[ 1890s Japan - Rokumeikan, Tokyo ] Rokumeikan () in Hibiya, Tokyo. Commissioned by Foreign Minister Kaoru Inoue ( , 1836-1915) and designed by British architect Josiah Conder (, 1852-1920), the Rokumeikan was completed in 1883 (Meiji 16). The buildings aim was to help introduce Western customs, and to function as accommodation for government guests. The Rokumeikan lost its need when the Imperial Hotel was opened in 1890 (Meiji 23). It was demolished in 1941 (Showa 16). 19th century vintage albumen photograph.