Special Exhibition on the Final Four Years of Mori Ogai: A Deep Dive into His Role as Head of the Imperial Museum
The upcoming special exhibition titled "Mori Ogai: The Last Four Years - As Head of the Imperial Museum and Librarian" is set to take place from October 11, 2025, to January 12, 2026. This exhibition is a collaboration between the Imperial Household Agency's Archives and the Bunkyo City Museum dedicated to Mori Ogai. Mori Ogai, known by his birth name Shinrin Taro, was a prominent literary figure during the Meiji and Taisho periods, who served as the highest-ranking military physician in the Japanese Army before his transition to the role of head of the Imperial Museum in late 1917.
In his final years, Ogai took on significant responsibilities involving both the Imperial Museum and the Library at the Imperial Household Agency. He was known for his vigorous efforts to enhance the operational aspects of the Museum, which included reorganizing exhibitions by historical era and issuing research bulletins. Each autumn, he personally supervised the preservation efforts at the Shosoin Repository, every time expanding the visitor eligibility criteria to include those with substantial academic backgrounds.
The exhibition will particularly focus on the years from Ogai's appointment in December 1917 until his passing in July 1922. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a rich collection of original manuscripts, letters, and artifacts sourced from both the Imperial Household Agency’s archives and the Mori Ogai Memorial Museum, showcasing the literary and administrative accomplishments that marked his later life.
Key documents featured in the exhibit include:
1. Appointment Document: The official correspondence confirming Ogai's appointment as head of the Imperial Museum.
2. Diaries and Records: Personal diaries authored by Ogai, chronicling his daily work and personal experiences, which reflect his dedication to both institutions.
3. Research Contributions: Records related to his studies on the genealogy of the imperial family and the tenets surrounding imperial honors.
4. Personal Correspondence: Heartfelt letters to his children during his trips to oversee the Shosoin, revealing his familial affections amid a demanding career.
This exhibition not only highlights Ogai's literary triumphs but also seeks to illuminate his pivotal role in the preservation and curation of Japan’s imperial heritage. Enhancing the experience, the exhibition will offer a commemorative catalog, featuring illustrations and discussions on selected materials, available for purchase starting with the opening day.
Educational programs are aligned with the exhibition, including lectures and gallery talks that will explore different facets of Ogai's life and legacy. Notable speakers, such as experts from Tokyo University and prominent scholars, will delve into topics related to Ogai's historical significance as both a writer and a bureaucratic figure.
The Mori Ogai Memorial Museum itself will welcome guests well beyond this special exhibition, as it stands in tribute to the life Ogai lived in his final years, showcasing the very site where he penned much of his work.
As we draw closer to the exhibition's opening, preparations are in full swing to ensure a thorough exploration of Mori Ogai's final years, promising guests a profound understanding of his professional and personal journey.
For more details, visit Mori Ogai Memorial Museum’s official website or reach out through contacts during office hours.
In his final years, Ogai took on significant responsibilities involving both the Imperial Museum and the Library at the Imperial Household Agency. He was known for his vigorous efforts to enhance the operational aspects of the Museum, which included reorganizing exhibitions by historical era and issuing research bulletins. Each autumn, he personally supervised the preservation efforts at the Shosoin Repository, every time expanding the visitor eligibility criteria to include those with substantial academic backgrounds.
The exhibition will particularly focus on the years from Ogai's appointment in December 1917 until his passing in July 1922. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a rich collection of original manuscripts, letters, and artifacts sourced from both the Imperial Household Agency’s archives and the Mori Ogai Memorial Museum, showcasing the literary and administrative accomplishments that marked his later life.
Key documents featured in the exhibit include:
1. Appointment Document: The official correspondence confirming Ogai's appointment as head of the Imperial Museum.
2. Diaries and Records: Personal diaries authored by Ogai, chronicling his daily work and personal experiences, which reflect his dedication to both institutions.
3. Research Contributions: Records related to his studies on the genealogy of the imperial family and the tenets surrounding imperial honors.
4. Personal Correspondence: Heartfelt letters to his children during his trips to oversee the Shosoin, revealing his familial affections amid a demanding career.
This exhibition not only highlights Ogai's literary triumphs but also seeks to illuminate his pivotal role in the preservation and curation of Japan’s imperial heritage. Enhancing the experience, the exhibition will offer a commemorative catalog, featuring illustrations and discussions on selected materials, available for purchase starting with the opening day.
Educational programs are aligned with the exhibition, including lectures and gallery talks that will explore different facets of Ogai's life and legacy. Notable speakers, such as experts from Tokyo University and prominent scholars, will delve into topics related to Ogai's historical significance as both a writer and a bureaucratic figure.
The Mori Ogai Memorial Museum itself will welcome guests well beyond this special exhibition, as it stands in tribute to the life Ogai lived in his final years, showcasing the very site where he penned much of his work.
Opening Details
- - Exhibition Title: Mori Ogai: The Last Four Years - Head of the Imperial Museum and Librarian
- - Dates: October 11, 2025 - January 12, 2026
- - Closed on: November 25, December 22, December 23, and from December 29 to January 3.
- - Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
- - Venue: Mori Ogai Memorial Museum in Bunkyo, Tokyo
- - Admission Fee: General admission is 600 yen; free for middle school students and below, as well as for persons with disabilities and their caregivers (one caregiver per person).
As we draw closer to the exhibition's opening, preparations are in full swing to ensure a thorough exploration of Mori Ogai's final years, promising guests a profound understanding of his professional and personal journey.
For more details, visit Mori Ogai Memorial Museum’s official website or reach out through contacts during office hours.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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