Former Osaka Shosen

Former Osaka Shosen is a historic structure located in the Mojiko Retro district. In 1999 (Heisei 11), it was designated as a Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
Built in 1917 (Taisho 6) as the Moji branch office of Osaka Shosen, the building was used until 1991 (Heisei 3) as offices and as a waiting room for passengers traveling on international routes. The City of Kitakyushu then purchased the building, which has since been used as a gallery and for other purposes.
Today, the first floor houses the “Watase Seizo Gallery” and the “Mojiko Design House,” which sells works by artists active in the region. The second floor is available as a rental hall.
The building’s orange-tiled exterior and octagonal tower make it one of the most distinctive landmarks in the Mojiko Retro district.