#Japan #Gunze Museum #Ayabe #Kyoto Culture #Faces of Kyoto

Unveiling the 'Faces of Kyoto' Exhibition at Gunze Museum

The Gunze Museum in Ayabe City, Kyoto, is excited to announce a special exhibit titled "Faces of Kyoto," which will take place from July 25 to September 6, 2026. This exhibit is part of the broader Kyoto Prefecture Museum Forum's collaborative exhibition, "Faces of Kyoto," which aims to highlight the rich history and cultural heritage of Kyoto.

The theme of this year’s exhibition focuses on "faces," presenting a diverse array of historical figures and cultural symbols from ancient to modern times. At the Gunze Museum, the exhibit will place a spotlight on the portrait photographs of the founder of Gunze, Tsurukichi Hatano, and his wife, Hana, who played significant roles in developing the local sericulture industry.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the Hatano couple's dedication to “coexistence and prosperity,” showcasing their contributions to the area's economic and cultural landscape. Through their narrative, the exhibit also delves into the history of Kyoto's modern sericulture industry and the founding principles of Gunze.

This exhibition also supports ongoing efforts to promote awareness about the Hatano couple, who are central figures in an NHK television series that aims to highlight the historical significance of their work. This connection not only serves as a tribute to the founders but also as an opportunity to pass on their ideals and spirit to future generations.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Period: July 25, 2026 – September 6, 2026
• - Closed on: Every Tuesday, and August 9 (Sunday) through August 15 (Saturday)
• - Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• - Location: Gunze Museum, Future Building 2nd Floor, 1 Aonocho, Ayabe City, Kyoto
• - Admission: Free

Main Display Highlights

• - Portraits of Tsurukichi Hatano and his wife, Hana
• - Nishiki-e prints depicting sericulture
• - Historical materials related to sericulture and Gunze

The Gunze Museum, inaugurated in 1996 to commemorate the centenary of Gunze's founding, is housed in a renovated silkworm barn from the Taisho era. The museum underwent a significant reconfiguration in 2016 during its 120th anniversary, featuring distinct sections such as the "Founder's Gallery," which showcases the company's origins, the "Modern Gallery," focusing on advancements from textiles to plastics and medicine, the "Future Gallery," highlighting sustainable practices as a circular manufacturer, and the "Collection Gallery," which serves as a multi-purpose space for local exhibitions and events.

Additional Exhibition: Kyoto Prefecture Museum Forum

In parallel, the Kyoto Prefecture Museum Forum will run its joint exhibition "Faces of Kyoto" from July 11 to September 6, 2026. Visitors can explore further exhibits at the Kyoto Prefectural Kyoto History Museum, including significant resources about Tsurukichi Hatano and the rich art of sericulture.

• - Exhibition Period: July 11, 2026 – September 6, 2026
• - Closed on: July 20 (Monday, holiday), August 11 (Tuesday), August 12 (Wednesday)
• - Opening Hours: Weekdays 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Weekends 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• - Location: 1st Floor Exhibition Room, Kyoto Prefectural Kyoto History Museum, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
• - Admission: Free

Explore the deeply rooted traditions and innovations of Kyoto's textile industry while appreciating the cultural significance of the Hatano couple and their enduring legacy at the Gunze Museum's exhibition. For more information, visit the Gunze Museum website.