Former Karatsu Bank (Tatsuno Kingo Memorial Hall)

The Former Karatsu Bank Head Office (Tatsuno Kingo Memorial Hall), located in Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, is a modern building of great historical and aesthetic value. Originally built as the headquarters of Karatsu Bank, the building later came under the ownership of Saga Bank following a merger.

Construction began in 1910 (Meiji 43) and was completed in 1912 (Meiji 45). At the time, Karatsu Bank president Ōshima Kotarō invited Tatsuno Kingo, a renowned modern architect from Karatsu, to oversee the design. The actual design was carried out by his disciple Tanaka Minoru, while construction was entrusted to Shimizu-gumi (today’s Shimizu Corporation).

The exterior reflects Tatsuno’s representative “Tatsuno style,” with alternating patterns of red brick tiles and white granite, arched windows, and granite balconies, exuding elegance and dignity. The interior is equally impressive: the first floor housed the banking hall and offices, with a lofty atrium providing a sense of brightness and openness. The second floor contained reception rooms, meeting rooms, and a VIP room, decorated with marble fireplaces and ornate ceilings, embodying the prestige of early 20th-century bank architecture.

The Former Karatsu Bank remained in use until 1997 (Heisei 9), after which it was donated to Karatsu City by Saga Bank. Following preservation and restoration work, it was opened to the public in 2011. During restoration, meticulous attention was paid to detail—lighting, curtains, and carpets were all reproduced as faithfully as possible to the original atmosphere. Today, in addition to exhibits on the history and culture of Karatsu, the building also hosts concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events, serving as a shared cultural space for both citizens and visitors.

The building was designated an Important Cultural Property of Karatsu City in 2002 and was later recognized as a Prefectural Important Cultural Property of Saga Prefecture in 2017.