Maison du Japon in Paris to Undergo Major Renovation Ahead of 2029 Centenary
Japan's Foreign Ministry has announced plans for the first large-scale renovation in nearly three decades of the Maison du Japon (Japan House), a landmark residence and cultural hub located within the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris in France. Completed in 1929, the seven-story building is approaching its 100th anniversary in 2029, prompting this comprehensive overhaul to modernize aging infrastructure while preserving its historical character and function as a vital base for Japanese researchers, artists, and academics abroad.
Founded by Jirohachi Satsuma (1901-1976), a prominent businessman and passionate patron of Japanese artists living in France during the interwar period, the Maison du Japon was built with private funds and established under a dedicated foundation that continues to manage it today. Satsuma's vision was to create a welcoming home for Japanese intellectuals in the heart of Paris, fostering cultural dialogue at a time when Japan was actively engaging with Western art and thought. The building has since hosted generations of residents, including mathematician Kiyoshi Oka (1901-1978), architect Kunio Maekawa (1905-1986), and former Prime Minister Takeo Miki (1907-1988), underscoring its deep ties to Japan's modern intellectual and political history.
The Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, founded in 1925, comprises over 40 national pavilions housing around 12,000 international students and researchers annually. As one of the earliest pavilions, Maison du Japon exemplifies the era's spirit of global academic exchange. Currently, it accommodates about 70 residents—including roughly 40 Japanese nationals—and serves as a venue for lectures, symposiums, and research presentations that promote Franco-Japanese collaboration.
Photo caption: Exterior view of Maison du Japon at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, a key hub for Japanese scholars and artists since 1929. (The Yomiuri Shimbun)
Addressing Aging Infrastructure: From Plumbing to Barrier-Free Access
After more than 95 years of continuous use, the building faces significant wear and tear. Key issues include outdated air conditioning and heating systems, deteriorated plumbing, damaged roofing tiles, and a complete lack of universal design features such as barrier-free access for people with disabilities. These deficiencies not only hinder daily living for residents but also limit the facility's ability to host larger public events and ensure long-term sustainability.
The previous major renovation took place between 1995 and 1998, focusing on basic maintenance. The upcoming project represents a more ambitious effort to bring the structure up to contemporary standards while respecting its architectural heritage. Funding of approximately ¥270 million has been secured through Japan's Foreign Ministry supplementary budget for fiscal 2025 (April 2025–March 2026). Construction is slated to begin within fiscal 2025, with completion targeted for 2029 to align perfectly with the centenary celebrations.
The renovation will prioritize essential upgrades—modernizing mechanical systems, repairing structural elements, and introducing accessibility features—without altering the building's distinctive facade or interior character. This balanced approach ensures that Maison du Japon remains a functional residence and cultural center rather than a purely preserved museum piece. The project reflects Japan's commitment to maintaining overseas assets that support its soft power through education, art, and intellectual exchange.
Preserving Treasures: Leonard Foujita's Paintings and Legacy of Exchange
Among the building's most precious assets are paintings donated by Leonard Tsuguharu Foujita (1886-1968), the renowned Japanese-French artist who bridged Eastern and Western art traditions during his long career in Paris. Foujita's works, characterized by elegant line work and innovative fusion of ink techniques with oil painting, symbolize the cross-cultural creativity that Maison du Japon has nurtured since its inception. These pieces remain on display within the residence, serving as daily reminders of the deep Franco-Japanese artistic connections forged in the 20th century.
Beyond Foujita, the building's resident history reads like a who's who of modern Japanese achievement: Kiyoshi Oka's groundbreaking work in complex function theory, Kunio Maekawa's contributions to modernist architecture (including post-war designs influenced by Le Corbusier), and Takeo Miki's early international experiences before his premiership. Such associations highlight how Maison du Japon has functioned not just as lodging but as an incubator for ideas that shaped Japan's post-Meiji era development and global outlook.
The facility's ongoing activities—regular lectures by visiting scholars, symposiums on topics ranging from science to contemporary art, and research presentations—continue this tradition of exchange. Renovations will enhance these capabilities, ensuring the building can accommodate evolving needs for decades to come.
Supporting Japan's Global Cultural and Academic Presence into the Next Century
As Japan prepares for Maison du Japon's centenary, the renovation underscores the nation's long-term investment in international networks that foster mutual understanding. In an era of increasing globalization and digital connectivity, physical hubs like this remain essential for face-to-face collaboration, especially in fields where personal interaction sparks innovation—be it artistic creation, scientific research, or diplomatic dialogue.
An official involved in the project emphasized the broader vision: “Through these renovations, we intend to provide a foundation that supports the continued growth of Japan’s cultural and academic sectors.” This statement captures the dual goal: safeguarding a historical landmark while adapting it to serve future generations of Japanese talent abroad.
Upon completion in 2029, Maison du Japon will stand renewed—its infrastructure modernized, accessibility improved, and cultural legacy intact—ready to welcome another century of residents and visitors. The project not only preserves a piece of shared Franco-Japanese heritage but also reaffirms Japan's dedication to global engagement through education and the arts, ensuring that voices from Japan continue to resonate in one of the world's cultural capitals.
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