Origin of Bansenso

A famous international building built by the Matsui family, who made their fortune through trade in the Philippines.

Brothers Matsui Denzaburo (1870~1920) and Kunigoro (1875~1945) made a fortune in trade and retail, running a trading company in Manila and a department store for Japan immigrants. The Bansenso (former Matsui Family Residence) was planned by Kenzaburo to build a villa in his hometown of Ozu, and was completed in Taisho 15 (1926) by Kunigoro, who succeeded his will. The house is located on a hill overlooking the rich natural scenery such as Garyu, Fujiyama, and Kameyama, which were called the most scenic spots in Hiji River. In addition to using South Sea wood imported from Southeast Asia as the building materials, balconies and demon tiles with the owner's initials "K. M" are used, which were rare for Japan houses at the time, and the international characteristics typical of the owner who ran a trading business can be seen everywhere. It was also called "Bansenso" because it used water seeping from the bedrock of the back mountain.

1 Appearance/masonry

The majestic three-story wooden building that juts out from the steep slope of the hill has existed as a representative landmark of the area since its construction, and is also a valuable presence in shaping the current townscape. In addition, the symbolic masonry is a unique structure in which stones cut from around the site are stacked rhythmically in an X-shape. It has a sense of unity with the main house and has a high level of design.

2 lion statue

In the front yard, there is a statue of a lion in Shinyanaseyaki. Shin Yanase ware was revived in the 10th year of the Taisho era by several volunteers from Ozu after the Yanase ware that was once made in the middle of the Edo period was abolished.

3 Corridor

Ipeel is a South Sea wood that is native to the Philippines and is called "Pacific ironwood" because of its weight and hardness. The hallway, which is made up of 20 long, carefully finished single planks of wood, is a red carpet that invites guests to the tatami room, guest room, and tea room. The distinction between the flow line for guests and the flow line for daily life is obvious at a glance, with the floorboards being narrower than the continuous single plank.

4 First floor tatami room

The high ceilings, reed transoms, unfinished cypress wood and black lacquered stile, different shelves, and attached shoin feature simple yet majestic tatami room decorations. It represents the highly prestigious traditional Shoin-zukuri style.

5 Tea room/restroom

The tea room has elaborate workmanship, such as wickerwork joinery, red pine bark pillars, and old boat boards. You can feel that you are prepared before you leave.

6 Yokoido

It is dug more than 50 meters toward the back, and the water flowing in from the back of the well is sent to the cistern set up in the kitchen. This was built to secure water for daily use during the Taisho period, when the water supply system was not maintained, and it is presumed that the Bansenso was built because of this water supply.