During the Taisho era, as many as 60 passenger ships a month sailed internationally from Moji Port.

One of the bases for these ships was the Osaka Shosen Mercantile Steamship building. The two-story Western-style wooden building was constructed in the Vienna Secession style with concrete and brick framework and exhibits a large arched window at the top and an octagonal tower above it. The locals at the time must have been thrilled to see such exquisite foreign architecture here. There’s a dedicated pier for the building, where many emotional and memorable greetings and farewells must have passed.

The Former Osaka Shosen Building is still located in Moji Port, retaining the lingering memories of the Taisho era.