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Natsuhiko Kyogoku's Appointment at Toppan Printing Museum

Toppan Holdings Co., Ltd., based in Bunkyo, Tokyo, has recently announced the appointment of acclaimed novelist Natsuhiko Kyogoku as the new director of the Toppan Printing Museum, effective April 1, 2025. This decision marks an exciting chapter for a museum that has been a significant cultural hub since its establishment in October 2000.

The Toppan Printing Museum, part of the celebrations for Toppan's 100th anniversary, is Japan's first museum dedicated to the art and science of printing. It has attracted over 30,000 visitors annually from both Japan and abroad. The museum focuses on the cultural aspects of printing, promoting the study of printing culture. It regularly hosts exhibitions and educational activities centered around its printing workshop, aiming to demonstrate the critical role of printing in societal and cultural development.

Natsuhiko Kyogoku, a prominent figure in contemporary Japanese literature, debuted in 1994 with his novel ‘Kujira no Natsu’ (Summer of the Cormorant). Since then, he has published numerous works that showcase his unique worldview. Over the years, he has garnered several prestigious awards, including the Naoki Prize, the Japan Mystery Writers Association Prize, and the Yamamoto Shugo Prize. In addition to his literary acclaim, Kyogoku is also recognized for his expertise in book design, typography, and printing techniques. His dual identity as both an author and a designer aligns perfectly with the museum's mission.

Kyogoku's appointment coincides with the museum's ongoing commitment to elevate the field of printing culture studies. The museum has previously been led by notable figures such as Kiyoshi Awazu, a leading graphic designer in post-war Japan, and Koichi Kabayama, a prominent scholar in medieval Western history and former director of the National Museum of Western Art. With Kyogoku at the helm, the museum anticipates discovering new dimensions of engagement and creativity, driven by his passion for book design in collaboration with its extensive collection.

Under this new leadership, the Toppan Printing Museum is dedicated to building a structured framework around the discipline of printing culture. It aims to enrich its content and broaden the understanding of the societal value that printing has provided throughout history. The museum's mission includes not only preserving the legacy of printing but also adapting its teachings for future generations.

In his first public address, Kyogoku expressed, “The benefits brought forth by printing are immeasurable. It has revolutionized visual communication, transforming culture and society itself. Even as we transition towards digital media, it is fundamentally rooted in printing. The Toppan Printing Museum has a profound responsibility to encapsulate, convey, and cultivate this rich history.” He humbly acknowledges the weight of this new role and invites the public to visit the museum.

Profile of Natsuhiko Kyogoku

• - Birth Year: 1963
• - Debut: 1994 with ‘Kujira no Natsu’ (Summer of the Cormorant)
• - Awards: Notably awarded the 49th Japan Mystery Writers Association Prize in 1996 for ‘Mōryō no Hako’ (Box of Phantoms) among many others.
• - Roles: Serves as an arbiter for the Japan Mystery Writers Association and acts as the deputy representative for the World Yokai Association.

In conclusion, Kyogoku's leadership at the Toppan Printing Museum represents a promising future for the institution, where the intersection of literature and printing culture is expected to flourish, nurturing a renewed appreciation for the art form.