MotooriNorinaga Memorial Hall will reopen in March 2017! We will introduce you to the exciting and fun exhibits and recommended spots in the area.

MotooriNorinaga Memorial Hall reopened in March 2017.
It is conveniently located, approximately 10 minutes by car from the Matsusaka Interchange on the Ise Expressway, and a 15-minute walk from Matsusaka Station on the JR and Kintetsu lines.
MotooriNorinaga Motoori was a Japanese scholar and doctor who lived during the Edo period and also researched the Kojiki.
There are plenty of materials related to him on display, and whether you've only learned about him through textbooks or you're a history buff, you're sure to rediscover Norinaga's charm once you tour the museum.
We will introduce you to an exciting museum that both young and old can enjoy, as well as recommended sightseeing spots in the surrounding area.

When you enter the museum, the first thing that greets you is a large map spread out at your feet. The entire town of Matsusaka is clearly shown.

MotooriNorinaga was born in Matsusaka and loved learning throughout his life. What kind of person was he?

On the first floor, in addition to exhibits and many books about Norinaga, there are also facilities that children can enjoy.
Round, square, and triangular tables are set up in order from the entrance. These shapes are said to represent Norinaga's characteristics.
Maru is ``Yu'' who loved bells, wild cherry blossoms, and Japanese poetry. The square is in the shape of a medicine cabinet, representing the work that he did as a doctor to support his family. The triangle represents ``science'' as a Japanese scholar who researched the Kojiki.

Each table with an eye-catching design is set up with quizzes related to Norinaga. By answering this quiz, you can learn not only about Norinaga's work, but also about his private life and personality.

It might be a good idea to take a quiz after you've finished touring the museum. Once you've learned a lot from the easy-to-understand exhibits, you're sure to be able to answer all the questions correctly.

In the middle of the stairs leading to the second floor, where the exhibition room is located, there is a map of Japan that Norinaga created by hand.
It is surprising that he drew this as a young teenager, before accurate surveying techniques were developed.
Norinaga is said to have completed these maps while he was stuck at home. I wonder if they were worried about the fate of their children who didn't leave the house, but they were probably able to learn freely and in their own way under the watchful eye of a caring and tolerant family.

Director Yoshida talks about Norinaga and the many people who were involved with him.
When asked what he liked about Norinaga, he answered, ``His rhythmic nature and good tempo.He didn't put things off.Even if he was busy, he would respond to what we would call email responses in this day and age. It's like making sure to let them know that your reply will be delayed because you're busy.''
I remember hearing local visitors calling out to Director Yoshida, ``Sensei, Sensei.'' His appearance is similar to that of Norinaga, who earned people's trust and respect.

The touch panel is easy to use even for young people and children of the smartphone generation. Not only can you see the exhibits and books enlarged, but you can also read their explanations.
If Norinaga, who had an outstanding ability to concentrate and a sharp personality that put him ahead of his time, had lived in this era, he would have made full use of equipment like this and devoted himself to his research.

The exhibition room is lined with valuable exhibits, including books handwritten by Norinaga.
Norinaga, who loved maps, left behind many documents that include the names of various places in Japan.
Visitors from all over the world will be able to experience his activities up close.

This is a world map. Norinaga also seems to have had a strong interest in the world. He's a person full of curiosity.
He is from the 1700s and has a global sense!

As a doctor, Norinaga walked 25km to make house calls, carrying a 5kg medicine box.
The word "Kusuribako" means "kusuribako" (medicine box). There was a glimpse of humor as well.

"Kojikiden" handwritten manuscript. The writing is very beautiful and easy to read. Norinaga wrote neat square letters that looked like they had been typed out on a computer.
Researching the Kojiki became Norinaga's life work. It is said that while studying geography and medicine, he came to the never-ending study of the Kojiki as something that could be put to use.

Director Yoshida gives a lecture on Norinaga. Visitors are listening intently.
People with a strong interest in Norinaga gathered, and the lecture room was full. Even now, nearly 300 years later, Norinaga continues to captivate people's hearts.

The new memorial hall is barrier-free, making it easier for people with disabilities to tour.
The design of the information board is beautiful, and like the rest of the equipment, it has a soft woodgrain feel.

We also sell souvenirs related to Norinaga's study, Suzuya. How about taking a colorful and adorable bell as a souvenir? When I hear the sound of a bell, I feel kind of gentle.

The wooden chairs placed throughout the venue also feature bell designs.

Near the entrance, there are various pamphlets to help you enjoy the town of Matsusaka. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful townscape with a map in hand?
Norinaga is said to have walked from Matsusaka to Tokyo in just 10 days when he was 16 years old. Even though he is from the past, he has strong legs. Although it is difficult to continue walking for several days, why not take the opportunity to go for a walk by starting at the Matsusaka Memorial Museum?

First, let's go to Suzunoya, the former residence located on the same premises.
A majestic appearance that gives you a sense of history. The buildings and gardens are well maintained and easy to walk around.
To tour, you will need the same admission ticket as MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum.

It is filled with a quiet atmosphere. Why not feel the tranquil atmosphere of a Japanese house and think about Norinaga's life back then?
Many of the materials on display in the museum were written at this location.

The Matsusaka townscape seen from the garden of the old house. When I stand here on a sunny day, I feel very refreshed.
Norinaga probably thought of Matsusaka, Japan, and even the world.

Once you pass through the garden, you will find the Matsuzaka Castle ruins, a national historic site. There is also a municipal parking lot nearby, so it is convenient if you are visiting from a distance by car.
A stone monument with a quaint appearance covered with moss. A stone wall that once protected the castle. It is quite tall and looks impressive when you see it up close.

The place where the castle tower is said to have been located.

In the spring, you can enjoy plum blossoms and cherry blossoms on the grounds of the castle.
As you walk slowly through the space surrounded by stone walls and filled with blooming flowers, you get a strange feeling that makes you lose track of the era.

Beyond the flat land that stretches out as far as the eye can see, there are mountains, clean air, and a land full of history. Matsusaka is a people-friendly town.
When visiting MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum, we recommend that you take advantage of the sights in the surrounding area.
The joy of learning something you didn't know, the fun of having a new experience in a place you've never been to before, and new encounters, all of which can be called "learning."
I felt that actually visiting a place, dreaming about it, admiring it, and doing some research can help foster a spirit of learning.

[MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum Basic Information]

Address: 1536-7 Tonomachi, MatsusakaCity City, Mie Prefecture 515-0073

Phone number: 0598-21-0312

Closed: Mondays (the next day if Monday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays

Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
(Last entry time is 16:30)

Admission fee
・Adult 400 yen (group rate 300 yen)
・University students, etc. 300 yen (group fee 200 yen)
・Children (4th grade of elementary school to high school) 200 yen (group fee 100 yen)
*Common to MotooriNorinaga Memorial Hall and MotooriNorinaga former residence "Suzuya"
*Reservation required for lecture room

traffic
・15 minutes walk from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station
・5 minutes walk from MatsusakaCity city bus stop
・By car: 1km west of the Kamata intersection on National Route 42
5km from Ise Expressway Matsusaka Interchange

MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum area map

Official website: MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum

If you would like to learn more about MotooriNorinaga, please see the book written by Kancho Yoshida.
　　

*The content postedis information as of March 2017.