Former House of Naoya Shiga, Literary residence in Takabatake-cho, Japan
The Former House of Naoya Shiga is a residential building featuring traditional sukiya-zukuri architecture that combines pine and birch wood elements with both Japanese and Western design features. The structure displays the careful spatial arrangement typical of a prewar literary residence with thoughtfully designed rooms.
The house was built in 1929 under the direction of master carpenter Matsusuke Shimojima and served as novelist Naoya Shiga's residence until 1938. Its construction took place during an era when writers began using their homes as spaces for artistic exchange and creative collaboration.
The house served as a gathering place for members of the Shirakaba literary movement, where writers, painters, and intellectuals exchanged ideas about art and literature. These meetings shaped the creative life of the era and reveal how artists collaborated and influenced each other during this period.
Visitors can explore the house during daytime hours and should allow time to observe the different rooms and their features carefully. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding gardens are easily accessible.
The study room features a distinctive ceiling made of reed material that creates a warm, natural atmosphere in the space. Windows here frame views of Mount Wakakusa and the garden, blending the outdoor landscape seamlessly with the interior.
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