42: Seisen University (The Former House of Duke Shimazu) 清泉女子大学（旧島津公爵邸）

🏢 Seisen University

Located in the upscale district of Gotanda in Shinagawa, Seisen University is a private women’s college with deep historical and cultural roots. The main building was once the Western-style residence of Duke Shimazu Tadashige (島津忠重), the 30th head of the powerful Shimazu clan from Satsuma (present-day Kagoshima). This mansion, designed in the early 20th century by British architect Josiah Conder, was built in the Italian Renaissance style and served as a symbol of noble prestige during the Taishō era.

🏛️ The History of the Site

The site, known historically as Sodegasaki, was celebrated for its scenic beauty and azaleas. Originally owned by the Hazama clan of the Sabae domain, it was transferred in 1737 to the Date clan of the Sendai domain and used as a secondary residence for over 130 years. Around 1873, it came into the hands of the Shimazu clan, one of the most prestigious noble families in Japan. A traditional Japanese-style residence was built in 1879, serving as their Tokyo base until the modernization of the estate began.

🛠️ A Western-Style Mansion by Conder

Plans for a new residence were initiated in 1906. The Shimazu family commissioned Josiah Conder, one of Japan’s most influential foreign architects, to design a grand mansion in the Italian Renaissance style. After design changes and delays—including the death of Emperor Meiji—the building was completed in 1915. Under the artistic direction of Kuroda Seiki, furnishings and decor were finalized, and the home was officially revealed in 1917.

🎉 Imperial Visits and a Grand Garden Party

On May 1, 1917, Emperor Taisho and Empress Teimei visited the completed mansion. Days later, the Shimazu family hosted a grand garden party with over 2,000 guests from government, military, and nobility. It was a rare showcase of elite Meiji-Taisho era society, set against the architectural splendor of the new home.

🏚️ Wartime and Postwar Transitions

Due to economic decline in the early Shōwa period and the increasing burden of maintaining such a vast estate, the Shimazu family sold the property to the Bank of Japan in 1944. Remarkably, the building survived WWII undamaged and was repurposed by the GHQ from 1946 to 1954 as housing for occupation officers.

🎓 Becoming Seisen University

In 1961, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus purchased the mansion and land. Seisen University relocated to this site from Yokosuka in 1962. Since then, it has maintained a strong Catholic identity, international ties, and liberal arts mission.

🏛️ Architectural Features

The two-story mansion (plus basement) spans roughly 900m². Its facade features classical columns—Tuscan on the ground floor, Ionic above—and distinctive curved verandas overlooking the lawn. White tiles and grey Shinkomatsu stone give it strength and character. Inside, many original details remain, including stained glass, marble and wood fireplaces, and elaborate plasterwork. A notable highlight is the lady’s guest room, with a white marble fireplace and arched windows likely used to welcome the imperial family.

The building is one of the few remaining residential works by Conder and is now considered a masterpiece of late Meiji/Taisho-era Western architecture.

In 2012, it was designated a Tokyo Metropolitan Tangible Cultural Property, and in 2019, the mansion and its attached office were recognized as National Important Cultural Properties.

🧭 Seisen University Visitor Information

Address: 3 Chome-16-21 Higashigotanda, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 141-8642, Japan

Best season: Spring (cherry blossoms), Autumn (foliage)

Admission: Not open to the general public

Official Info: Seisen University

Note: This is a functioning university; public access is limited. Photography may be restricted — check in advance if visiting during open days or cultural events.