Travelers Head East - Announcement of the National Archives of Japan Summer Special Exhibition

The National Archives of Japan (Location: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Director: Kaoru Kamata) will hold the Reiwa 8 Summer Special Exhibition "Travelers Head East - Fascinating Eastern Japan as Depicted in Classical Literature" from Friday, July 17 to Wednesday, September 23.

Additionally, on Fridays during the exhibition period, the archives will be open until 8:00 PM. Please stop by after work or your outings.

Highlights of the Special Exhibition "Travelers Head East"

From ancient to medieval times, Eastern Japan remained a largely unknown world to the people of the capital. When its landscapes were depicted in the "Tokaeri" (Journey East) chapter of "The Tales of Ise," it was likely met with shock and emotion. Thereafter, travelers, inspired by "The Tales of Ise," headed east. This longing transcended time, and through these travelers, a part of our nation's classical literature began to take shape.

This exhibition traces the footsteps of those who traveled to Eastern Japan, introducing their waka poetry, Chinese poems, tales, and travelogues.

"The Tales of Ise" (Ise Monogatari)

This tale, believed to have been compiled in the early Heian period, depicts the life and romantic journeys of a protagonist named "Mukashi Otoko" (Old Man), modeled after Ariwara no Narihira (825-880), primarily through waka poetry in approximately 125 chapters. In the "Tokaeri" chapter, "Mukashi Otoko," feeling unwanted in the capital, laments and heads east in search of a new beginning.

"Sanka Shinchu Shu" (Collection of Poems from a Mountain Dwelling)

This is a collection of selected waka poems personally compiled by Saigyo in his later years. Upon reaching Shirakawa-no-seki (Shirakawa City, present-day Fukushima Prefecture), the gateway to Mutsu, Saigyo composed a waka recalling Noin, who had visited this place before.

"Basho Osho Ekotoba Den" (Illustrated Biography of Basho)

This is a picture scroll dedicated to Gichu-ji Temple to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Matsuo Basho (1644-1694), illustrating his life. The illustrations depict "Basho-an," where Basho lived for a time. It is said to have been located at the northern end of Mannenbashi Bridge (present-day Tokiwa 1-chome, Koto-ku, Tokyo) over the Onagi River.

Exhibition Talk Sessions to be Held

We will hold exhibition talk sessions where exhibition curators will explain the highlights of the exhibition.

Date and Time

1st Session: Thursday, July 30, Reiwa 8

2nd Session: Tuesday, August 4, Reiwa 8

3rd Session: Wednesday, September 16, Reiwa 8

Each session starts at 10:30 AM and will last approximately 40 minutes.

*Due to heatstroke prevention measures, the start time is different from usual.

Location

National Archives of Japan, Tokyo Main Building, 4th Floor Conference Room (3-2 Kita-no-maru Park, Chiyoda-ku)

Participation Fee

Free

Capacity

40 people per session (Advance application required, first-come, first-served basis)

Application Method, etc.

1st Session: By 5:00 PM on Tuesday, July 28, Reiwa 8

2nd Session: By 5:00 PM on Friday, July 31, Reiwa 8

3rd Session: By 5:00 PM on Monday, September 14, Reiwa 8

*Applications will be accepted via the reception form or email. For details, please check the National Archives of Japan HP (https://www.archives.go.jp/exhibition/).

Evening Gallery Talk to be Held

We will hold an evening gallery talk where exhibition curators will explain the highlights of the exhibition.

Date and Time

1st Session: Friday, July 31, Reiwa 8

2nd Session: Friday, August 21, Reiwa 8

3rd Session: Friday, September 11, Reiwa 8

Each session starts at 6:30 PM and will last approximately 30 minutes.

Location

National Archives of Japan, Tokyo Main Building, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall (3-2 Kita-no-maru Park, Chiyoda-ku)

Participation Fee

Free

Application Method, etc.

Advance application is not required. Those who wish to participate should gather near the 1st-floor entrance by 6:30 PM on the day of the event.

For details on each event, please visit the National Archives of Japan HP (https://www.archives.go.jp/exhibition/).

[Exhibition Overview]

Reiwa 8 Summer Special Exhibition "Travelers Head East - Fascinating Eastern Japan as Depicted in Classical Literature"

Period: Friday, July 17 - Wednesday, September 23, Reiwa 8

*Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Open on Monday, July 20, holiday and Monday, September 21, holiday)

*Closed on Mondays and Tuesday, July 21

Admission is free, no reservation required.

Venue: National Archives of Japan, Tokyo Main Building, 1st Floor Exhibition Hall

(102-0091 3-2 Kita-no-maru Park, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Access: 5-minute walk from Exit 1b of Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line.

Opening Hours: 9:15 AM - 5:00 PM *On Fridays during the exhibition period and on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23, open until 8:00 PM.

National Archives of Japan HP:

https://www.archives.go.jp/exhibition/

<Contact for Media Inquiries>

National Archives of Japan, Exhibition Section, Nagae, Asai, Suzuki TEL: 03-6680-7206