It was in the period that could be called 'the second civilization and enlightenment' when local kenrei (local heads of government that held authorities equivalent to the integrated powers of governors, police, prosecutors, and school superintendents) or rich benefactors ordered or invested in plans to build administrative buildings, school facilities, and hospitals employing many kinds of Western-style designs.
これは当時の県令（現在の都道府県知事に警察・検察・教育長等の権限を統合したような治権首長）あるいは篤志家の命令あるいは出資により、特に地方都市でみられた「第２の文明開化」といっても過言ではない時流であり役所、学校施設校舎、病院などに数多く用いられた。