Creative Space Akarenga (former Yamaguchi Prefectural

Creative Space Akarenga: A Taisho-Era Red Brick Treasure Reborn as an Art Space

Standing quietly in the heart of Yamaguchi City, Creative Space Akarenga (formerly the Yamaguchi Prefectural Library Book Storage) is a striking red brick building that has witnessed over a century of history. Built in 1918 during the Taisho era, this two-story brick structure was originally constructed as an additional book repository for the Yamaguchi Prefectural Library. Today, it serves as a beloved cultural exchange facility where art exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, and community events bring new life to its historic walls. Registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property in 1998, Creative Space Akarenga stands as a testament to the power of citizen-led preservation and the enduring beauty of early 20th-century brick architecture in Japan.

Historical Background

The Yamaguchi Prefectural Library first opened its doors in 1903 (Meiji 36), and as its collection grew, additional storage became necessary. In 1918 (Taisho 7), this red brick book storage building was completed as a second repository, designed by Fujimoto Katsuyuki, an architect who had supervised the construction of the Yamaguchi Prefectural Government Building. The bricks were laid in English bond, a method favored for its structural strength and rational efficiency, and the building features refined craftsmanship in its details despite an outwardly simple appearance. The unfinished treatment of the gable ends suggests that further expansion of the storage facility had been planned but was never realized.

The building served as a book repository for only about five years before the library relocated in the early Showa period. In 1929, management was transferred to the Yamaguchi Prefecture Education Association, and the structure became part of the Education Association Hall complex. For decades, it continued to serve the community in various capacities.

In the 1980s, when the Education Association Hall was slated for demolition and relocation, the red brick building faced the same fate. However, in 1982, a group of passionate citizens formed the "Akarenga no Kai" (Red Brick Society) and launched a preservation movement. Yamaguchi Prefecture agreed to lease or transfer the building on condition that a cultural organization would manage and maintain it as a cultural facility. Following this, Yamaguchi City undertook a study of preservation options and in 1990 decided to renovate the building using funds from the national Furusato Sousei (Hometown Revitalization) project. Construction began the following year, and on May 25, 1992, the facility reopened as "Creative Space Akarenga."

The renovation was carried out with great care to preserve the building's historic character. The original brick exterior walls were reinforced with steel frames and resin anchors, while the interior was transformed from a three-story wooden structure into a two-story steel-frame layout. The second and third floors were removed, and a new floor was installed just below the original second-floor windows. A new steel-frame management wing and a connecting lobby building were also constructed adjacent to the original structure. This thoughtful approach to adaptive reuse earned the facility a BELCA Award for excellence in building maintenance and longevity.

Designation as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property

On September 2, 1998 (Heisei 10), Creative Space Akarenga was officially registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) under registration number 35-0020. The building was recognized under the criterion of serving as "a model of form and design" (造形の規範となっているもの).

The designation acknowledges the building's significance as a well-preserved example of Taisho-era brick architecture. Designed by Fujimoto Katsuyuki, who brought expertise from major public building projects, the structure demonstrates the high standard of architectural craftsmanship in early 20th-century Yamaguchi. The English bond brickwork, the carefully detailed façade elements, and the building's overall proportions represent a fine example of the functional yet aesthetically pleasing approach to institutional architecture during this period. Additionally, the successful preservation and adaptive reuse of the building has made it a model case for heritage conservation through community initiative.

Architectural Highlights and Points of Interest

The most striking feature of Creative Space Akarenga is its beautiful red brick exterior, which has retained its warm, distinctive character for over a century. The bricks are laid in English bond — a technique in which rows of stretchers (long sides) and headers (short sides) alternate in successive courses, creating a pattern that is both structurally sound and visually rhythmic. While the building appears simple at first glance, closer inspection reveals refined details and careful craftsmanship throughout.

The two-story structure has a building area of 141 square meters and houses versatile event spaces within its historic walls. The renovation skillfully preserved the external appearance while creating modern, functional interiors suitable for art exhibitions, musical performances, and theatrical productions. The lobby area, which is open to visitors even on days without scheduled events, offers a welcoming space to appreciate the building's atmosphere.

One of the facility's most notable features is its specially commissioned harpsichord, adorned with the diamond-shaped crest of the Ouchi clan and the coat of arms of Francis Xavier. This instrument reflects Yamaguchi's historical significance as one of the earliest places in Japan to encounter Western music, introduced through the Jesuit missionaries in the 16th century. Annual harpsichord concerts held at the venue celebrate this unique cultural heritage.

Visitor Information

Creative Space Akarenga is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours up to 10:00 PM when evening events are scheduled. The lobby area remains open to visitors even on days without events, making it a pleasant stop during a stroll through Yamaguchi City's historic center. The facility is closed on Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday falls on a national holiday), the day after national holidays (excluding weekends), and during the year-end and New Year period from December 29 through January 5.

The venue is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from JR Yamaguchi Station on the JR Yamaguchi Line. For visitors arriving by car, a small parking area with approximately 10 spaces is available on site. By expressway, the facility is roughly 30 minutes from the Yamaguchi IC on the Sanyo Expressway or from the Ogori IC on the Chugoku Expressway.

The building hosts a diverse calendar of cultural events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, recitals, and community symposiums. Visitors are encouraged to check the facility's official website or contact them directly at 083-928-6666 for current event schedules and rental availability.

Surrounding Attractions

Creative Space Akarenga is situated in the heart of Yamaguchi City, often called the "Kyoto of the West" for its rich cultural heritage dating back to the Ouchi clan's rule in the Muromachi period. Several major attractions are within easy walking or short driving distance.

The Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church stands on a nearby hilltop as a symbol of the city, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Francis Xavier's visit to Yamaguchi. Its striking modern design features twin white towers rising 53 meters high, beautiful stained glass windows, and a pipe organ. Adjacent Kameyama Park offers panoramic views of the city and historical monuments.

Rurikoji Temple, home to one of Japan's three most celebrated five-story pagodas, is another must-visit destination. The pagoda, designated as a National Treasure, stands gracefully amid the surrounding Koyama Park, which is especially beautiful during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

The Ichinosaka River, which flows through the city center, offers a charming walking path lined with old-fashioned streetlamps. In early summer, visitors can witness the enchanting sight of fireflies dancing above the water, a rare experience in an urban setting. The nearby Yuda Onsen hot spring district provides excellent accommodation options and relaxing foot baths, making it an ideal base for exploring Yamaguchi City's many cultural treasures.