Former Moji Mitsui Club

The Former Moji Mitsui Club opened in 1921 (Taisho 10) as the social club for the Moji Branch of Mitsui & Co. From 1949 (Showa 24) to 1987 (Showa 62), it was owned by Japanese National Railways (JNR), the predecessor of today's c Group, and operated under the name Montetsu Kaikan. Following the privatization and division of JNR and the establishment of the JR Group, the building was transferred to the City of Kitakyushu. In March 1990 (Heisei 2), it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
To make effective use of this historically significant building, relocation work began that same year, and the building was moved from Tanimachi in Moji Ward to its current location.
The building features an Art Deco design that evokes the romance of the Taisho era. Its half-timbered style, in which the wooden columns and beams are left exposed, also conveys a strong sense of history.
On the second floor, the Hayashi Fumiko Memorial Room introduces the life and achievements of the Moji-born author. Also on the second floor, the Einstein Memorial Room preserves exactly as it was the room where the world-renowned scientist stayed during his visit to the Mitsui Club.