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Celebrating 90 Years of Horitatsu's 'The Wind Rises'

In 2026, Horitatsu's renowned work, 'The Wind Rises,' will mark its 90th anniversary since its debut. This iconic piece begins with the famous line, "The wind rises, we must strive to live.” Horitatsu, who lived from 1904 to 1953, is a celebrated author deeply connected to Machida City, where he was influenced by fellow writer, Shusaku Endo, during their formative years.

This literary piece reflects the profound experiences of Horitatsu, depicting a young man’s struggle to seek happiness while enduring the heartbreaking reality of love and death through the lens of his engagement. It’s noteworthy that Horitatsu battled tuberculosis yet maintained a resilient spirit, which reflects a significant understanding of humanity and a fierce will to live, captured in many of his literary works.

The upcoming exhibition at Machida City Literature Museum, titled 'Hints of Happiness from Horitatsu: Celebrating 90 Years of The Wind Rises,' aims to present around 200 works and artifacts related to Horitatsu's life and literary journey. These include original manuscripts, personal letters, and cherished belongings that provide insights into his search for happiness. Visitors will have the opportunity to contemplate what "happiness" means to them during the exhibition.

Exhibition Details

• - Dates: January 17, 2026 - March 22, 2026
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• - Closed: Every Monday (Open on February 23, February 12, and March 12)
• - Location: Machida City Literature Museum, 4-16-17 Haramachida, Machida City, Tokyo
• - Admission: Free

Collaborating Institutions

• - Horitatsu Literary Memorial Museum
• - Karuizawa Highland Library
• - Old Fujimi Kougen Sanatorium Archive
• - Michizo Tachihara Memorial Association

Exhibition Chapters

1. Introduction: 90 Years since 'The Wind Rises'
2. The Quest for Happiness in 'The Wind Rises'
3. The Face of Horitatsu Before 'The Wind Rises'
- Encountering Literature
- Hope in Turbulent Tokyo and Karuizawa
- Days in the Sanatorium
- The Resilience to Live
4. Horitatsu’s Reflections on Happiness
- Hints for Living Happily: Conversations with Friends, Walking through Life, Living for Love, Pursuing Ideals, and Living with Favorites.

Related Events

• - Opening Talk Event: January 17 - "Paper Drive of 'The Wind Rises'"
• - Workshop: February 11 - "Creating an Original Notebook Using Cornell Binding"
• - Reading Session: February 21 - "Enjoying 'The Wind Rises' Through Listening"
• - Lecture: March 14 - "Learning Happiness from Horitatsu"
• - Exhibition Guided Tour: January 31, February 23, March 22 by curators.

About Machida City

Located in the southern part of Tokyo, Machida City is home to approximately 430,000 residents and is only about 30 minutes away from the city center by train. While the area around Machida Station boasts large commercial facilities, it also preserves shopping streets that have thrived for generations. Beyond the urban landscape, a beautiful natural environment awaits, featuring serene rural landscapes, lush parks, and local agricultural fields producing fresh vegetables. This unique blend allows residents and visitors alike to enjoy both city amenities and rich natural surroundings.

For more information about Machida City:

• - Machida City Official Website
• - Machida Public Relations on X
• - Machida Childcare Site
• - Machida City Promotion on Instagram
• - City Promotion Site

Machida City’s logo: "A town where good things flourish."