I am sailing for Japan tomorrow in search of the commission of consulting architect for the new Imperial Hotel, which the government is to build and operate. I have been in touch for some time—almost six months. The Mikado’s death postponed affairs and now I have the tip to come. The building is to cost seven million dollars and a couple of years employment if I did—so wish me luck.
Wright to Darwin Martin, Jan 10, 1913, Wright-Martin Papers, Buffalo
In 1913, Wright returned to Japan for a second time in an attempt to secure the commission for the Imperial Hotel. During his four-month stay, Wright drew up preliminary plans for the building. He returned to the US in May and, shortly thereafter in June, informed his friend and patron, Darwin Martin, “The planning of the Imperial Hotel is ‘up to me’ finally”