Former Inukai Residence

Overview

The Former Inukai Residence, located in Kawairi, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, is the birthplace of Inukai Tsuyoshi, the 29th Prime Minister of Japan. This precious structure, designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property in 1978, offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent village headman during the mid-Edo period. The Inukai family was a long-established family, having served as Shōya (village headmen) and Gun Bugyō (district magistrates) in this region for generations. The main house faces south, with three rooms (sitting room, middle room, and upper room) to the south, and three rooms (storeroom, bedroom, and kitchen) to the north. A storeroom to the north of the kitchen leads to the storehouses (inner and outer). Inukai Tsuyoshi was a key figure in the Meiji Restoration and is known as the "God of Constitutional Government." He was a pioneer of the Freedom and People's Rights Movement and dedicated himself to political reform. He also worked towards Japan-China friendship, laying the foundation for the relationship between the two countries. The Former Inukai Residence is a valuable historical site for understanding Inukai Tsuyoshi's life and achievements. You can feel the history as you imagine the times and social context in which he lived. You can also catch a glimpse of the lifestyle of a wealthy farmer of that era. Listening to the explanations about the lifestyle and architectural style of the time during your visit will allow for a deeper understanding.