#Japan #Tokyo #Territorial Museum #Immersive Theater #Gateway Hall

The Expanded Territorial Sovereignty Exhibition Museum Opens in November

On November 14, the Territorial Sovereignty Exhibition Museum, operated by Japan's Cabinet Secretariat, will open an expanded area known as the Gateway Hall. This exciting development comes after a successful renewal of the museum earlier this year on April 18, aimed at enhancing public understanding of Japan's territorial sovereignty through innovative exhibits.

The museum has transformed its exhibits from traditional informational displays to modern, immersive experiences utilizing cutting-edge video technology. One of the standout features is the Immersive Theater that showcases the natural beauty of the Northern Territories, Takeshima, and the Senkaku Islands, allowing visitors to feel as though they are right there on the islands, earning rave reviews for its engaging presentations.

Purpose and Goals Behind the Expansion

Since its opening in 2018, the museum has welcomed around 10,000 visitors annually, showcasing important historical documents and panels that explain Japan's claims to territories like the Northern Territories, Takeshima, and the Senkaku Islands. However, a significant challenge has been attracting younger audiences, particularly those under 30. The April renewal sought to address this by incorporating high-entertainment-value content that appeals to students and children. The recent opening of the Gateway Hall aims to create a dynamic space where visitors can engage deeper through thinking, discussing, and exploring Japan's islands and oceans. Named “Gateway Hall,” the intention is for it to serve as an entry point for broader world knowledge.

Details of the Gateway Hall

In the existing portion of the museum (roughly 700 square meters), visitors can experience visually captivating exhibits, predominantly centered around the Northern Territories, Takeshima, and the Senkaku Islands. The Gateway Hall, spanning an additional 300 square meters, is designed to facilitate multi-purpose education, focusing on Japan's territories and marine aspects where visitors can listen, research, reflect, and engage in discussions. The idea is to enhance visitors' understanding of historical claims to these territories from a broader perspective.

The hall will also cater to group activities such as school field trips, providing a designated area for lunch and other educational pursuits.

Specific features and intentions include:

Learning About Japan’s Land and Islands: The hall will feature immersive three-sided screens displaying videos on Japan’s various landforms, cultures, and the allure of its isolated islands, alongside a digital cartography corner showcasing historical maps from Japan's Edo to early Meiji periods.
Visitors will get to explore replicas of historical maps, including the rare Edo period Inoue-kōzu, to understand Japan's geographic and cultural exchanges with the world.

In addition to standard displays, the Gateway Hall will encourage visitors to delve deeper into what they learned about the Northern Territories, Takeshima, and Senkaku Islands. This will take the form of lectures, symposiums, and special exhibitions highlighting various aspects of these regions. Upcoming events to watch for include notable talks on historical perspectives and cultural explorations.

Alongside informational content, the museum is developing resources to bolster interest and learning outcomes among visitors. The establishment of a library will serve to enhance research opportunities for those looking to generate a deeper understanding of Japan’s territorial matters.

Workshops and Community Engagement

In addition to the exhibitions, the Gateway Hall and its flexible setup provide avenues for hosting various workshops and events that foster exchanges with remote locations. Ideas in the pipeline include simulated classes utilizing historical cartography created by renowned geographer Chokubo Sekisui and programs aimed at networking among island stakeholders.

Museum Information

• - Name: Territorial Sovereignty Exhibition Museum
• - Location: 1st Floor, Toranomon East Building, 3-8-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0013
• - Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
• - Closed Days: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a holiday), year-end (December 29 to January 3)
• - Admission: Free

The museum's innovative approach blends education with an engaging sensory experience, inviting visitors of all ages to discover and contemplate essential aspects of Japan’s territories and culture.