Retro Japan: Symmetry and asymmetry at Tokyo's Yuzo Yamamoto museum

In the Mitaka City Yuzo Yamamoto Memorial Museum, a striking Western-style residence stands, a short walk from Tokyo Metropolitan Inokashira Park. The building, constructed around 1926 for international trader Ryunosuke Seita, was later inhabited by novelist Yuzo Yamamoto from 1936 to 1947. The structure comprises one basement level and two stories above ground, showcasing a unique blend of symmetry and asymmetry in its exterior and interior design.

On the north side, the entrance is marked by a large chimney, and Oya stone adorns the foundation. The second floor boasts white walls with wooden features, while the sloping roof imparts an air of mountain lodge elegance. In contrast, the south side offers an open terrace and a second-floor balcony, with a symmetrical layout that exudes tranquility.

Three fireplaces, each with distinct designs, grace the first floor, while pointed arches are scattered across the entrance, interior doors, and windows, reflecting the meticulous attention to detail in both the exterior and interior.

The Yamamoto residence offers a spacious garden for its windows to gaze upon. In 1994, the building was recognized as a tangible cultural property by the city. This museum embodies Japan's architectural heritage, presenting a captivating fusion of traditional and modern elements.