In 1868, Ikuno Mine became Japan's first government-owned mine, and the government promoted modernization by inviting French mining engineers. In 1896 (Year Meiji 29), the mine was transferred from the Ministry of the Imperial Household to Mitsubishi Limited Partnership, and has flourished as a Mitsubishi mine ever since.
The former Ikuno Mine Employees' Quarters in Asago City consists of four buildings, A-7, A-8, A-9, and A-19.
The three buildings, A-7, A-8, and A-9, were built in 1876 (Year Meiji 9) when the mine was a government-run mine, and A-19 was built in 1896 as company housing for Mitsubishi Corporation.