This is the first in a biweekly series appearing Fridays (Saturdays in some areas) that looks at photos and background stories of historic, architecturally significant mansions once owned by some of the wealthiest families in Japan.
Near the quiet Shinobazu-no-ike pond in Tokyo's Taito Ward, one can still see the fine mansions built for the super-rich who laid the foundation of the country's modern industries.
The mansions were built and inhabited by Hisaya Iwasaki (1865-1955), the oldest son of Yataro Iwasaki (1835-85), founder of the powerful Mitsubishi zaibatsu. Many blue-chip companies trace their history to this conglomerate, which was established in the late 19th century.