Kobe's Kazamidori House Hosts Historic Toast After 50 Years

A Toast to Cultural Tourism at Kobe's Kazamidori House

On November 2, 2025, Kobe's historic Kazamidori House, managed by Hibiya Kadan, held a special evening event titled "Kazamidori on the Hill: Opening the Future of Kitano Foreigners' Houses through Cultural Tourism". This event marked a significant occasion - a toast was made inside the venue, the first in nearly 50 years.

Kazamidori House, classified as an important cultural property, hosted a night of discussions featuring notable speakers, including representatives from the Cultural Affairs Agency. Attendees explored the delicate balance between preserving cultural properties and utilizing them to enrich the community's cultural tourism landscape. The event provided a rare opportunity for visitors to engage with this cherished historical site in an intimate, candlelit setting.

The Significance of the Event

Hibiya Kadan, a company proficient in managing public facilities, organized this event to emphasize the importance of both preservation and utilization of cultural heritage. The recent changes in cultural policy, including the promotion of cultural tourism laws in 2020 and significant amendments to the museum law in 2023, encourage active engagement with cultural properties rather than viewing them merely as historical exhibits.

The event's climax involved the announcement of the long-awaited toast, signifying a new era for Kazamidori House. For decades, dining inside the venue was prohibited to ensure preservation. The participants raised their glasses in what was labeled as “the likely first toast in fifty years.” This act symbolized a newfound approach to evolving cultural properties into vital community resources.

Exploring Cultural Resources for Community Benefit

The shift in perception regarding cultural resources has opened doors for new opportunities. Recent legislation is focused on fostering a 'virtuous cycle' where culture serves as a foundation for economic growth and community engagement. As public-private partnerships grow, companies like Hibiya Kadan can contribute meaningfully to creating sustainable cultural tourism ecosystems, proving beneficial for both the local community and tourists.

During the event, two enlightening lectures were held:

Talk by Tomoyuki Nakao

Tomoyuki Nakao, a museum support investigator from the Cultural Affairs Agency, presented insights on how culture can transform communities. His discussion highlighted the potential for cultural tourism to generate economic benefits and enhance local identity through the strategic use and promotion of cultural assets.

Talk by Kenji Saito

Kenji Saito, an associate professor at Osaka International University, explored the historical evolution of Kazamidori House and its connection to various cultural exchanges, including its role in past world exhibitions. His presentation emphasized how the venue could serve as a focal point for international dialogue, showcasing how historical properties like Kazamidori House can adapt to modern challenges while preserving their essence.

Conclusion

Hibiya Kadan's commitment was further echoed by its director, Hiroaki Miyajima, who emphasized the importance of delivering exceptional hospitality and engaging events that resonate with visitors. The company aims to cultivate an inviting environment where every guest leaves with a memorable experience, thus contributing to the continued development and vitality of the Kitano district. Hibiya Kadan intends to leverage the Kazamidori House initiative for the broader goal of fostering 'vibrant communities rich in culture and heritage.'

As we look ahead, the successful completion of this event has laid a foundation for the continual evolution of cultural properties like Kazamidori House into thriving locations for both residents and tourists. A new chapter in cultural tourism unfolds as these sites embrace their potential to enrich lives and foster connections within the community.

About Hibiya Kadan: Founded in 1872, Hibiya Kadan has a rich history of providing floral arrangements, event services, and community development projects throughout Japan. With nearly 190 locations nationwide, they are committed to enhancing daily life through their unique floral offerings and services.