Fukuoka's historic Kanguyo-so faces demolition; group seeks relocation site

A historic residence in Fukuoka City faces demolition after its land was sold, prompting a volunteer group to seek a relocation site. The building, known as Kanguyo-so, was opened to the public for one day on October 2nd. Built in the 1950s, the house belonged to Naomoto Uchimoto, an industrialist who contributed to Kyushu's electric power industry. The property includes a tea room where Uchimoto, also a tea master, entertained business leaders. A Cultural Affairs Agency inspector deemed it equivalent to a registered cultural property two years ago. The owner's grandson has died, and the land sale is finalized. The group Kanguyo-so Club says the building must be relocated by the end of 2027 to survive. They plan to hold regular viewing events while searching for a new location.