The "Ohara family," which you may have heard of at least once while living in Kurashiki, has been involved in various social contribution projects for many years, including the establishment of the Ohara Museum of Art.

While "physical structures" tend to attract attention, did you know that they have also been holding lectures for citizens?

The "70th Ohara Magosaburo and Soichiro Memorial Lecture," to be held on July 24, 2026 (Friday), has its roots in the "Kurashiki Sunday Lecture" founded by Magosaburo in 1902 (Meiji 35), and has been passed down to the present day while adapting to the times.

Every year, diverse lecturers from various fields are invited, and the lectures are held free of charge for the public.

About the 70th Ohara Magosaburo and Soichiro Memorial Lecture

The "Kurashiki Sunday Lecture," founded by Ohara Magosaburo, was taken over by his eldest son Soichiro after Magosaburo's passing.
Furthermore, even after Soichiro's death, it has been passed down through people who inherit that spirit, changing its name and form while transcending the times.

Currently, the "Ohara Magosaburo and Soichiro Memorial Lecture" is held once a year in late July, organized by the Yu-rinkai Foundation.

The lecture, which will be held on July 24, 2026 (Friday) at the Kurashiki Community Center Grand Hall, marks the 70th event. The lecturer will be Mr. Shoichi Inoue, Director of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies, who will give a lecture titled "Considering Japanese Streetscapes in Kurashiki."

Interview with the Yu-rinkai Foundation

I spoke with Mr. Kenta Mori from the Yu-rinkai Foundation, which operates the 70th Ohara Magosaburo and Soichiro Memorial Lecture.

Could you tell us about the background and purpose of the lecture?

Mori (no honorific)

Tracing the roots of the Ohara Magosaburo and Soichiro Memorial Lecture leads us to the "Kurashiki Sunday Lecture" started by the seventh generation of the Ohara family, Magosaburo. He invested his own money to create a space where top-notch experts were invited to provide knowledge free of charge to the general public at that time.

Later, his son Soichiro inherited that philosophy.
There were periods of interruption due to the historical context, but it was resumed after the war, and after Soichiro's death, it was renamed to the current "Ohara Magosaburo and Soichiro Memorial Lecture," continuing to this day.

Including the interruption period, this will mark the significant 70th event.

What are the highlights of this event?

Mori

This time, we will invite Mr. Shoichi Inoue, Director of the International Research Center for Japanese Studies and an architectural historian, as the lecturer. He is also known as the author of the bestseller "Kyoto Girai."

The theme of this lecture is "Considering Japanese Streetscapes in Kurashiki." From his expertise in architectural history and his unique perspective of "Re-examining Japan from the Inside and Outside," I believe we will hear interesting stories about the streetscapes of Kurashiki that we usually overlook.

Please share a message for the readers.

Mori

Reaching this significant milestone of the 70th event is not only thanks to the lecturers who have participated so far and those who have supported the event, but most importantly, it is because of the participants who come to the venue.

I strongly feel that the history and significance of these 70 events have been created together with the citizens of Kurashiki, not just by us, the organizers.

It is truly a rare opportunity to hear from top-notch experts directly in our hometown of Kurashiki. No prior registration is required, and anyone can participate for free.

I believe this will be a wonderful event again, so I hope you will feel free to invite your friends and family to come to the venue.

Conclusion

In today's world, where advancements in information and communication have made it possible for anyone to access a wealth of information, it is no small feat to continue the founding philosophy of providing a space where top-notch experts are invited to share knowledge free of charge.

I have great respect for the operators. It goes without saying, but it is not truly "free" to hold such events, and it is made possible with the support of many people.

This is a valuable opportunity to hear important talks for free in Kurashiki.
Please make sure to attend.

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