Hello! I’m Hitapapa and I love Mojiko retro!
This time, we will introduce the Former Osaka Shosen, located in Mojiko Retro in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
The building was completed in 1917 (Taisho 6) and is designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property.
The former Osaka Shosen was once one of Japan’s most important bases, linking Mojiko Port with the rest of the world as an international port terminal.
The building highlights the architectural techniques of the Taisho period and is said to be famous as a masterpiece of architecture.
A German-style brick building full of Taisho-era romanticism .
There is a dome-like thing on top and at the time it was the tallest building in Moji, a landmark of the city and harbor and also served as a lighthouse.
It’s right in front of JR Mojiko Station, about a one-minute walk away, so if you arrive at Mojiko by train, I recommend you go see the “Old Osaka Shosen” first .
Now let us introduce you to the “Osaka Merchant Marine Company,” a ship full of Taisho-era romance!
Let’s visit the “Osaka Merchant Ship” full of Taisho-era romance
Basic information about the “Osaka Shosen”
<Former Osaka Shosen>
[Address] 7-18 Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Business hours] 9:00-17:00
[Closed days] Open everyday
[Parking] None (there is a paid parking lot nearby)
[Telephone number] 093-321-4151 (Mojiko General Information)
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/former_osaka_merchant_ship/
The exterior of the “Osaka Shosen”
The former Osaka Shosen building is an impressive sight, brimming with the romantic atmosphere of the Taisho era.
It is a German-style Western-style building.
The orange bricks give it a nice vibe.
It’s impressive from any angle!
The paint on the exterior walls is peeling in places, which gives you a sense of history!
The area in front of the former Osaka Shosen shipyard is now reclaimed land and the sea is a little way ahead, but at the time the sea was right in front of the former Osaka Shosen shipyard, with a pier and ships moored alongside.
A magnificent and impressive building!
The dome-shaped part that protrudes from the top of the building is German-style and lovely♪
It makes you feel like you’re on a European trip.
At the time, the former Osaka Shosen building was the tallest building in Moji, a landmark of the city and port, and also served as a lighthouse.
The building looks like it’s been taken on a trip to Europe.
Although most of the writing has faded, it still says “Former Osaka Shosen.”
Feel the history!!
The company was originally called “Osaka Shosen”, but later merged with Mitsui Shipping and changed its name to “Mitsui Osaka Shosen”.
Enter the “Osaka Shosen”
Entrance
The entrance to the building on the first floor looks like this.
It has a modern feel to it.
On the first floor there is the Watase Seizo Gallery and the Mojiko Design House Gallery, which sells works by artists based in Mojiko.
Admission to the museum is free, with only the Watase Seizo Gallery incurring a fee.
The hall on the second floor is usually closed to the public, but it is open during events.
Only the Watase Seizo Gallery is charged, the rest is free.
Mojiko Design House Gallery
Located just inside the first floor entrance is the Mojiko Design House Gallery, where works by artists based in Mojiko are sold.
Many works by local artists are on display
Seizo Watase Gallery
On the first floor is the “Watase Seizo Gallery” (fee required), which displays the works of Watase Seizo, a painter from Kitakyushu City.
There is a reception desk, so purchase your ticket there and go inside.
The Watase Seizo Gallery is 150 yen for adults.
There are retro items in the building
Inside the museum, a large safe made in 1896 for the former Moji branch of Mitsubishi Limited Partnership Company is on display.
It’s big!! And old!!
This is a safe that has a sense of history.
These are probably advertisement posters for Osaka Shosen in the past. Old posters with pictures related to Osaka Shosen are on display.
Full of retro feel!
A heavy, old, retro wooden staircase.
From here, go up to the second floor.
(Normally, you cannot go up to the second floor; it is only open during events.)
The second floor is only open during events.
Painting by “Watase Seizo”
On the first floor, paintings by Seizo Watase are on display and available for purchase.
Products for sale at Mojiko Design House
Immediately inside the first floor entrance is the Mojiko Design House Gallery, which displays works by artists based in Mojiko.
There are many different works on display and some for sale.
Cafe “Matierre”
There is also a cafe called “Matierre” on the first floor.
There are two entrances, one outside the building and one inside on the first floor.
The cafe menu offers a full range of options, including coffee, sweets, and alcohol.
You can take a break at the cafe of the “Old Osaka Shosen” with its retro feel.
Conclusion
The Former Osaka Shosen was completed in 1917 (Taisho 6) and is a building designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property.
The former Osaka Shosen was once one of Japan’s most important bases, linking Mojiko Port with the rest of the world as an international port terminal.
The building highlights the architectural techniques of the Taisho period and is said to be famous as a masterpiece of architecture.
A German-style brick building full of Taisho-era romanticism .
There is a dome-like thing on top and at the time it was the tallest building in Moji, a landmark of the city and harbor and also served as a lighthouse.
It’s right in front of JR Mojiko Station, about a one-minute walk away, so if you arrive at Mojiko by train, I recommend you go see the “Old Osaka Shosen” first .
Also, there are many Mojiko Retro sightseeing spots within walking distance of the Former Osaka Shosen shipyard, so it’s fun to explore them as much as time allows!
Be sure to go and see the Former Osaka Merchant Marine, which is full of Taisho era romance!
I hope the above information is of some help.
See you soon!
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