Kumanichi provides an update on that symbol of Kumamoto resilience after the quakes, the Iida Maru Turret, left tiptoeing precariously on that single leg of cornerstones - hence it’s nickname, Ippon Ishigaki (一本石垣).
Last time we checked in, Fukuoka-based Obayashi-Gumi had most miraculously constructed the cantilever support which currently stabilizes the turret (pictured below). Negotiations have resulted in the same company being selected to reconstruct that portion of the wall - an easy choice as Obayashi was the only company which bid for the job*.
The proposed procedure is quite complicated: (1) wrap the wall and turret in scaffolding; (2) provide support to that corner of remaining rock so that it does not collapse while (3) the turret is dismantled and (4) the cantilever is removed before (5) the remaining wall, including Ippon Ishigaki, is also dismantled. The project will then essentially reverse, rebuilding the wall and replacing the turret atop.
The project is expected to begin sometime after August 2018 and will cost a whole lot. (You really don’t wanna know. It’s like talking with your kids about how much their college education costs.)
Though some have criticized dismantling Ippon Ishigaki, engineers have pointed out that it is inevitable for complete restoration. “You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs,” said one expert.** - William
*Technically their bid is in that “anyone have any better idea?” bureaucratic, final phase.
**Me, to be precise.