Wakoso Residence, Historic Western-style house in Otaru, Japan.
The Wakoso Residence is an early-20th-century European-style house in Otaru. The structure spans two floors with tall windows, clean lines, and balanced proportions characteristic of Western architecture from that era.
Architect Kiichirō Noguchi designed this house in 1922, when Western influences were reshaping Japanese architecture during the Taisho period. The building emerged during a phase when Japan actively explored European design principles and integrated them into new forms of housing.
The residence reflects how Japanese craftspeople adapted European design ideas into their own building traditions. The rooms tell a story of a moment when Japan blended Western styles with local materials and techniques rather than simply copying them.
The residence is open to visitors who should take time to observe the details of windows, door frames, and room layouts throughout the building. Those interested in understanding the craftsmanship should move slowly through the house and examine the woodwork and material finishes closely.
Interior furnishings and fixtures from 1922 are preserved within, revealing how a wealthy family lived during that era. These original items provide a rare glimpse into Japanese domestic life during this transformative period.
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