Sawada Mansion in Kochi City Remains to be Completed Even After More than Half a Century
An amateur couple built addition after addition to the "Japanese Kowloon Castle," which has now become a tourist attraction that attracts a flood of visitors.
While the area is becoming a tourist attraction, Hiroe confides that he is also concerned about the future.
I want to make it a condominium that will last for 100 years, but the building is a living thing, so it won’t last this long,” she said. But recently, my daughter and grandchildren who live here have been working hard to repair the building. If they can rebuild it while I am still alive, that would be great.
Currently, the third daughter, Kazuko (51), and her husband are mainly responsible for repairs and management.
My daughter also works outside as an architect and says she would like to be involved in renovating and rebuilding the condominium in the future. I would like to somehow preserve the house for future generations,” said Kazuko.
The history spun by the Sawada couple will be passed on to their children and grandchildren into the future. There is no concept of completion in this story.
From the June 28, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
Interview, text, and photography： Shimei Kurita
