Australia
USA
Latest News
Monday, 26th October 2015
In Japan Entertainment News,
Calligraphy exhibition opens at the Yoshikawa Eiji Museum
An exhibition of important calligraphy by Eiji Yoshikawa has opened at the museum created in the writer’s former residence.
Best known for his works Miyamoto Musasahi and Sangokushi, the author moved to the property in Tokyo in 1944 and remained there for nine years and five months.
Running until November 29th, the Shin-Heike Monogatari’ o Chushin ni exhibition showcases calligraphy created by Yoshikawa when he made a visit to the Shugaku-in Villa in Kyoto at the end of the Second World War, reports The Japan News.
This complex of buildings and gardens is considered one of Japan’s cultural gems and it is unsurprising the writer should be so inspired by the landscape in a time directly after conflict.
The museum was opened in 1977, 15 years after Yoshikawa died, and preserves the building as if he were still living there.
In the study, it appears as if the writer has just put down his pen and is due to return. His personal motto, “Ware igai mina waga shi (Everyone but yourself is your teacher)” can be seen on a scroll on the wall.
The house itself was constructed in the 19th century and originally served as the residence of a silk farmer and his family.
Now it is home to around 20,000 pieces relating to Yoshikawa, his life and his works, including first editions of his novels, various manuscripts and illustrations.
In the yard, there is a burial mound that Yoshikawa constructed for his daughter Sonoko, who went missing in an air raid during the war.
An ancient beech tree grows nearby, as well as a delicate white Japanese bell flower.
Open between March and May, as well as September and November each year, it is an important site for literary tourists in Japan.
Visitors can look around the museum between 10am and 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Inside Japan UK office
Inside Japan US office
Inside Japan Australia office
Inside Japan - Japan office
