The TodoFam’s Residence: Training hall from OAV 1
Manga and anime sometimes present two different versions of the Todoroki residence, sometimes those versions are STRONGLY different, sometimes just a little.
As if this wasn’t enough, the anime also tend to retcon his own version of the Todoroki residence, making things even more complicate.
For now I'll just pause and analyze each of them and which Japanese elements we can see in it.
So we have
TRAINING HALL
Kunrenjō (訓練場 “training ground/center”): a facility for acquiring a trade or skill. This is the canonical Japanese name of the Todoroki’s training hall and you might wonder if it is the same thing as a ‘dōjō’ (道場 “hall for training/learning/meditating” Lit. “place of the way”). Apparently there are differences between the two that lie in their purpose and the nature of the learning. A ‘kunrenjō’ is a place aimed at “acquiring functionality”, such as mastering techniques or improving practical skills. It is specialized in efficient training. Emphasis is placed on “quantity” and “efficiency”, with training tailored to specific goals (such as weight loss or competitive sports). It is widely used in modern/professional sports but also in military and police training. Considering Heroes are affiliates with the police I guess that is why Enji has one. A ‘dōjō’ instead is a “place of training” where one learns not only techniques but also spirituality, martial virtue, etiquette, and philosophy, in short the ‘do’ (道 “the Way”), thereby enhancing one’s character. The place is filled with traditional etiquette and discipline (such as bowing upon entry, emphasizing respect for elders and teachers) and it emphasizes a solid foundation and the inheritance of traditional culture. It is primarily used in traditional Japanese martial arts (such as karate, jūdō, kendō, and aikidō). The ‘kunrenjō’ shouldn’t be confused with a ‘kunren CENTER’ (訓練センター “training ground/center”) which is meant to refer to large, comprehensive facilities equipped with accommodation, multiple workshops, and auditoriums that are used for long-term programs combining classroom learning and practical training, such as qualification acquisition, vocational skills development, and employee training.
Shinkabe (真壁 “natural wall”): they’re ‘kabe’ (壁 “wall”) with exposed ‘hashira’ (柱 “pillar/timber pillar”). They can be a ‘tsuchikabe’ (土壁 “clay wall”) or a ‘shikkuikabe’ (漆喰壁 “plaster wall”).
Koshiita (腰板 “wood paneling”): A wainscot, a paneling on the lower part of the walls of a room or of a ‘shōji’ (障子 “translucent screen”) which is about 35-70cm high. ‘Shōji’ with a ‘koshiita’ are called ‘koshiita shōji’ (腰板障子) or ‘koshi shōji’ (腰障子). The wainscot may be made of thin wood panels with a decorative or straight grain. If the ‘koshiita’ on the ‘shōji’ is about 60 cm high (or approximately one third of its overall height), they’re called ‘koshidaka shōji’ (腰高障子) if they are 35cm high, they’re called ‘koshitsuki shōji’ (腰付障子)
Itabari (板張り “stretching board”): Boarded/wooden floor. Training halls usually have it (or a tatami floor).
Hashira (柱 “pillar/timber pillar”): generic term for any type of pillar, column, post, pier and strut which are the basic members of Japanese timber architecture. The character, itself, is made up using the kanji for ‘ki’ (木) meaning “tree/wood” and, by extension “building timber”; and ‘shu’ (主) meaning “main/chief/master”. In traditional construction, pillars are erected first and then all the structural parts including tie beams, roof framework and covering are added. ‘Kabe’ (壁 “wall”) are not supporting structures. Traditionally stone ‘hashira’ (柱 “pillar/timber pillar”) are not used in traditional buildings.
Treadmill (トレッドミル): a device generally used for walking, running, or climbing while staying in the same place.
Bench (ベンチ): a piece of exercise equipment, usually used for weight training.
Kensui bar (懸垂バー “Pull-up bar”): a piece of equipment used to do pull-ups.
I should probably warn you that I am no expert of training devices and the ones shows here are poorly visible except for the treadmill so I might have mistakes.
