Photo: “The Ōkuma Residence Kitchen”
The Ōkuma residence kitchen was considered a model for high society homes. Records show that during the single year of 1912 (Meiji 45), Ōkuma had 23, 963 guests and served 3,714 meals, which included 1,523 lavish meals, 1,641 ordinary meals, and 550 Western meals.
Though Ōkuma led an extremely hectic schedule into his prime years, when he relocated to Waseda he had time to pursue his various hobbies.
The Ōkuma residence had a greenhouse, which housed dozens of rare species of orchids from around the world. It is well known that Ōkuma later started to grow melons in the greenhouse. Furthermore, the annual chrysanthemum viewing festival known as “Kankikukai,” was especially famous. It was held every November and attracted men of distinction from both inside and outside of government.
However, Ōkuma had one hobby that transcended all the others. As a wife of his heir Mitsuko said, “What he loved most of all was his guests.” After Ōkuma became involved in Japan's cultural movement, a steady stream of guests visited the Ōkuma residence every day. Rarely did the number fall below twenty; sometimes it exceeded seventy. Ōkuma warmly welcomed his numerous guests, and thoroughly enjoyed conversing and dining with them. On rainy days when few guests visited, he forlornly bemoaned the lack of company.
Ōkuma's discussions were lively and interesting. In response to a guest's question or comment, he sometimes raised his fist in the air or gestured with excitement as he poured out his extensive knowledge. Even when discussions went on for hours, he never grew tired. Through these meetings, Ōkuma's keen intellect absorbed extensive amounts of knowledge from his guests. What he learned was later displayed to the delight and admiration of future guests.
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