The building was built as a private residence in the early Showa period by Heizo MORI, who, while working as a lumber merchant, founded the Morihei Steamship Company in 1915 and Shoin High School for Girls (now Shoin Gakuen) in 1917. The building was constructed in the early Showa period (1926-1989) as a private residence for Heizo Mori, who, while working as a lumber merchant, also founded the Morihei Steamship Company in 1915 and Shoin High School for Girls (now Shoin Gakuen) in 1917. Although the exterior is Japanese in style, the interior is a blend of Japanese and Western design. The high quality wood was collected from all over Japan and the building was constructed using the best techniques of the time. After the death of Heizo MORI, the building was donated to Shoin Gakuen in accordance with his wishes, and was named the Shantoku-kan.