The Old Fukuda Residence is located along the "Torikouji", which used to be buke-chi^※1, a short way from the old Nagasaki Sugar Road.
In the early Meiji period Matazo Fukuda acquired land and built a storehouse. Later in 1918, his son Keishiro Fukuda, who was an enterprising businessman who ran many companies, constructed the main building.

Because its time as a residence was short, and because there were no major renovations aside from extending a hallway leading to the Sukiya^※2 added in 1926, the building’s excellent preserved condition allows a glimpse at Japanese architecture during its peak of the Taisho period. The carefully crafted details of the interior give it a calming atmosphere and splendid appearance. There is a unique and stylish blending of western and Japanese style designs particularly felt when taking in the gardens from the stained glass windows of the parlour.

Keishiro continued to watch over the progress of Saga, as his old home was used for the Prefectural Assembly House. The building opened as part of the Saga City Cultural Museum in 1998 and is also the base for the Saga Nishiki Promotion Council where they hold demonstrations and workshops for weaving and making traditional crafts.

Saga Nishiki is a hand-loomed traditional fabric which is elaborately woven from shredded Japanese paper coated with gold, silver and lacquer, combined with dyed silk. Patterns such as Ajiro^※1, Sayagata^※2, and Hishi^※3 types are common in Nishiki crafts. Because the designs require such careful, delicate attention, typically only a few centimeters of progress can be made in a full day’s work. As such, most Nishiki items are small, everyday things such as bags, but larger works such as Obi^※5 can also be found. These works of art combine the simplicity of a handcrafted good with a luxurious, elegant beauty, giving it the title of “Hakubi”^※4 among Japanese crafts.

Saga Nishiki was designated as a "traditional local product" by Saga Prefecture in 1993, and the "Saga Nishiki Promotion Council" was established with the goal of sharing it with the world, and passing the tradition on to younger generations. They are hosting beginners classes in the Old Fukuda Residence of the Saga City Cultural Museum.

During regular hours you can visit the Old Fukuda Residence to observe Saga Nishiki demonstrations, purchase pieces, or even try it yourself.
Please make reservations in advance if you would like to take the beginners class or full-day experience.
For reservations and other inquiries regarding Saga Nishiki, please contact the staff of the Saga Nishiki Promotion Council.

For more information, please click here.