Oxford Red Brick Building (former Tanakamaru Shoten Brick

Ushizu Akarengakan: A Meiji-Era Red Brick Warehouse in Saga Prefecture

Standing quietly along the old Nagasaki Kaidō highway in the town of Ushizu, Ogi City, the Ushizu Akarengakan (Red Brick Hall) is a striking two-story red brick warehouse dating from the mid-to-late Meiji period (roughly the 1890s). Originally built as a storehouse for Tanakamaru Shōten — the predecessor of the renowned Tamaya Department Store chain — this handsome building is a tangible reminder of Ushizu's prosperous past as a thriving commercial hub once known as the "Naniwa of Kyushu."

Registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in September 2000, the Akarengakan now serves the community as a public cultural facility, hosting art exhibitions, concerts, and various events within its characterful brick walls.

Historical Background: From Post Town to Commercial Capital

Ushizu prospered for centuries as a port town facing the Ariake Sea, serving as a key rice-shipping hub for the western Saga Plain. During the Edo period, it also flourished as a post station along the Nagasaki Kaidō, the vital highway connecting Nagasaki to Edo (Tokyo). This strategic position attracted merchants and traders, transforming Ushizu into one of Kyushu's most vibrant commercial districts.

At the heart of this mercantile culture was the Tanakamaru family. In 1806 (Bunka 3), the first Tanakamaru Zenzō opened a general goods shop called Tanakamaru Shōten in Ushizu's Nishimachi district. Under subsequent generations, the business grew into a major draper's establishment. The first Zenzō, who took over the family business at just fourteen years of age in 1866, expanded trade by dealing directly with kimono wholesalers in Kyoto and Osaka, becoming one of the region's wealthiest merchants.

His grandson, the second Tanakamaru Zenzō, went on to found the Tamaya Department Store, which grew into a chain spanning Sasebo, Fukuoka, Saga, and Kokura — one of the most prominent department store groups in Kyushu. The red brick warehouse that stands today was built during the height of the Tanakamaru family's commercial success, serving as a storehouse for their extensive merchandise.

Why It Was Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

The Ushizu Akarengakan was registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) on September 26, 2000. Japan's registration system for tangible cultural properties was established in 1996 to preserve the diverse architectural heritage of the modern era — buildings that might otherwise be lost to urban development and changing lifestyles.

The warehouse earned this designation for several reasons. As the representative commercial building of one of Ushizu's most prominent merchant families, it embodies the prosperity of the town during the Meiji era. Its well-preserved brick construction showcases late 19th-century building techniques, while distinctive architectural details — including dentil molding beneath the eaves, ventilation openings on the gable walls that combine stone and brick, and a gently curved "mukuri" roofline — demonstrate a sophisticated blend of Western construction methods with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.

The building stands as an iconic symbol of Ushizu's commercial heritage and is cherished by the local community as a landmark that connects the present to the town's vibrant past.

Architectural Highlights and Points of Interest

The Akarengakan is a two-story brick structure with a tiled roof covering a floor area of approximately 170 square meters. Several architectural features make it particularly noteworthy.

The exterior walls are constructed entirely of red brick, giving the building its warm, distinctive appearance that immediately evokes the Meiji era's fascination with Western-style construction. Beneath the eaves, a row of dentil molding — small, tooth-like rectangular blocks — runs along the building's perimeter, adding an elegant decorative rhythm to the façade.

The gable walls feature air vents crafted from a combination of stone and brick, a practical yet aesthetically pleasing solution for warehouse ventilation. Perhaps the most charming feature is the roof, which has a gentle upward curve known as "mukuri" — a traditional Japanese roofing technique rarely seen on brick buildings. This subtle curvature softens the otherwise solid, Western-style structure and gives it a uniquely Japanese character.

The interior, now renovated for public use, spans two floors and hosts gallery exhibitions, small concerts, and community events. The exposed brick walls inside create an atmospheric backdrop that artists and performers particularly appreciate.

Visitor Information

The exterior of the Ushizu Akarengakan can be viewed at any time. The building is not open for regular interior viewing, but visitors may be able to see inside if the caretaker at the adjacent Ushizu Town Hall (Ushizu Kaikan) is available. It is recommended to contact the Ogi City Board of Education or the Ogi City Tourism Association in advance if you wish to view the interior.

The building is located a short walk from JR Ushizu Station on the JR Nagasaki Main Line, making it easily accessible for travelers exploring the Saga region. The surrounding area retains much of its historic streetscape, making for a pleasant walk through old Ushizu.

Nearby Attractions

Immediately adjacent to the Akarengakan is the Ushizu Kaikan (Ushizu Town Hall), the former residence of the second Tanakamaru Zenzō, founder of Tamaya Department Store. This Taishō-era sukiya-style wooden building is also a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property and features beautiful traditional Japanese architecture with a north and south wing connected by a tatami corridor. Its garden, said to have been designed by the same priest who created the famous garden at Kunenan in Kanzaki, contains a bronze statue of the first Tanakamaru Zenzō.

Ogi City itself offers several attractions, including the historic Ogi Castle ruins and the picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots along the Gion River. The city is also famous for Ogi yōkan, a traditional sweet bean jelly that has been produced here for generations. Nearby, the town of Kanzaki offers the seasonal opening of the Kunenan garden, one of Saga Prefecture's most celebrated autumn foliage spots.

For those interested in further cultural exploration, the Saga Prefectural Museum and Saga Castle History Museum in Saga City are within easy reach and provide deeper context on the region's history.