Ichimatsu Residence

Overview

The Ichimatsu Residence was the home of Teikichi Ichimatsu, the first honorary citizen of Kiji City. Donated to the city in 1957, it initially served as "Ichimatsu Kaikan," a community gathering place. Later, it was relocated to its current location—offering stunning views of Kiji Castle and the sea—following the relocation of the city hall. Mr. Ichimatsu, originally from Miwa Village (present-day Bungotakada City), was adopted into the Ichimatsu family, succeeding as head of a family that had served as swordsmanship and spear-fighting instructors for the Kiji Clan. He had a long and distinguished career in the legal profession before entering politics, eventually serving as Minister of Posts and Telecommunications in the First Yoshida Cabinet, and later as Minister of Health and Welfare, and Minister of Construction. The Ichimatsu Residence is filled with luxurious and refined details, including a veranda with flooring of solid cedar planks and a guest restroom featuring a coffered ceiling. The "mawari-do" (revolving doors), designed to minimize the need for door pockets by rotating the shutters at a right angle, showcases ingenious and practical engineering that remains relevant even today. The Ichimatsu Residence is a valuable historical building where you can imagine the opulent lifestyle of the time while enjoying breathtaking views of Kiji Castle and the sea.