A 99-year old historic residence in Hyogo Prefecture is close to collapse, leaving city officials struggling to find a way to protect it against the wishes of its owner.

The Ando Residence was built in 1919 near Okubo Station in Akashi City. The exterior walls of the home are built from stone, while the mansard roof has emerald-green glazed Spanish tiles. It was designed by architect Yutaro Kagoya (1876-1936). Kagoya specialized in repairing old shrines and temples before establishing his own architectural firm that designed homes. Some of his works included the Sarue Dojunkai Apartments (c1927) in Koto Ward, Tokyo (demolished in 1992), the Takushoku University main building (c1932) in Tokyo, and the Higashi Honganji temple in Asakusa (c1939).

This content is available to paid subscribers only.

Sharing information on Japan’s real estate market has been a long passion dating back 14 years. However, gathering and preparing this content takes hours and hours each week. By joining our monthly subscription service, you can access over 3,100 articles dating back 14 years. Best of all, you’ll be supporting us in our endeavor to continue to provide investors with on-the-ground, expert information.

To join our paid subscription service and access over 3,100 news articles on Japan's real estate market, please register here.

Already a paid member? Log-in using your details below.