Gegyo, Hung fish 懸魚 Gegyo Traditional Japanese architecture often features ornamental charms that symbolize water. It is because most buildings are made of wood therefore fire-prevention is one of the greatest concerns for long years. The most famous is 鯱 shachihoko , fable tiger-headed fish , placed on edges of castle's roofs, but developed after the late-16th century under the influence of an unbeatable warlord , 織田信長 Oda Nobunaga . On the other hand, The usage of 懸魚 gegyo can date back at least to the 7th century in Japan as far as historical materials show. Gegyo literally means "hung fish" and fish here stands for water, a charm for fire prevention like shachihoko . It is believed that advanced architectural techniques that may include gegyo were introduced to Japan from China together with the influx of Buddhism happened in the 6th century. Gegyo is a decorative ornament found in the center of a bargeboard under a projecting gable . Gegyo in Japan developed int