Opulent Marble Mansion Interior Design
Lavish marble mansion interior showcasing ornate classical design and breathtaking sunset views.

The Abandoned Marugen Mansion

Mad jaunt to the abandoned art warehouse of a real-estate magnate overtaken by greed.

The palatial Marugen Mansion is sited on a beautiful mountainside with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, less than two hours from Tokyo. One of many Marugen buildings, it’s owned by industrialist Genjiro Kawamoto. He used the mansion to store works of art.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

Unscrupulous real-estate magnate

Kawamoto is a billionaire who made his fortune renting out buildings, making vast profits as property prices soared at a time of economic boom.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

At the height of his career, Kawamoto owned up to 60 buildings in Ginza, Atami and Kokura (his hometown). He was nicknamed “the construction king of Ginza”. Although a billionaire, he was also known for his stinginess and extreme reluctance to spend anything on the maintenance and management of his properties.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

Most of the Marugen properties were built between the 1960s and 1980s, when seismic standards were not yet in effect. The buildings have aged without being upgraded, tenants have left, some have been sold or demolished.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

Kuwamoto also seemed unusually keen on saving money, especially on his taxes. His greed finally got the better of him.

Fall of the miserly billionaire

In 2013, he was arrested by the Tokyo prosecutor’s office for concealing 2.8 billion yen from the authorities, evading more than 800 million yen in taxes. During the trial he denied all the charges, claiming: “It’s just bullshit.”

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

In 2016, he was convicted, along with the Marugen company as a legal entity, for violating the Fire Services Act by failing to comply with the order to upgrade fire protection systems in two buildings in Kitakyushu city.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

In 2018, Kuwamoto was sentenced to four years in prison and fined 240 million yen. He appealed, the trial was prolonged, but finally in January 2021 the Supreme Court rejected his appeal. Now 88, he will have to serve his prison sentence.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

There are still four Marugen buildings in Atami, numbered 58 to 61. The latter is the billionaire’s “art warehouse”. As in a museum, you’ll find many collectables: statues, paintings, high-end furniture.

Marugen Mansion
Marugen Mansion

The buildings have been securely locked to deter thieves as well as … curious kids. 🤗

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Petals dance on air, Pink and gold in April's light— Sakura whispers.花びら舞う 四月の光に 桜の囁き。#hanami #sakura #japanesecherryblossom #springinjapan #offbeatjapan #japan #naturebeauty #landscapelovers
Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit