99-year old residence in Kamakura opened to public for first time
A historic residence in Kamakura that was once the holiday home of former Prime Ministers Fumimaro Konoe (1891 - 1945) and Osachi Yamaguchi (1870 - 1931) has been repaired and converted into a French restaurant and wedding function centre. This historic, privately-held home had been closed to the public until now.
The Koga Residence was built in 1916 as a villa for Seijiro Sho (1862 - 1926), the managing director of Mitsubishi. In 1937 it was purchased by Mr. Koga, a manager of Nippon Tochi-Tatemono, and has been in the Koga family ever since.Read more
Hope for Kamakura’s modernist museum
One of Japan’s exemplary models of modern architecture - the Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura - now stands a chance at being saved from demolition after a recent structural analysis found that it could be reinforced against earthquakes.
The Kanagawa Prefectural Government is also in discussions with the landowner, the nearby Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine, to seek an extension to the land lease.
In late 2013, it was reported that the prefecture decided against renewing the lease due to the high costs of maintaining the buildings and the anticipated costs of retrofitting. The prefecture announced plans to close the museum at the end of March 2016. Under the terms of the lease, any buildings were required to be demolished before returning the land to the Shrine.Read more
Historic former library in Kamakura to be demolished
On January 5, Kamakura City announced plans to demolish a historic property that was originally the Kamakura City Library, and until recently had been used as a training center.
The 2-storey wooden building was completed in 1936. It is located between the Onarimachi’s local city office and the Onari Elementary School and is 200 meters west of Kamakura Station. Aside from a brief period during the war when it was confiscated by the military, the building had been was used a library until 1974. Afterwards it had been used by the city’s Board of Education for a variety of uses.Read more
Kamakura Museum of Modern Art at risk of demolition
The Museum of Modern Art, Kamakura & Hayama is facing possible demolition as the prefecture has decided not to renew the land lease with the landowner (the nearby Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu shrine). The prefecture's difficult financial situation has meant that they cannot continue to operate the museum and it is scheduled to close at the end of March 2016.Read more
Will people still buy high-rise apartments?
This is a translation of an article that appeared in Japanese tabloid Nikkan Cyzo, so take it for what it is.
The March 11 Tohoku Disaster changed the mindset of many Japanese. The real estate market was no exception, with many a shift in the mentality of buyers.Read more