Exhibitions and Cultural Activities
The museum collects, preserves, researches, and presents materials related to literature and calligraphy in Tokushima. Its exhibitions introduce the achievements of regional writers and artists, while lectures, courses, and hands-on workshops provide opportunities to learn more about their work and techniques.
Whether you are interested in Japanese literature, traditional calligraphy, or the cultural history of Tokushima, the museum offers an engaging introduction to the people and creative works that have shaped the region’s artistic identity.
The Jakucho Setouchi Memorial Room
One of the museum’s highlights is the Jakucho Setouchi Memorial Room, dedicated to the life and work of Jakucho Setouchi, a celebrated novelist and Buddhist nun who was born in Tokushima City and served as the museum’s honorary director.
The memorial room explores her life, literary achievements, and spiritual journey. A study modeled on Jaku-an, her retreat in Sagano, Kyoto, has been recreated inside, offering visitors a glimpse of the quiet setting in which she lived and worked.
A beautiful Japanese garden outside the memorial room provides a tranquil place to pause and reflect. Together, the recreated study and garden evoke the peaceful atmosphere associated with Setouchi’s life and offer a welcome contrast to the bustle of the city.
Inside the Museum
The museum is arranged across three main floors, with exhibition spaces, reading facilities, classrooms, and rooms for cultural activities. Each floor offers a different way to explore literature and calligraphy or participate in the museum’s educational programs.
First Floor: Reception, Gallery, and Reading Room
Reception: Located in the center of the first floor, the reception desk provides visitor information and handles admission tickets. Visitors should begin their visit here.
Salon: This comfortable lounge is a place to rest, relax, and meet other visitors.
Gallery: The gallery hosts special exhibitions and events. It can also be rented by members of the public for exhibitions and other activities, with movable partition walls allowing the space to be arranged for different purposes.
Special Exhibition Room: This room is used for temporary exhibitions on literature and calligraphy. Outside exhibition periods, it can also be made available for public use.
Library and Reading Room: Visitors can browse books about literature and calligraphy to deepen their understanding of the museum’s exhibitions. The books are available for on-site reading but cannot be borrowed.
Second Floor: Workshops and Lecture Rooms
Practice Rooms 1 and 2: These rooms are equipped for practical activities, including calligraphy workshops, and have sinks for use during classes.
Lecture Rooms 1 and 2: These flexible spaces are available for cultural activities, study groups, and other gatherings. The two rooms can be connected to create a larger space when required.
Third Floor: Permanent Exhibitions and Literary Collections
Jakucho Setouchi Memorial Room: This exhibition traces Setouchi’s life and introduces the appeal of her literary works. The recreated study modeled on Jaku-an evokes the quiet atmosphere of her Kyoto retreat, while the adjacent Japanese garden offers a peaceful setting for contemplation.
Permanent Calligraphy Exhibition Room: This gallery displays works by calligraphers associated with Tokushima. One notable feature is a recreation of the study of Kisekki Kosaka, a calligrapher known as a devoted practitioner of the art. Visitors can learn about his distinctive approach and appreciate the expressive character of his brushwork.
Permanent Literature Exhibition Room: This exhibition introduces writers from Tokushima and explores their works from a variety of perspectives. Through literature inspired by the region’s people, places, and culture, visitors can discover the distinctive literary landscape of Tokushima.
Collection Exhibition Room: This room presents valuable research materials donated by Jakucho Setouchi, including documents relating to the history of modern Japanese women. Some materials can be viewed through a glass wall, and the collection also includes a section dedicated to items held by the museum. The materials may be available for research purposes.
Writers Represented in the Collection
The museum holds works by numerous writers connected with Tokushima, spanning a wide range of literary styles and historical periods. Its literary collection includes works by the following authors:
Masato Ara, Kayo Ikuta, Hajō Inoue, Tsutomu Inoue, Chōjin Imaeda, Jūzō Unno, Kiwawo Etsuda, Aisui Ōsaka, Toyohiko Kagawa, Sanji Takashi, Shōji Kimoto, Hideo Konishi, Junichirō Sako, Mamoru Sano, Baku Suzuki, Jakucho Setouchi, Han Takahara, Jitsuo Tsukuda, Yoshio Nakano, Itaru Nii, Akira Nogami, Yumedo Hashimoto, Masaharu Fuji, Tamio Hōjō, Chiyoji Hoshina, Shūji Matsunaga, Hanako Mita, Wenceslau de Moraes, and Toshio Moriuchi.
These writers represent the diversity of literary activity associated with Tokushima, making the collection a valuable resource for anyone interested in the region’s cultural history.
Calligraphers Represented in the Collection
The calligraphy collection features works by artists associated with Tokushima and beyond. Among the calligraphers represented are Chitō Izumi, Kankanshi, Kisekki Kosaka, Bokusen Sengoku, Shōju Sunada, Kinshō Takeichi, Kōhei Nakagawa, Hōmei Nakata, Kaikaku Niwa, Seikei Shirakawa, Gyokusei Naohara, Yasushi Nishiyama, Chōdō Hamada, Sekijō Hayashi, Setsuō Hosokawa, Endō Honda, Teigyō Masada, Shundō Yamashita, Kōdō Yoshioka, and Sekkei Wakata.
Through these works, visitors can explore the variety of styles, brush techniques, and artistic expressions found in Japanese calligraphy. The exhibitions also provide insight into the individuality of each artist and the enduring cultural significance of calligraphy in Japan.
Getting to the Museum
On Foot from JR Tokushima Station
The Tokushima Prefectural Museum of Literature and Calligraphy is approximately a 15-minute walk from JR Tokushima Station, making it convenient to visit while exploring central Tokushima City.
A Cultural Stop for Literature and Art Lovers
The Tokushima Prefectural Museum of Literature and Calligraphy offers a thoughtful introduction to the region’s writers, calligraphers, and cultural traditions. From the recreated study of Jakucho Setouchi to the permanent exhibitions of literature and calligraphy, the museum brings together personal stories, artistic expression, and valuable historical materials.
Visitors can explore the exhibitions at their own pace, browse the reading room, or discover the techniques of calligraphy through the museum’s educational activities. For travelers who want to look beyond Tokushima’s famous landscapes and festivals, this museum provides a rewarding opportunity to experience the region through its words, art, and creative heritage.