Nighttime near Shibuya and Meguro in Tokyo, several black, luxury sedans lined up in front of a huge traditional house, waiting for the massive cedar gate to be opened.
The people within the vehicles waited patiently as two elderly servants scurried to push open the heavy, wooden, gateway, and then waved at them as soon as they could enter.
Waving back their thanks, the cars continued on in the driveway towards the modern parking space – a far contrast to the old structure ahead. Built between the beginning of the Meiji period in 1868, and mid-Showa period around 1955, this house was actually one of the oldest mansions in the city.
The servants of the household wearing yukatas and hakama, a lighter version of the traditional Japanese kimono, rushed out to greet the newcomers and had lined up in front of the abode.
