Co-working spaces to open in two historic merchant houses

The Kojima Residence before (left) and after (right) a 2017 restoration.

Kawagoe City in Saitama has converted two historic merchant houses into co-working spaces under a trial run. It is hoped that the recent telework trend might have the positive effect of utilizing long-empty buildings as well as preserving the traditional townscape.

Read more


Oldest merchant house in Kanto region demolished

Demolition of the Mizumura Residence in Kawagoe, Saitama, started on April 24. Built in the 1700s, this is said to have been one of the oldest surviving machiya townhouses in the Kanto region. 

Read more