Thibaudier Residence: Where East Met West in Meiji Japan

A Historic Legacy on the Harbor

Overlooking Yokosuka's historic harbor, Thibaudier Residence stands as an elegant reminder of Japan's remarkable journey toward modernization. This beautifully reconstructed residence, once home to a French engineer, encapsulates a pivotal moment when Japan embraced Western technology and expertise to forge its future.

Jules César Claude Thibaudier

The Story Behind the Name

The Residence bears the name of a key figure in Yokosuka's industrial revolution—one of François Léonce Verny's trusted subordinates, Thibaudier. During the Meiji era, these French engineers laid the foundation for Yokosuka's shipbuilding industry, transforming a modest fishing village into a major industrial center. Today's meticulously reconstructed residence preserves their legacy for future generations.

Portrait of Jules César Claude Thibaudier
Source: "Japan-France Cultural Exchange Photo Collection, Volume 1," edited by Akira Nishibori

A Living Museum

Step inside, and you'll find yourself transported to the dawn of modern Japan. The residence serves as a carefully curated museum, featuring furnishings, technical drawings, and tools that evoke the era's atmosphere and tell the story of Yokosuka’s transformation. Large windows frame the harbor views that would have inspired its original residents, creating a powerful connection to the past.

Architectural Representation

The walls, colors, patterns, windows, and fireplace have been carefully reconstructed based on historical research, including the Thibaudier House demolition survey records. These elements provide a glimpse into the architectural style and atmosphere of the residence as it would have appeared in the past.

King Post Trusses

In Western wooden architecture, king post trusses—an M-shaped timber framework—are commonly used to support the weight of the roof.

The king post truss displayed overhead inside the building has been reconstructed using original components preserved from the dismantling of the former Thibaudier Residence.

This truss system was among the earliest Western architectural techniques introduced to Japan and was later used in Western-style residences built in cities like Yokohama and Kobe during the Meiji period.

More Than a Museum

Visiting Thibaudier Residence offers more than a simple history lesson—it provides insight into the foundations of modern Japan. As you explore its rooms and exhibits, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how French international cooperation shaped Japan's industrial revolution. This residence stands as a testament to the transformative power of cultural exchange, reminding us how nations can evolve through cross-cultural interactions.