This building was built in 1871 to welcome the American educator Leroy Lansing Janes to Kumamoto Western School, and it has been designated by the prefecture as an Important Cultural Property since it is the oldest existing Western-style building in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Janes lived here for five years from 1872 to 1876 educating young people in Kumamoto and became the cornerstone of the city's modernization.
In addition, this building is also where Sano Tsunetami received permission to establish Hakuaisha (the predecessor of the present Japanese Red Cross Society) from Prince Arisugawa Taruhito (the lord president of the Council of State at the time) during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877.
Originally built in the Kojo area (now Daiichi High School), the residence was moved to a spot just east of Suizenji Jojuen Garden after being repeatedly relocated and repurposed. Unfortunately, it collapsed during the Kumamoto earthquake and was subsequently relocated and restored again to a corner of Suizenji Ezuko Park in 2023.
Jane's favorite things and his items related to Hakuaisha (the predecessor of the Japanese Red Cross Society) are on display inside.
Please visit the website "Kumamoto Culture" for events and the latest information.