Uchikura & Co., LLC

Groundbreaking Ceremony for a Data Center

Even when building a modern data center in Japan, one of the very first steps may be a traditional Jichinsai — a Shinto groundbreaking ceremony.

 

It may sound unusual to some people. A facility designed to support cloud computing, AI, high-speed networks, and massive amounts of digital data begins with a Shinto priest offering prayers, rice, salt, and sake to the land. It feels like ancient tradition and future technology existing side by side.

 

But in Japan, this is completely natural.

 

A Jichinsai is not simply a formal event. It is performed to pray for construction safety, stable operation of the facility, and the well-being of everyone involved in the project. Behind this tradition is the Japanese concept of Yakuyoke — protection from misfortune or unseen risks.

 

No matter how advanced technology becomes, people still cannot control everything. Earthquakes, accidents, unexpected failures, and human error will always exist. Japanese culture has long believed that it is important to prepare carefully, show humility, and respect both nature and the unknown.

 

I personally think there is something meaningful about that.

 

Even in the age of AI and cloud infrastructure, Japan still preserves traditions that remind people to pause, show respect, and hope for safety before starting something important. Technology and tradition are not seen as opposites in Japan. They simply coexist.

Do Japanese people truly believe Shinto deities protect the land and buildings?

 

I would say, for many Japanese people, the answer is probably “No” in a strict religious sense.

 

But at the same time, many Japanese people also think:
“We do not know if there is a god or spirit there, but just in case there is one, there is nothing wrong with showing respect.”

 

That is probably closer to the truth.