In November 1891, Lafcadio Hearn moved from Matsue Junior High School in Shimane to Kumamoto’s Fifth High School (now Kumamoto University) as an English teacher, and he lived here for 3 years until October 1894.
Hearn first lived in Kumamoto at 34 Tetorihoncho where he ordered a specially-made kamidana (a household Shinto shrine). Every morning, he would pray at the kamidana and go to school by rickshaw. He deeply loved Japan. Hearn introduced Japan to the world with his books "Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan" and "Out of the East" that were inspired by his life in Kumamoto. Although the building was at risk of demolition in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Lafcadio Hearn's Former Residence Preservation Society was formed and relocated the house to its current location in order to preserve it. Please visit the website "Kumamoto Culture" for events and the latest information.