The 160-year-old Asano Residence in Fujiidera, a city on the outskirts of Osaka proper, has been converted into a for-lease facility open to artists, craftspeople and other creatives. The interiors of the grand wooden house reflect the wealth and influence of the Asano family, who are now seeking to preserve their residence for future generations by enlisting the help of the local community.
Exhibitions and events take place here frequently, while the bookstore by the entrance sells tomes rescued from the Asano archives as well as a miscellaneous selection of ceramics, folk crafts and accessories discovered in the family’s storehouse. The plan is for the shop to stay open until its entire stock has been sold.