The History of the Museum
The establishment of the museum followed several years of planning and community effort. On May 25, 1996, a group dedicated to creating a memorial museum for Toyohiko Kagawa in Naruto was formed. On September 11, 1999, a committee was established to oversee the construction project.
The museum officially opened on March 23, 2002. Its administration was transferred to Naruto City on April 1 of the same year, ensuring that Kagawa’s achievements and humanitarian ideals would continue to be shared with future generations.
Exhibitions and Facilities
The museum has three exhibition rooms exploring different aspects of Kagawa’s life and work. Visitors can learn about his childhood, Christian faith, relief work among impoverished communities, and efforts to improve labor conditions and promote cooperative organizations.
The facility also includes meeting rooms for lectures, events, and community activities. The large meeting room can accommodate up to 80 people, while the smaller room has a capacity of 10.
Admission and Visitor Information
Admission costs ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for elementary and junior high school students. A combination ticket covering both the Toyohiko Kagawa Memorial Museum and the Naruto German House Museum is also available. Members of the NPO Toyohiko Kagawa Memorial and Naruto Yuai Association can enter free of charge.
The museum is generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on the fourth Monday of each month; if that day is a public holiday, the museum closes the following day instead. It is also closed from December 28 to December 31.
Visitors can use the parking facilities at the neighboring Roadside Station Dai-9-no-Sato and Naruto German House Museum, which together provide parking for approximately 105 vehicles.
The Life of Toyohiko Kagawa
Toyohiko Kagawa (July 10, 1888 – April 23, 1960) was a Christian social reformer who became one of Japan’s best-known advocates for poverty relief, workers’ rights, and the cooperative movement during the Taisho and Showa periods. Inspired by Christian teachings of love and compassion, he dedicated much of his life to supporting people in difficult circumstances. His commitment to the poor earned him the nickname “Saint of the Slums.”
Early Life and Christian Faith
Kagawa was born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. He lost his parents when he was young and grew up in Tokushima, where he experienced family hardship and social prejudice. At the age of 15, his family faced bankruptcy, and he continued his education under difficult circumstances.
In 1904, he was baptized as a Christian. His faith, along with his interest in Christian socialism and the anti-war ideas of Leo Tolstoy, profoundly influenced his outlook. He subsequently decided to devote himself to religious ministry and social service.
Working Among the Poor in Kobe
In 1909, Kagawa moved into the Shinkawa slum district of Kobe and began preaching in the streets while working directly with people living in poverty. Rather than limiting himself to religious activities, he sought practical ways to improve living conditions and provide assistance to vulnerable communities.
He later established the Kobe Jesus Band, an organization associated with his Christian outreach and social work. His efforts contributed to improvements in slum communities and helped advance the rights and welfare of workers.
Studies in the United States
In 1914, Kagawa traveled to the United States to study at Princeton Theological Seminary. His experiences there broadened his understanding of social welfare, labor issues, and organized efforts to address poverty. After returning to Japan, he continued developing social reform initiatives inspired by what he had learned.
Writing and the Cooperative Movement
Kagawa also gained recognition as a writer. His autobiographical novel, Across the Death Line (Shisen o Koete), became a major bestseller, selling more than one million copies and bringing wider attention to the lives of people living in poverty.
He was also a leading advocate of consumer cooperatives, which enable people to work together to purchase goods and support their communities. He helped establish the Kobe Consumers’ Cooperative, which later developed into Coop Kobe, one of Japan’s largest consumer cooperative organizations.
Through his writing, religious beliefs, and practical social initiatives, Kagawa sought to create a society in which people could live with greater dignity and mutual support. The museum preserves the story of these efforts and their lasting influence on Japanese social welfare.
Nearby Attractions
Roadside Station Dai-9-no-Sato
Located next to the memorial museum, this roadside station is a convenient stop for refreshments and local products. The surrounding area has strong historical connections with Germany, making it a useful starting point for exploring the region’s international heritage.
Naruto German House Museum
About two minutes on foot from the memorial museum, the Naruto German House Museum introduces the history of the Bando Prisoner-of-War Camp during World War I. Its exhibitions explain the lives of German prisoners and their cultural exchanges with local residents, including the historic 1918 performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in Japan.
Oasahiko Shrine
Approximately eight minutes on foot from the museum, Oasahiko Shrine is the principal shrine of historic Awa Province. Its grounds are home to the German Bridge and Meganebashi, stone bridges built by German prisoners of war that remain important reminders of the area’s history of international friendship.
German Village Park
About a 10-minute walk away, German Village Park occupies the site of the former Bando Prisoner-of-War Camp. Visitors can explore memorials and historic features associated with the German prisoners and learn more about the relationships that developed between them and the local community.
Awa Taisho Roman: Barto’s Garden
Approximately 12 minutes on foot from the museum, Barto’s Garden is a historical attraction associated with the film Baruto no Gakuen (Ode to Joy). The site features film sets and relocated buildings representing the former prisoner-of-war camp, offering another perspective on the area’s history.
Funamoto Farmhouse
About a 12-minute walk away, Funamoto Farmhouse is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. Its architecture served as the model for the exterior design of the Toyohiko Kagawa Memorial Museum, making it an interesting stop for visitors interested in historic buildings.
Ryozenji Temple
Ryozenji Temple, approximately 12 minutes on foot from the museum, is the first temple on the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage. It is traditionally regarded as the starting point for pilgrims setting out on this celebrated Buddhist route around Shikoku.
How to Get to the Museum
By train: From JR Bando Station on the Kōtoku Line, the museum is approximately a 20-minute walk.
By bus: From the Naruto-Nishi bus stop area, the museum is about a five-minute walk.
By car: The museum is approximately five minutes from Itano Interchange on the Takamatsu Expressway, 10 minutes from Aizumi Interchange on the Tokushima Expressway, and 15 minutes from Naruto Interchange on the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway.
Explore the Legacy of a Humanitarian
The Naruto City Toyohiko Kagawa Memorial Museum offers an engaging introduction to a man whose faith inspired a lifetime of social action. From poverty relief and workers’ rights to literature and consumer cooperatives, Kagawa’s work addressed many of the challenges faced by Japanese society during the first half of the 20th century.
A visit to the museum can be combined with nearby German-related historical sites, Oasahiko Shrine, and Ryozenji Temple. Together, these attractions provide a deeper understanding of the social history, cultural exchange, and spiritual traditions of Naruto and the surrounding region.