Old Numata Savings Bank

Old Numata Savings Bank

This former bank building constructed in 1908 exemplifies the way Western ideas and architectural styles were often combined with home-grown traditions in early twentieth-century Japan. The two-story structure has imported elements such as sash windows and an arched doorway covered by a portico, while the tile roof, lime-plastered walls, and earthen-floor entrance area are distinctively Japanese.
 
The ceilings inside are papered with gilded and embossed Japanese paper that was modeled on European gilt leather （kinkara-kawakami）. In contrast, the ceiling of the portico is adorned with plaster relief pictures （kote-e）, which were often used to decorate both temple buildings and the homes and storehouses of rich merchants during the Meiji era （1868–1912）. This eclectic mixture of styles and techniques was achieved by architects and artisans whose familiarity with Western buildings was limited to photographs and blueprints.
 
The building was used as a bank until 1934, after which it was converted for office use. Gunma Prefecture designated the structure a cultural property in 1984. In 2016, it was extensively renovated to restore its original appearance, and the building was moved around 250 meters south from its initial location to facilitate preservation.

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