Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Hall to Host 'Manyo Ancient Studies Relay Lectures' for 25th Anniversary

The Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Hall, which opened on September 15, 2001, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.

Coincidentally, artifacts excavated from the national historic site 'Asukaike Workshop Ruins' within the premises—including the famous Tomomi coins—have been designated as National Treasures. Additionally, ICOMOS, the advisory body to the World Heritage Committee, has recommended 'inscription' for the 'Capital Cities of Asuka and Fujiwara,' currently seeking registration as a World Cultural Heritage site.

In commemoration, the hall will host a relay lecture series themed on 'Asuka and Fujiwara,' inviting distinguished figures associated with the institution.

Event Details

● Saturday, August 8, Reiwa 8 (2026)

"Learning from History: Fujiwara-kyo and the Manyoshu"

【Lecturer】Makoto Ueno (Special Full-time Professor, Koku Gakuin University; Former Deputy Director, Manyo Ancient Studies Research Institute)

● Saturday, September 5, Reiwa 8 (2026)

"The Suiko Court as Seen in the 'Book of Sui'"

【Lecturer】Hikaru Matsuo (Honorary Researcher, Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Hall; Former Deputy Director, Manyo Ancient Studies Research Institute)

● Sunday, September 20, Reiwa 8 (2026) ※ Commemorating 'Manyo Day' and 'Showa 100th Year'

"Praising Asuka"

【Lecturer】Susumu Nakanishi (First Director, Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Hall)

※ The schedule and format are subject to change.

【Time】14:00–15:30 for each session (Doors open at 13:30)

【Capacity】300 participants per session

※ Admission may be denied if capacity is exceeded. Please understand in advance.

【Registration】No prior registration required (first-come, first-served on the day)

【Fee】Free of charge

【Venue】Japanese Painting Exhibition Room, Nara Prefectural Manyo Culture Hall

※ Parking is limited. We strongly recommend using public transportation to visit.