Josiah Conder and Beautiful Roses
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Josiah Conder had a big influence on Japanese architecture. After arriving in 1877, he built a huge reputation through his work and teachings. Many of his students became giants of Japanese design. But he wasn’t only an architect.
Japan absorbed much from the West during Conder’s lifetime. Josiah learned in return, becoming a fan of Kabuki and Japanese art. He also learned Japanese dance from Kume Maeba, who he eventually married.
Josiah Conder and gardens
Did you know he practiced ikebana? He did and also became interested in Japanese landscape and gardening. His work was so good he wrote books on it. His “Japanese Gardens: An Illustrated Guide to Their Design and History” is still available on Amazon. You can still see his work today in Tokyo. Where?
Conder built a mansion with a rose garden for Baron Toranosuke Furukawa at Kyu-Furukawa Gardens. You can see it today. Go to the festival in spring or autumn. I went on 20 May 2025 for this article’s photos. As always, I got the timing wrong and visited late in the season. The flowers had started to wilt and visitors had crushed many. I had to search for good blooms.
Shadows were a problem, too. I haven’t bought a flash yet. Extra light would have solved my problems. Still, the results were good enough.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Josiah Conder’s impact on Japan extends beyond the blueprints of his buildings. He was a bridge between cultures. Along with introducing Western architectural principles, he became a student and admirer of Japanese traditions himself.
The fact that his books are still read, and his gardens, like the one at Kyu-Furukawa, still draw visitors, speak volumes. Conder didn’t just design structures; he wove himself into the fabric of Japanese art and life, leaving a rich and multifaceted legacy that continues to bloom today. Leave questions and comments below.
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has been photographing Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5.
More Josiah Conder articles
External related websites
- Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (official website)
- The Englishman Who Designed Mitsubishi:
Josiah Condor (on Mitsubishi.com)