#Japan #Exhibition #Bunkyo #Mori Ogai #Maihime

Dive into the Historic World of Mori Ogai

The Bunkyo Museum is excited to announce the collection exhibition titled "Reading the Novel 'Maihime'". This remarkable event will run from July 4 to September 30, 2025. Mori Ogai, a prominent figure in Japanese literature, originally published the novel 'Maihime' in January 1890 in the magazine 'Kokumin no Tomo'. This work marked his first creative novel, a departure from his previous efforts primarily involving essays and translations of foreign literature. Many still associate Mori Ogai with this iconic piece, as it has been included in high school curriculums since 1957.

The narrative of 'Maihime' unfolds as a recollection by the young protagonist, Toyotarō Ōta, who is returning home by ship from Germany. His story revolves around a romantic encounter with Ellis in Berlin, encapsulating his dilemmas about academic aspirations and personal struggles, ultimately leading to his homecoming.

This exhibition aims to showcase not only the magazines and books where Ogai's work was first published but also to provide insights into his study abroad experiences in Germany and the reactions his work garnered at the time. Notably, a significant highlight will be the display of all 28 pages of Ogai's original manuscript (a reproduction) written at the end of 1889, just before it was published in 'Kokumin no Tomo'. These manuscripts reveal the author's meticulous editing process, offering a glimpse into Ogai's dedication just prior to publication. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to read the entire 'Maihime' in Ogai's own handwriting, savoring the carefully chosen language that defines his masterwork.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Name: Collection Exhibition 'Reading the Novel 'Maihime'
• - Dates: July 4 (Friday) – September 30 (Tuesday), 2025
• - Total Duration: 83 Days
• - Closed Dates: July 22 (Tuesday), 23 (Wednesday), August 25 (Monday), 26 (Tuesday), September 24 (Wednesday), 25 (Thursday)
• - Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
• - Special Opening: July 9 (Wednesday) at 9 AM, August 2 (Saturday) until 8 PM
• - Venue: Exhibition Room 2, Bunkyo Museum
• - Admission Fee*: General 300 yen (240 yen for groups of 20 or more)

Free entry for junior high school students and below, and for individuals with disabilities and one caregiver.
*Special free entry for residents, workers, or students in Bunkyo on August 2 (ID required).

• - Organized by: Bunkyo Museum

A closer look at the 'Maihime' Manuscript

The original manuscript of 'Maihime', crafted on traditional Japanese paper without lines and hand-written across 28 pages, was originally passed from Ogai to the editor Sōhō Tokutomi and was later bound together by a rare bookstore. Since 2015, it has been housed at the Atomi Women’s University for preservation and research. A color reproduction has been created, showcasing the manuscript in its original size. This allows visitors to observe variations in wording and previously omitted sections compared to the currently published version of 'Maihime'.

Featured Exhibit Materials

• - The Original Manuscript of Maihime (Reproduction): Displays original corrections and edits.
• - Photograph Taken in Berlin (1888): A portrait of Ogai at 26 during his studies in Germany.
• - 'Kokumin no Tomo' Issue #69 (January 1890): The first publication of 'Maihime'.
• - Ogai's Myriad Writings Collection (Sunshine Press, 1892): His first collection featuring 'Maihime' and other tales set in Germany.
• - 'Chiri Hiji' (Chichōkan, 1915): This volume contains 'Maihime' alongside three other narratives, representing the foundation for the modern reading of 'Maihime'.

Mini Exhibit Guide

A mini guide detailing exhibit explanations and material captions will be on sale at the museum shop starting July 4 for 300 yen, with mail orders available.

Related Events

• - Lecture: 'Young Toyotarō Ōta in the 1890s: The Themes Raised by the Work 'Maihime''

Speaker: Kiyotaka Suda (Professor Emeritus, Otsuma Women's University)
Date: August 30, 2025, 2 PM – 3:30 PM
Cost: Free (Requires participation ticket and exhibit admission)

• - Reading Workshop: 'Reading Maihime' (Two sessions)

Reader: Akiko Uchiki (Narrator)
Dates: September 7 & 14, 2025, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Cost: 3,500 yen for both sessions

• - Gallery Talks:

Regular gallery talks will take place on July 30 and September 3 at 2 PM (30-minute sessions).
Family-oriented talks will be held on August 3 at 1 PM for elementary school students and older, featuring worksheets.

Concurrent Event:

A special exhibit commemorating Ogai's death on July 9, featuring his original 'Will', will be displayed from July 4-31 at the permanent corner. An original bookmark will be given to all visitors attending the exhibit on this date.

About Mori Ogai

Mori Ogai (1862-1922) was a military physician, novelist, translator, and medical doctor known by his real name, Shinrin Tarō. Born into a family of physicians in Tsuwa-cho, Shimane Prefecture, he moved to Tokyo at a young age. After graduating from Tokyo University’s Medical Department, he became an army doctor. His time in Germany significantly influenced his writing, leading to the publication of 'Maihime' and other successful works, strengthening his reputation in the literary world.

About Bunkyo Museum

Situated on the site of Ogai's residence 'Kanchyōrō', which he occupied from 1892 until his death in 1922, the Bunkyo Museum was opened in 2012, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Ogai’s birth. The museum offers a glimpse into the life and achievements of Ogai through various exhibitions and events throughout the year.