Manazuru Town's 'Former Tsuchiya Residence' to Be Revitalized by Bunshodo as Preferred Negotiation Partner

Bunshodo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Ginza, Chuo Ward, Tokyo; President: Yoshinori Sato) has begun discussions to develop a revitalization plan for the 'Former Tsuchiya Residence' (formerly Manazuru Town Folk Museum) in Manazuru Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, having been selected as the preferred negotiation partner.

The Former Tsuchiya Residence was built as a combined residence and shop by Daijirō Tsuchiya, a stonemason and later member of the House of Representatives, who was born in Iwamura Village, Manazuru Town. Constructed in 1892 (Meiji 25), the building has been preserved to this day, undergoing major renovations and reconstructions after the Great Kanto Earthquake.

In 1985, Manazuru Town received the building through a no-cost loan and opened it as the 'Manazuru Town Folk Museum' in 1986. It served as a facility showcasing local history, including the stonemasonry and fishing industries. However, due to aging infrastructure and rising maintenance costs, the museum closed in September 2024. Since then, the town has been exploring new revitalization models through public-private collaboration.

In this context, three structures comprising the Former Tsuchiya Residence — the 'Former Tsuchiya Family Main House with Shop,' the 'Former Tsuchiya Family Study Wing,' and the 'Former Tsuchiya Family Storehouse' — were recommended by the Cultural Affairs Council on July 17, 2026, for registration as National Tangible Cultural Properties. If officially designated, this will mark the first such registered property in Manazuru Town.

Bunshodo has extensive experience in creating diverse spaces, including offices and public facilities. In 2022, the company renovated the former Kataura Branch Office in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture (built approximately 70 years ago) and launched 'Workcation House U,' a multi-purpose workation facility. Through corporate offsite use, coworking for individuals, and collaboration with local businesses, Bunshodo has demonstrated a commitment to sustainable building utilization.

For the Former Tsuchiya Residence, Bunshodo aims not only to preserve the structure but also to ensure its continued use for future generations. The company is currently consulting with Manazuru Town, architectural and cultural heritage experts, and local stakeholders on the building's condition, legal requirements, preservation principles, business viability, and operational models. Facility use, business plans, renovation details, and opening timelines will be determined based on these discussions.

Drawing on its long-standing expertise in spatial design and the experience gained from planning and operating Workcation House U, Bunshodo will seek an optimal revitalization model that benefits both the Former Tsuchiya Residence and Manazuru Town.

● Bunshodo Corporate Website https://www.bunshodo.co.jp/

● Workcation House U https://u-odawara.com/

● Announcement on the Nomination of the Former Tsuchiya Residence for National Registration (Manazuru Town) https://www.town.manazuru.kanagawa.jp/soshiki/kyouiku/shakaikyoiku/4231.html