#Japan #Cultural Heritage #Musashino #Koganei #Edo Tokyo Museum

Musashino's History and Folklore Exhibition

From July 18, 2026, the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum will host a special exhibition titled "The History and Folklore of Musashino: The Musashino Historical Museum Collection 2026." This event is part of a series held every year that showcases the collections of the Musashino Historical Museum, which originally opened its doors in 1954 and closed in 1991. The museum housed a variety of exhibits, including archaeological artifacts and folk materials, and featured outdoor displays of structures representing ancient villages and Edo-era communities.

A Closer Look at the Exhibition

The upcoming exhibition will feature an intriguing array of items collected by the Musashino Historical Museum, including clay ear pendants designated as important cultural properties from the Jomon period, and nostalgic items like vintage signage and matchboxes that once filled the streets. Visitors will also have the chance to view photographic panels that depict the long-gone outdoor folklife area, offering a glimpse into what the museum was once like. This exhibition aims to provide insights into the historical significance of the Musashino region through the eyes of its collections.

Exhibition Structure

• - Prologue: The Origins of the Musashino Historical Museum
• - Chapter 1: Musashino Historical Museum Collection – Archaeological Artifacts
• - Chapter 2: Musashino Historical Museum Collection – Folk Materials
• - Epilogue: Musashino Historical Museum Collection – Outdoor Display "Folk Life Garden"

Among the highlighted artifacts are the clay ear pendant from the late Jomon period and a cylindrical earthenware jar from the late Yayoi period. Additionally, various matchbox labels from the Showa era will be on display, showcasing a piece of everyday life from the past.

Related Events

The exhibition will also feature a special museum talk with sign language interpretation on July 25 and November 28, focusing on the exhibition's highlights, led by curator Mana Ikuta at 14:30.

Practical Information

• - Exhibition Title: The History and Folklore of Musashino: The Musashino Historical Museum Collection 2026
• - Dates: July 18, 2026 – December 13, 2026
• - Location: Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, Koganei City, Sakura-cho 3-7-1, within the Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park
• - Opening Hours: Until September 30: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (Entrance until 5:00 PM). From October 1: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Entrance until 4:00 PM).
• - Closed: Mondays (except if a Monday is a public holiday, the following weekday will be closed)
• - Organizer: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (Public Foundation, Tokyo Historical Cultural Foundation)
• - Admission Fee: Included with the Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum admission ticket.
• - Exhibition Website: Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum

This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to delve into the cultural richness and history of the Musashino region, providing context and appreciation for local heritage through captivating artifacts and informative displays.