imperial palace.^[4]

Later in history, emperors granted families such as theNakatomi clan and theMononobe clan permission to usekatsuogi on their houses. As these clans were fervent supporters and administrators ofShinto, thekatsuogi would eventually come to decorate Shinto shrines.^[5] By the 6th century,katsuogi were beginning to be used on the homes of powerful families, along withchigi. After theMeiji restoration (1868) their use in new shrines was limited to the honden.^[6]

Thekatsuogi is usually a short, rounded log. Most are round, although square or diamond shapes have occasionally been used. Some are carved with tapered ends. More ornatekatsuogi will be covered in gold or bronze, and decorated with the clansymbol or motif.

The number ofkatsuogi used on any given roof varies, but in general there is always at least one on each end. Earlier buildings tend to employ morekatsuogi.Katsuogi are always used in buildings constructed in theshinmei-zukuri,kasuga-zukuri,sumiyoshi-zukuri, andtaisha-zukuri styles. They are almost always paired with thechigi. The angle at which the chigi faces and the number of katsuogi the building contains are used to identify the gender of the kami enshrined within. Upward-facing chigi, with an even number of katsuogi indicate a female kami. Outward-facing chigi, with an odd number of katsuogi indicate a male kami.^[7] This is not a hard and fast rule, as there are exceptions (such as the shrines inIse Grand Shrine.)

• Shinto shrine
• TheGlossary of Shinto for terms concerning Shinto and Shinto architecture.

• Japanese architectural features
• Classical Japan
• Roofs

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