#Japan #Tokyo #Bunkyo #Mori Ogai #Modern Literature

Special Exhibition: "Modern Literature Explores Bunkyo's Hills and Famous Spots"

The Bunkyo Municipal Mori Ogai Memorial Museum is set to host a captivating exhibition titled "Modern Literature Explores Bunkyo's Hills and Famous Spots" from April 11 to June 28, 2026. This special exhibition will delve into the rich literary history that encapsulates the charm of Bunkyo (Fuminomiyako), showcasing sites like Nezu Shrine, Koishikawa Botanical Garden, and Dango-zaka, all cherished by residents from the Meiji era to the present day.

Bunkyo has long been a residence for aspiring writers, particularly in the early Meiji period when Tokyo University relocated to Hongo. Many future authors lived in the vicinity, and their journeys and experiences are beautifully depicted in their works. For example, Ogai's "Seinen" features a protagonist passing by Nezu Shrine, while Natsume Soseki's "Sanshiro" captures the essence of Tokyo University grounds. Other notable mentions include Ishikawa Takuboku's "Velvet," set in the bustling Hongo San-chome, and Tokuda Shusui's "Michi Shiba," which tells of Ushiten Shrine (Kitanomiya).

The exhibition will spotlight these literary reflections, connecting visitors with the landscapes and daily lives of people from over a century ago. Through the lens of literature, attendees will rediscover the allure of Bunkyo and its heritage.

Exhibition Overview

• - Title: Special Exhibition "Modern Literature Explores Bunkyo's Hills and Famous Spots"
• - Dates: April 11 (Saturday) - June 28 (Sunday), 2026 (total of 73 days)
• - Closed: April 27 (Monday) and 28 (Tuesday), May 25 (Monday) and 26 (Tuesday), June 22 (Monday) and 23 (Tuesday)
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)
• - Venue: Bunkyo Municipal Mori Ogai Memorial Museum
• - Admission Fee: General 600 yen (Free for students below junior high school and for persons with disabilities and one caregiver)
• - Organizer: Bunkyo Municipal Mori Ogai Memorial Museum
• - Exhibitors: Contributions from various collections including the Nagai Soichiro and the Edogawa Rampo Memorial Research Center.

Exhibition Structure and Key Materials

Chapter One: Stories of Bunkyo's Hills and Landmarks

This chapter will introduce Bunkyo's sites through excerpts from modern literary works. Selected pieces include Ogai's "Seinen" featuring Nezu Shrine, Higuchi Ichiyo's "Nigorie" which references Konnyaku Enma, and Nagai Kafu's "Danchotei Nichijo" highlighting Ushiten Shrine.

Chapter Two: The Literary Town of Sendagi

Sendagi, home to literary giants like Ogai, Takamura Kokutaro, and Edogawa Rampo, will be explored through their works, capturing the landscapes of Sendagi and Dango-zaka during the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods.

Exhibition Catalog Sales

An exhibition catalog featuring illustrations, explanations, essays, and related chronology will be available for purchase at the museum shop starting April 11, 2026. The estimated price is 880 yen (tax included) for an A4-size catalog with 60 pages.

Related Activities

• - Lecture Series: A series of lectures will accompany the exhibition, exploring themes around literary encounters in Bunkyo and the influence of prominent writers.
• - Gallery Talks: These informal sessions will allow attendees to engage deeply with the exhibition.

Simultaneously, a collaboration with the video game "Bungo and Alchemist" will include displays and promotional items, enhancing the literary experience further for attendees.

Mori Ogai

Mori Ogai (1862-1922), an accomplished army physician, novelist, translator, and medical doctor, played a pivotal role in shaping modern Japanese literature. He spent his most productive years in Bunkyo at the Kanchoro residence, which now houses the memorial museum.

The Bunkyo Municipal Mori Ogai Memorial Museum, opened in 2012 to honor Ogai’s legacy, retains elements of the landscape that inspire nostalgia for his era. Each year, the museum hosts several exhibitions and events to celebrate Ogai's life and contributions to literature.

For more information, please visit the museum's website: Mori Ogai Memorial.