Shuuji’an mansion and Ezoe Magoemon

Which company makes the toilet in your home? TOTO, wow! TOTO is a Japanese company renowned for its high-quality bathroom and kitchen products. Established in 1917, it is best known for its innovative toilets. TOTO’s head office is in Kitakyushu City. Now it is a company that Hollywood celebrities order toilets from.

Ezoe Magoemon developed a flush toilet from scratch to improve hygiene in Japan. He was the mayor of Arita Town and the 5th president of TOTO.
He was born in this mansion built in the Taisho era. He was born and spent the first 20 years of his life in this house.
He originally joined what is now Noritake, a famous porcelain company. Then he took a key position in Nihontokushutogyo, Nihongaishi and TOTO, being called a “quality demon”.

He left the company and returned to Arita, because he refused to produce poor-quality products during WWⅡ. He became the first elected mayor of Arita Town and did his best to develop it. After about 3 years, he was asked to return to TOTO to settle labor disputes.

He resigned as mayor to take the position, saying he couldn’t serve at the same time. He devoted himself to quality control, and he also seemed to be a courageous and well-liked person.

Currently, this building is designated as a significant traditional structure and serves as a venue for community events.

(N.I.)