On October 9, the Kanagawa Shimbun newspaper reported that the former residence of author Jiro Osaragi (1897-1973) in Kamakura is for sale. The 100-year old traditional thatched roof house is designated by the city as an important scenic structure. The owners are hoping to find a buyer that will continue to preserve the culturally significant and historic home. 

The single-story house has a total floor area of 155 sqm (approx. 1,668 sq.ft) and sits on a spacious walled estate covering around 1,000 sqm. It is just 250 meters from the Hachiman-gu Shrine and a 9-minute walk from Kamakura Station.

As a long-term resident, Osaragi was a leading campaigner for the protection of Kamakura’s scenic landscape and, along with literary friends and artists, helped to establish the Japan National Trust in 1968. 

The home was built in 1919. In recent years part of the gardens had been used as a cafe, with the main house open to the public only twice a year. The cafe closed in September.

A property of this scale and age requires ongoing maintenance and care. The thatched roof requires replacing every 10 ~ 20 years at a cost of around 3 million Yen (approx. US$28,000). The large garden also requires attention, and, due to the leasehold land, land rent must be paid. 

The Asahi Shimbun also reported the property was for sale in an article published on October 4.

上の売り情報は朝日新聞(10月4日)と神奈川新聞(10月9日)に公開された情報に基づいています。

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