Bichu Kurashiki Studies is an association that studies the history and culture of the Bichu and Kurashiki regions and contributes to cultural advancement.
The first session, held on October 20, 2005, was titled "Field Training Session: The History of Kanryuji Temple: Instructor, Kanryuji Temple Chief Priest, Murata Ryuzen." As of March 14, 2024, a total of 177 sessions have been held on a wide range of topics.
The monthly lectures are widely open to the public, and anyone can participate for free.
We will introduce "Bichu Kurashiki Studies," where you can learn about the history and culture of a wide area centered around Kurashiki.
The information provided is based on the article published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Bichu Kurashiki Studies
"Bichu Kurashiki Studies" began in October 2005.
We will introduce the purpose of the association and the content of the lectures.
“Bichu Kurashiki Studies” was established by stakeholders (townspeople) around the Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District in Kurashiki, aiming to learn about the region's history and culture, and the association was named "Bichu Kurashiki Studies." Members were gathered through word of mouth, and the first session was held in October 2005.
Bichu Kurashiki Studies Official Website
Monthly lectures, combined with field trips, have been held every second Thursday at 2 PM (with August off). In collaboration with Kurashiki Community Center, the lectures are held in their large hall. Not only members but also the general public can participate for free without prior registration.
Members can participate in an annual bus field training session within the prefecture and visits to places not usually seen nearby, which are exclusive benefits for members.
The lecture topics have expanded beyond just Kurashiki to the wider Bizen and Bichu regions, covering various fields with interesting presentations, and we have invited speakers who can talk on those subjects.
In May 2016, we held the 150th session. The lectures consistently attract an average of around 70 attendees, including both members and non-members.
We hope to increase the number of members who agree with the purpose of "Bichu Kurashiki Studies" and to enhance the association with the power of the townspeople, learning in a fun way.
What is an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District?
The system for preserving traditional buildings was established with the revision of the Cultural Properties Protection Law in 1975. It aims to preserve historical settlements and townscapes such as castle towns and post towns, with each municipality applying to the national government for designation, and those deemed valuable by the government are selected as Important Traditional Buildings Preservation Districts.
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area has already been designated as "Kurashiki City Kurashiki Riverbank."
Review of Lecture Content until March 2024 (All 177 Sessions)
The lectures held until March 14, 2024, are as follows.
The number of lectures held is surprising, and I am also drawn to the wide range of topics and the distinguished speakers.
Field training sessions have also been conducted, starting from Kanryuji Temple and Achi Shrine, to the main island floating in the Seto Inland Sea.
By visiting not only Kurashiki but also a wide area, there may be new discoveries about the local history and culture.
The content of the lectures until March 2024 (all 177 sessions) is as follows.
| Session Number | Date | Topic | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 20, 2005 | Field Training Session: The History of Kanryuji Temple | Kanryuji Temple Chief Priest Murata Ryuzen |
| 2 | November 18, 2005 | Field Training Session: The History of Achi Shrine | Achi Shrine Chief Priest Ishimura Yoko |
| 3 | December 8, 2005 | Kurashiki Folk Songs: Kurashiki Bushi, Kurashiki Kouta, Kurashiki Ondo | Honorary President of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Hara Keiichiro |
| 4 | January 26, 2006 | The Old Records of Kurashiki Village | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Yamamoto Taro |
| 5 | February 14, 2006 | Kurashiki in the Late Genroku Period: Records of a Literary Person's Visit | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Ono Toshiya |
| 6 | March 9, 2006 | The Charity Granary of Kurashiki Village | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| 7 | April 3, 2006 | Field Training Session: The History of Hojima Temple | Chief Priest Shakushi Tetsujin |
| 8 | May 14, 2006 | Over 60 Years of Painting: Memoirs Centered on Ohara Museum of Art | Western Painter Okamoto Kaoru |
| 9 | June 7, 2006 | Viewing Kurashiki Village in the Edo Period through Illustrations | Prefectural Library Uchiike Hideki |
| 10 | July 7, 2006 | Various Issues Surrounding the Kojima Five Schools | Prefectural General Cultural Center Bepu Shingo |
| 11 | September 26, 2006 | Commemorative Lecture for Receiving the Kurashiki Cultural Award: Memoirs of Kurashiki's Townscape | Photographer Nakamura Akio |
| 12 | October 21, 2006 | Overview of the Eighty-Eight Sacred Sites of Kurashiki: History and Faith, Explanation from Stone Objects | Kanryuji Temple Chief Priest Murata Ryuzen, Director of Kurashiki Center for Buried Cultural Properties Fukumoto Akira |
| 13 | November 2, 2006 | Field Training Session: The History of Seiganji Temple | Seiganji Temple Chief Priest Shigatani Tokuo, Shigatani Shinsaku |
| 14 | December 7, 2006 | Kurashiki in the Late Edo Period: Attack on the Magistrate's Office | Prefectural Library Nobue Keiko |
| 15 | January 11, 2007 | Old and New Town Names in Kurashiki | Former High School Teacher Tanaka Masaya |
| 16 | February 8, 2007 | The Village Uprising of Old and New Records: Part One | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| 17 | March 8, 2007 | About Hayashi Buichi | Historical Researcher Yamashita Hiroshi |
| 18 | March 15, 2007 | Field Training Session: Tour of Historical Sites around Tsurugata Mountain | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| 19 | April 13, 2007 | The Legacy Left by Ohara Magosaburo in Kurashiki | Kurashiki Cable Television Sawada Masahiko |
| 20 | May 11, 2007 | The Village Uprising of Old and New Records: Part Two | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| Session Number | Date | Topic | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | June 14, 2007 | Buildings along the Kurashiki River | Advisor of Kurashiki Archaeological Museum Makabe Tadahiko |
| 22 | July 12, 2007 | The Inoue Family and Gokusenji Temple | Advisor of the Association Ono Toshiya |
| 23 | October 1, 2007 | Field Training Session: Morita Sake Brewery and Yurin-so Villa | President of Morita Sake Brewery Morita Akihiro, Ohara Museum of Art Staff |
| 24 | October 11, 2007 | Ohara Magosaburo and Ohara Soichiro as Seen from Ohara Museum of Art | Former Deputy Director of Ohara Museum of Art Hara Michihiko |
| 25 | November 8, 2007 | The History of Christianity in Kurashiki | Pastor of Kurashiki Church Miyazaki Tatsu |
| 26 | December 12, 2007 | Additional Notes on the Kurashiki Late Edo Period Disturbances: The Book by Tsunoda Naoichi and Shiba Ryotaro | Novelist Takada Masayuki (Former Sanyo Shimbun) |
| 27 | January 13, 2008 | The History of Waterways in the Kurashiki Region | Professor at Shujitsu University Nakano Michiko |
| 28 | February 14, 2008 | Students of Tekijuku: Kanemitsu Renpei and Beppu Kotomatsu | Former Sanyo Shimbun Matsuda Shungo, Doctor Kimura Dan |
| 29 | March 14, 2008 | New Rice Development in the Bichu Region during the Edo Period | Professor at Okayama University Kurachi Katsunao |
| 30 | April 1, 2008 | Kurashiki in Those Days: Explanation of a Photo Collection by Uchida Rentaro | Association Officer |
| 31 | May 8, 2008 | Kurashiki's Daikan Bodai Temple: Funakura Chorenji Temple | Chief Priest of Chorenji Temple Yagi Ryoji |
| 32 | May 9, 2008 | Field Training Session: Anyoji Temple and Gyogan-in Temple | Chief Priest of Anyoji Temple Obata Tetsuma, Chief Priest of Gyogan-in Temple Hayashi Kosho |
| 33 | June 12, 2008 | The Lord of the Obie Region: Hatamoto Tokawa Family | Local Historian Sugihara Naoshi |
| 34 | July 1, 2008 | Ohara Soichiro and the Okinawa Volunteer Corps | Novelist Takada Masayuki (Former Sanyo Shimbun Reporter) |
| 35 | September 11, 2008 | Kurashiki in Those Days: Expanded Explanation of a Photo Collection by Uchida Rentaro: Part 2 | Bichu Kurashiki Studies Officers |
| 36 | October 9, 2008 | The Mayor Who Protected Kurashiki | Former Sanyo Shimbun Reporter Yoshizawa Toshitada |
| 37 | November 6, 2008 | 100 Years After His Death: Isozaki Ninkai and Nishikikan | Kurashiki City Board of Education Yoshihara Mutsumi |
| 38 | December 11, 2008 | A Japanese Youth Gifted a Bible by Tolstoy | Professor at Sanyo Gakuen University Ota Kenichi |
| 39 | January 8, 2009 | Kurashiki in the Edo Period: The Bichu Region and Kurashiki | Okayama Prefectural Archives Sadakane Manabu |
| 40 | February 12, 2009 | Old Roads of Kurashiki that Remain Today | Former Sanyo Shimbun Commentary Committee Chief Matsuda Shungo |
| Session Number | Date | Topic | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | March 12, 2009 | Local Historians: Nagayama Usaburo | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| 42 | April 9, 2009 | Field Training Session: Fugen-in Temple, Kokubunji Temple, Asao Jin'ya Ruins | Chief Priest of Fugen-in Temple Manishi Yoshinori, Chief Priest of Kokubunji Temple Iima Myoe |
| 43 | May 14, 2009 | Jaku Gan: His Life and Achievements | Chief Priest of Hojima Temple Shakushi Tetsujin |
| 44 | June 11, 2009 | Chronicles of Kurashiki's Literary Figures | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Ono Toshiya |
| 45 | July 9, 2009 | Kibi no Makibi | Local Historian Nakayama Kaoru (Former High School Teacher) |
| 46 | September 1, 2009 | Onmyoji Who Colored Kibi | Director of Katayama Gakuen Sugishin |
| 47 | October 8, 2009 | About the Ohashi Family | Kurashiki City Historical Materials Maintenance Office Yamamoto Taro |
| 48 | November 5, 2009 | Commemorative Lecture for Receiving the Kurashiki Cultural Award: The Townscape of Kurashiki: Taisho and Showa | Kurashiki Archaeological Museum Makabe Tadahiko |
| 49 | December 1, 2009 | The Mingei Movement in Kurashiki | Director of Kurashiki Museum of Folkcraft Yasui Akio |
| 50 | January 14, 2010 | Separation of Shinto and Buddhism and Kurashiki | Kanryuji Temple Chief Priest Murata Ryuzen |
| 51 | February 4, 2010 | The Thought of "Tenkaizu" in Sesshu | Director of Katayama Gakuen Sugishin |
| 52 | March 11, 2010 | Festivals of Old Kurashiki | Part-time Lecturer at Okayama University of Economics Yoshihara Mutsumi |
| 53 | April 8, 2010 | Editing the History of Kurashiki Town: Various Aspects | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| 54 | May 13, 2010 | Ryoan: His Way of Life | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Ono Toshiya |
| 55 | May 2, 2010 | Field Training Session: Kumano Shrine, Goryu Sonryaku-in Temple, Fujido Temple | |
| 56 | June 1, 2010 | Chronicles of Kurashiki Figures | Chairman of Okayama Modern History Research Association Morimoto Tatsuaki |
| 57 | July 8, 2010 | History of Ohara Museum of Art through Images | Former NHK Reporter Nanba Yuichi |
| 58 | September 9, 2010 | The Formation of the Plains around Kurashiki | Former Director of Kurashiki Museum of Natural History Nakada Taiumi |
| 59 | October 14, 2010 | Designer of Yurin-so Villa: Yakushiji Kazue | Professor at Notre Dame Seishin University Ueda Kyoshi |
| 60 | November 18, 2010 | Haru Sumiji: A Person and Achievements from the Perspective of Social Work | Part-time Lecturer at Sanyo Gakuen University Abe Noriko |
| Session Number | Date | Topic | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | December 9, 2010 | The Footsteps of Morita Setsui | Chief Priest of Ashitaka Shrine Inoue Ryoji |
| 62 | January 13, 2011 | The History of Tamashima | President of Tamashima Tourism and Cultural Promotion Association Mushakume Tokuji |
| 63 | February 1, 2011 | Prehistory of Ohara Museum of Art: The Craft Activities of Sorakudo | Professor at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts Suzuki Madoka |
| 64 | March 1, 2011 | Preservation of Kurashiki's Townscape and Administration | Former Vice Mayor of Kurashiki City, Chairman of Kurashiki Cultural Federation Muruyama Takayoshi |
| 65 | April 4, 2011 | Viewing the Restoration of the Five-Story Pagoda of Kokubunji Temple through Images | Former NHK Reporter Nanba Yuichi |
| 66 | April 26, 2011 | Field Training Session: Ancient Tombs and Stone Tablets in Mabi Town | Cultural Properties Protection Section Curator of Kurashiki City Fujiwara Noriyoshi |
| 67 | May 12, 2011 | Local Poet: Tsunoda Naoichi | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Omori Hisao |
| 68 | June 9, 2011 | The Battles in Southern Bichu Surrounding the Water Attack on Takamatsu Castle | Local Historian Hata Kazuyoshi |
| 69 | July 14, 2011 | Viewing Kurashiki through Illustrations and Photographs | Local Historian Yamamoto Taro |
| 70 | September 8, 2011 | The Case of Ooka Echizen and the Fukuda New Rice Lawsuit | Local Historian Kunimori Takushi |
| 71 | October 13, 2011 | The Geographer of the Oddities: Furukawa Komatsuken | Local Historian Takebayashi Eiichi |
| 72 | November 17, 2011 | War Heritage: The Underground Factory of Kamejima Mountain | Local Historian Nanba Tatsuoki |
| 73 | December 8, 2011 | Kawata Kamei: Materials and the Person | Local Historian Miyake Akizo |
| 74 | January 12, 2012 | Preservation of Kurashiki's Townscape | Cultural Properties Protection Section Curator of Kurashiki City Fujiwara Noriyoshi |
| 75 | February 9, 2012 | Mingei and Kurashiki | Chairman of Okayama Prefectural Mingei Association Kanemitsu Akira |
| 76 | March 8, 2012 | Hanabusa Tanden | Curator of Kurashiki City Library Watanabe Takao |
| 77 | April 12, 2012 | Viewing Mizushima Industrial Complex through Images | Former NHK Reporter Nanba Yuichi |
| 78 | May 1, 2012 | Publication Commemorative Lecture: Ancient Poets' Poems on Bichu Kojima: Famous Places and Waka Considerations: Parts 1 and 2 | Honorary President of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Hara Keiichiro |
| 79 | June 14, 2012 | The History of the East Takahashi River Estuary Region before the Establishment of Mizushima | Local Historian Hata Kazuyoshi |
| 80 | June 21, 2012 | Field Training Session: Muuimura Villa and Others |
| Session Number | Date | Topic | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | July 12, 2012 | The Current State of Religion in the Obie and Toyosu Areas | Local Historian Sugihara Naoshi |
| 82 | September 13, 2012 | The Railways of Kurashiki | Associate Professor at Kibi International University Konishi Nobuhiko |
| 83 | October 11, 2012 | The 21st Century of Ohara Museum of Art | Chairman of Ohara Museum of Art Ohara Kenichiro |
| 84 | November 8, 2012 | The Litigants of the New Rice Lawsuit: Minamoto Suke and His Family and Relatives | Researcher at Ibara City Board of Education Shudo Yukie |
| 85 | December 13, 2012 | Viewing the Lives of Kurashiki Figures through Images | Former NHK Reporter Nanba Yuichi |
| 86 | January 10, 2013 | The Bridges of Okayama | Curator of Kurashiki City Library Watanabe Takao |
| 87 | February 14, 2013 | Connecting History to the Future | Director of Kurashiki Architectural Workshop Narimura Tohru |
| 88 | March 14, 2013 | Stone Statues in Bichu: Komainu | Curator of Kurashiki Center for Buried Cultural Properties Fujiwara Koji |
| 89 | April 11, 2013 | Memories of Mr. Honda Minoru | Former Chief of Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory Kanemoto Kunio |
| 90 | May 9, 2013 | The Townscape and Professions of Kurashiki Village in the Edo Period | Director of Kurashiki City Historical Materials Maintenance Office Yamamoto Taro |
| 91 | June 6, 2013 | Field Training Session: The Water Attack on Takamatsu Castle and the Townscape of Asomori | Officer of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Yamane Iwao |
| 92 | June 13, 2013 | Kurashiki Charity Granary: The Depth of the Benevolent Heart | Member of Okayama Local History Research Association Uchiike Hideki |
| 93 | July 11, 2013 | Yamada Hougetsu and His Students | Representative of the Yamada Hougetsu Learning Association Watanabe Michio |
| 94 | September 12, 2013 | Ohara Magosaburo's Idealism in Labor | Professor at Notre Dame Seishin University Ueda Kyoshi |
| 95 | October 10, 2013 | The History of Takasebune | Director of Okayama Prefectural Museum Tamura Keisuke |
| 96 | November 14, 2013 | The Past, Present, and Future of the Takahashi River and the Oda River | Okayama River Office Staff |
| 97 | December 12, 2013 | Bichu Kagura: Various Stories | Upper House of Okayama Prefectural Shrine Seno Kenji |
| 98 | January 9, 2014 | Kurashiki Village and Tamashima Port in the Late Edo Period | Director of Kurashiki City Historical Materials Maintenance Office Yamamoto Taro |
| 99 | February 13, 2014 | About the Appearance of the Monzen Town of Yuga Mountain | Part-time Lecturer at Okayama University of Economics Yoshihara Mutsumi |
| 100 | March 13, 2014 | About the New Book: The People of Yoshimi | Chief of Soja City Cultural Section Sasada Kenichi |
| Session Number | Date | Topic | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 101 | April 1, 2014 | Folk Tales of the Bichu Region | Honorary Chairman of Okayama Folklore Society Tateishi Noriyoshi |
| 102 | May 8, 2014 | Video Record: Festivals around the Bikan Historical Area | Part-time Lecturer at Okayama University of Economics Yoshihara Mutsumi |
| 103 | June 5, 2014 | Field Training Session: Kanemori Hideyoshi Residence, Historical Materials Maintenance Office, Yakage Honjin Ishii Family, Fukutake Residence | Kanemori Family, Maintenance Office Staff, Volunteer Guides |
| 104 | June 12, 2014 | Okada Domain: Inspection of the Domain and Its People | Historical Researcher Tateishi Tomoaki |
| 105 | July 1, 2014 | The Architecture of the Late Wada Seiichi | PM Manager of Fujiki Construction Co., Ltd. Kurashiki Branch Kasaki Kenji |
| 106 | September 11, 2014 | Bichu Kurashiki Studies 100th Commemorative Lecture: "Viewing the History of Kurashiki through Illustrations and Photographs" | Advisor of Bichu Kurashiki Studies Yamamoto Taro, Yoshihara Mutsumi |
| 107 | October 9, 2014 | Volunteer Work: Health, Waste, Seriousness, and Not Being Arrogant | Kurashiki Glass Kotani Masami |
| 108 | November 13, 2014 | Field Training Session: Cultural Property Protection and the Future of Kurashiki | Professor at Okayama University of Science Ezume Tsugito |
| 109 | December 11, 2014 | The History of Pollution in the Mizushima Area and Efforts for Regeneration | Director and Researcher of Mizushima Foundation Shiowaki Toshifumi |
| 110 | January 8, 2015 | People of Mabi: Araki Bunju and Others | Curator of Cultural Properties Protection Section of Kurashiki City Fujiwara Noriyoshi |
| 111 | February 12, 2015 | The Truth about the Warlord Araki Murashige | Researcher of Araki Murashige Takemoto Hiroko |
| 112 | March 12, 2015 | The History of Road Development in Okayama | Director of National Highway Office of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Watanabe Ryoichi |
| 113 | April 9, 2015 | Predecessors Related to Ibara | Secretary General of the Predecessors Commemoration Association Kataoka Yoshihito |
| 114 | May 14, 2015 | Modern Painting in Bichu | Curator of Kurashiki City Art Museum Maeda Ko |
| 115 | May 29, 2015 | Field Training Session: Tour of Historical Sites in Ibara City | Specialist of the Predecessors Commemoration Association Oshima Chizuru |
| 116 | June 11, 2015 | Through the Architecture of Urabe Chintaro: The Black and White of Kurashiki, the White and Red | Representative Director of Urabe Design Nishimura Kiyoshi |
| 117 | July 9, 2015 | Kojima Taketoku and Goryu Sonryaku-in Temple | Historical Materials Maintenance Office of Kurashiki City Oshima Chizuru |
| 118 | September 10, 2015 | 10th Anniversary Commemorative Symposium: Chinese Studies in Bichu Kurashiki - Mishima Nakashu and Shibusawa Eiichi | Hosted by Kurashiki Community Center Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation |
| 119 | October 15, 2015 | Wakayama Bokusui and Okayama | Director of Kibiji Literary Museum Endo Kenzo |
| 120 | November 12, 2015 | Field Training Session: Kurashiki Church, Wakadake no Sono, the Architectural Culture Left by Nishimura Isaku in Kurashiki | First-Class Architect Nakamura Yoji |
| Session | Date | Title | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 121st | December 10, 2015 | Hayashi Buichi and the Patriots of the Restoration | Historian Tomoaki Tateishi |
| 122nd | January 14, 2016 | The Famous Governor of Kurashiki | Historian Taro Yamamoto |
| 123rd | February 18, 2016 | Hojo Soun and the Mountain Castles of Ibara | Professor Satoshi Ozaki, Okayama Gakuin University |
| 124th | March 10, 2016 | About the Water Supply of Kurashiki | Former Kurashiki City Employee Yasuhiro Kotani |
| 125th | April 14, 2016 | Father of Montenlupa, Hidenobu Kaga | Chief Curator Ayako Yanagisawa, Ibara City Board of Education Cultural Division |
| 126th | May 12, 2016 | What We Have Learned So Far! The Ancient Tombs of Qin | Director Noriko Hirai, Soja City Learning Center for Buried Cultural Properties |
| 127th | May 26, 2016 | Study Tour: Visiting the Ancient Tombs and Historical Sites of Soja City | Curator Shin Murata, Soja City Cultural Division |
| 128th | June 9, 2016 | Kojima Torajiro and Kurashiki | Chief Curator Ayumi Yoshikawa, Ohara Museum of Art |
| 129th | July 14, 2016 | Notable Figures of Bizen and Bitchu during the Late Edo and Meiji Periods - Mishima, Nozaki, Ohara | Professor Etsuko Makizumi, Nihon University |
| 130th | September 15, 2016 | Masashi Yokomizo and Okayama | Researcher Yoshimitsu Amimoto, Masashi Yokomizo |
| 131st | October 13, 2016 | 50 Years After the Death of Haru Sumiji: "Daring Not to Be the First in the World - The Life of Haru Sumiji" Publication Commemorative Symposium | Coordinator Keiko Morita |
| 132nd | November 10, 2016 | Study Tour: Visiting Kurashiki Central Hospital (Buildings, Paintings, Folkcraft) Ohara Concept and Kurashiki Central Hospital | Advisor Junhiko Tsujino, UR Design |
| 133rd | December 8, 2016 | The World of Shinichi Saito | Noriko Okutomi, Kibi no Bunjin Museum, Chie Sasaki, Kurashiki City Art Museum |
| 134th | January 12, 2017 | Social Contribution: The People of the Ohara Family | Historian Taro Yamamoto |
| 135th | February 9, 2017 | Rediscovering Okayama Dialect! | President of Okayama Dialect Association Taro Aoyama |
| 136th | March 9, 2017 | Shinbun: The Mastery of Tsujihara Kazuhiko and Southern Painting | Members of the Southern Painting Association Eiji Kadota, Fujio Nikuma |
| 137th | April 13, 2017 | Ryoan and Children | Children's Literature Author and Contemporary Poet Fumiko Kawagoe |
| 138th | May 11, 2017 | The World of Medieval Manor II: The Formation and Development of the New Mine Manor under the Tōji | Part-time Lecturer at Hyogo Prefectural University and Doctor of Literature at Tsukuba University Yoshio Tatsuta |
| 139th | May 27, 2017 | Study Tour: The History of the New Mine Manor | Part-time Lecturer at Hyogo Prefectural University and Doctor of Literature at Tsukuba University Yoshio Tatsuta |
| 140th | June 8, 2017 | The Bitchu Eastern Region from the Kofun Period to Ancient Times | Professor Shuichi Kameda, Okayama University of Science |
| Session | Date | Title | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 141st | July 13, 2017 | The Mystery of Okayama: Ukita Naoie, Hideie, and the Loyal Retainer Akashi Kambun Tōru | Former President of Okayama Historical Research Association Katsuaki Amano |
| 142nd | September 14, 2017 | Metal Mines of Bitchu: Obie to Fukiya | Associate Professor Nobuhiko Konishi, Kibi International University |
| 143rd | October 12, 2017 | Grandma and the Hermit | Japanese Folk Toy Museum Hiroaki Oga |
| 144th | November 16, 2017 | The Great Painter Sesshu and Jugezan Chōgen-ji Temple in Bitchu | Sesshu Discussion Group Chizuru Oshima |
| 145th | December 14, 2017 | Shiwaku Carpenters | Representative of the Shiwaku Carpenter Association Kunio Miyake |
| 146th | January 11, 2018 | The Guardian Deity of Kurashiki Village | Advisor Mutsumi Yoshihara, Bitchu Kurashiki Studies |
| 147th | February 8, 2018 | The Revelation of Kibi no Hikohiko | Specialist in Exhibits at Okayama Castle Keep Tokunao Demiya |
| 148th | March 8, 2018 | Yamada Hougetsu and the Meiji Restoration | General Manager of Okayama Prefectural Museum Nobuyuki Takehara |
| 149th | April 12, 2018 | Walking the Elephant Sanyo Road to Edo | Former Director of Okayama Prefectural Archives Nobuyuki Arima |
| 150th | May 10, 2018 | The Turbulent Times and the Footsteps of Inukai Kikudo | Director of Inukai Kikudo Memorial Museum Tadashi Itano |
| 151st | June 1, 2018 | Study Tour: Visiting Hōfuku-ji, Entsu-ji, and Yugasan Rendai-ji Temples | |
| 152nd | June 14, 2018 | Shimotsui and the Kitamae Ships | Former Director of Shimotsui Shipping Company Katsutoshi Yabuki |
| 153rd | September 13, 2018 | Viewing the History of Kurashiki through Video | Deputy Representative of Kurashiki Revitalization Group Hisamasa Oga and Fumiko Otsuka |
| 154th | October 11, 2018 | Ikeda Tsunamasa and Korakuen | Okayama Personal Biography Discussion Group Yoshio Sugiyama |
| 155th | November 22, 2018 | Painter Kojima Torajiro | Chief Curator Hideyuki Yanagisawa, Ohara Museum of Art |
| 156th | December 13, 2018 | About Okayama's Sake - From Its History | Director of Okayama Prefectural Archives Gaku Sadakane |
| 157th | January 10, 2019 | The Town of Kurashiki and the Ohashi Family | Advisor Taro Yamamoto, Bitchu Kurashiki Studies |
| 158th | February 14, 2019 | Plants of Bitchu | Curator Shungo Kariyama, Kurashiki Museum of Natural History |
| 159th | March 14, 2019 | Rōro Okazaki and Kōjōkan | Advisor Chizuru Oshima, Sesshu Discussion Group |
| 160th | April 11, 2019 | Walking the Post Town Yakage - The History and Cultural Assets of Yakage | Yakage Town Board of Education Nozomu Nishino |
| Session | Date | Title | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161st | May 9, 2019 | The Modern Da Vinci: Ono Mitsuemon | Director of Inukai Kikudo Memorial Museum Tadashi Itano |
| 162nd | June 13, 2019 | Live Narration and Films: "The Great Hero Jiraiya" and "The Child's Treasure Trouble" | Narrator Katsutoshi Yabuki and Mutsumi Yabuki |
| 163rd | June 20, 2019 | Study Tour: Visiting the Footsteps of Shiwaku Carpenters on Honjima | Representative of the Shiwaku Carpenter Association Kunio Miyake |
| 164th | July 11, 2019 | The Footsteps of Inō Tadaaki's Survey Team - Focusing on the Bitchu Region | Professor Yasuo Kawai, Notre Dame Seishin University |
| 165th | September 12, 2019 | The Transformation Period of the Takkyō Bridge Paintings - Focusing on the 1930s | Director of Chikkyo Art Museum Shiro Kamizono |
| 166th | October 10, 2019 | Reflecting on 150 Years of Meiji: The Kobe Incident and Takizawa Yoshizaburo | Advisor Yoshio Sugiyama, Okayama Personal Biography Discussion Group |
| 167th | November 14, 2019 | Ancient Romance: The Legend of Kurohime | Former Director of Kibi no Bunjin Museum Kenzo Endo |
| 168th | December 12, 2019 | The Life and Art of Hirakushi Denchu | Chief of Tanaka Art Museum Hiroaki Aoki |
| 169th | January 16, 2020 | Kurashiki Village in the Early Edo Period | Advisor Taro Yamamoto, Bitchu Kurashiki Studies |
| 170th | February 13, 2020 | Western Learning in Tsuyama - Focusing on the Udagawa and Mitsukuri Families | Curator Miho Tanaka, Tsuyama Western Learning Museum |
| 171st | September 14, 2023 | 100 Years with the Community | Special Advisor Hideo Tomita, Kurashiki Central Hospital |
| 172nd | October 12, 2023 | Viewing the Ancient Records of Kurashiki Village: The Inoue Family | Advisor Taro Yamamoto, Bitchu Kurashiki Studies |
| 173rd | November 16, 2023 | Okazaki Kapeita | Curator Ayako Hatsuoka, Okazaki Kapeita Memorial Museum |
| 174th | December 14, 2023 | Kinojo Castle and the Momotaro Legend | Chief Priest Kyōsaku Takeda, Gokuraku-ji Temple |
| 175th | January 11, 2024 | The Basics of Shrines | Chief Priest Koji Ota, Tsuruzaki Shrine |
| 176th | February 8, 2024 | Kajiwara Motoji | Former Director of Kanemitsu Library Eiko Kanemitsu |
| 177th | March 14, 2024 | Tatetsuki Site and Its Era | Special Professor Akira Fukumoto, Okayama University of Commerce |
Books on Bitchu Kurashiki Studies and the history of Kurashiki City by Chairman Murata are also available for sale.
Scheduled Events for 2024 (Reiwa 6)
The schedule from April 2024 (Reiwa 6) is as follows.
All the topics for each session are intriguing and exciting.
| Date | Title | Speaker (Honorifics omitted) |
|---|---|---|
| April 11, 2024 | (Okayama Religious Walk) Religion and Religions in Okayama | Secretary General of Okayama Historical Research Association Ryozo Yamada |
| May 9, 2024 | Okayama Sake - Focusing on Bitchu Sake Brewers and Breweries | Sake Taster Maki Ichida |
| June 13, 2024 | Shibusawa Eiichi, Featured on the New 10,000 Yen Bill, and Okayama | Advisor of the Okayama Town Development Council "Kaze wo Amu Kai" and Former Head of Research at the Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation Masato Kimura |
| July 11, 2024 | Six Years After the Disaster: The Current State of the Mabi Emergency Flood Control Project | Okayama River Office, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism |
| September 12, 2024 | The Tragic Envoy to Europe: Ikeda Nagahatsu and Ibara - The Samurai Who Stood Before the Sphinx | Local History Researcher Chizuru Oshima |
Interview with the "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies" Planning Committee
An interview with the members of the "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies" Planning Committee was conducted.
The interview is based on the content from the initial coverage in August 2023.
The "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies" is operated by 11 members, with the head being the chief priest of Kanryuji Temple, Murata Ryūzen.
Among them, interviews were conducted with the following individuals.
- Secretary Eisuke Yoshimura
- Treasurer Yoko Ozaki
- Director Iwao Yamane
- Director Eiji Kamada
What kind of activities does "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies" engage in?
Yoshimura (Honorifics omitted)
Centered around Kanryuji Temple (Chief Priest Murata), several founding members including Yamane initiated the Bitchu Kurashiki Studies.
It started in the precincts of Kanryuji Temple and later borrowed the large hall of Kurashiki Community Center to hold events in collaboration with the community center.
Bitchu Kurashiki Studies is supported by its members and their membership fees, and it is run by volunteer members.
In fact, general participants, who do not need to pay membership fees, can attend the lectures for free, so many general participants join.
Members have the opportunity to participate in an annual study tour and social gathering by bus, with a partial fee covered. This has become an important venue for interaction among members and for everyone to promote Bitchu Kurashiki Studies together.
There are individual members and corporate supporting members, with individual membership costing 4,000 yen per year and corporate supporting membership costing 10,000 yen per year. Membership applications can be made at the reception of the lectures.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that 70% of members are over 70 years old, it would be great if more young individuals could join as individual members upon resuming activities.
You are also sharing information on your website.
Kamada (Honorifics omitted)
I am responsible for updating the website.
Since October 2005, we have held 170 sessions, and the upcoming sessions have also been uploaded.
Primarily, I have been involved in the publication of books issued by "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies," and as a result, I became active as a planning committee member.
It’s impressive that you have held 170 sessions so far. How are the lectures and speakers selected? Is it possible to view past lectures?
Yoshimura
We hold a planning committee meeting about once a month, where each committee member recommends the next speaker, and decisions are made.
Regarding past lectures, we have compiled nearly 150 sessions into DVDs, which are stored at the Music Library of Kurashiki Community Center.
Since some speakers have passed away, I believe these are valuable materials, but due to insufficient organization, it is currently difficult to utilize them.
In the future, I would like to consider better organization and utilization methods.
What is the current composition of the planning committee members who are running the organization?
Yoshimura
The chairman is Chief Priest Murata of Kanryuji Temple.
I serve as the secretary, and there are 8 committee members including myself.
Additionally, we have asked a former city official to serve as vice-chairman.
Are there any popular courses?
Yamane (Honorifics omitted)
Popular courses include those related to the Sengoku period and the Meiji Restoration, similar to the NHK Taiga Drama.
What other activities does Ozaki, who is involved as the treasurer of "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies," engage in?
Kamada
Ozaki is a renowned flower arrangement instructor and holds exhibitions, and at "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies," she creates large flower arrangements for each lecture.
Ozaki (no honorifics)
There are nearly 300 flower arrangement schools across the country, and my school is Kuwahara Senkei-ryu.
The headmaster is in Kyoto, and it is a school with many members in Kurashiki City.
Additionally, the impetus for 'Bitchu Kurashiki Studies' came from my studies about Mishima Chushu (the late Mishima Chushu), who is from Nakajima in Kurashiki City, and my love for history.
I am also a member of the Nakajima District Local Studies Group, where we interpret hanging scrolls written by Mishima Chushu and publish books about him.
In fact, fifth graders at Kurashiki City Nakajima Elementary School learn about Mishima Chushu every year, making him a familiar figure.
Yamane
Mishima Chushu is the founder of Nishogakusha University (in Chiyoda, Tokyo) and is also famous for being the educational advisor to Emperor Taisho.
Is there a reason behind the name 'Bitchu Kurashiki Studies'?
Yamane
The name 'Bitchu Kurashiki Studies' was coined by Mr. Morita of Morita Sake Brewery.
In fact, many of Mr. Morita and the planning committee members of 'Bitchu Kurashiki Studies' are parishioners of Kanryuji Temple, which is a characteristic of the group that gathers around Kanryuji Temple.
Kamada
While it is not the origin of the group's name and is not publicly stated, I believe it is connected to the 'Kurashiki Sunday Lectures' that Ohara Magosaburo held as a place for citizens to study.
Unlike courses organized by the city hall or those held as hobbies by individuals, it is an activity like an NPO that is held in collaboration between the public and private sectors, which is why it has been able to continue for a long time.
The lecture series will resume in September 2023. All the lectures seem interesting.
Yoshimura
The first lecture is from the representative of Kurashiki, Kurashiki Central Hospital, so I think it is a fitting lecture for a fresh start.
When you think of Kurashiki, you think of the Ohara family.
The Ohara family founded Kurashiki Central Hospital.
Since the central hospital has reached its 100th anniversary, I hope it will receive attention.
Ozaki
Kurashiki Central Hospital celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 2, 2023.
As part of the commemorative projects, initiatives such as the installation of a water stop wall and the origami crane wall are also underway, creating a lot of excitement.
Yamane
One of the highlights is the G7 Kurashiki Labor and Employment Ministers' Meeting held recently in Kurashiki City, which is also related to the efforts of Ohara Magosaburo to improve labor health and environment.
After three years, the resumption has come, but were there any difficulties?
Kamada
It is not something we are doing forcibly or as a business, so rather than difficulties, it feels natural to resume.
It was more like, when should we resume?
Of course, there is no intention to quit, and we are doing it in a natural way.
When you think about it, it is a mysterious group.
Yoshimura
That's right.
There were no difficulties leading up to the resumption, and since the COVID-19 infection transitioned to a category 5 infectious disease, it felt like we could naturally resume whenever we wanted.
Originally, we wanted to start in April 2023, but due to preparations, we were able to announce the resumption in September.
I hope many people will participate in the lecture series and that as many people as possible will join as members.
From the Writer
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 'Bitchu Kurashiki Studies', which I have been looking forward to resuming, will continue into the 2024 fiscal year.
One thing I regret is that the meetings are held on Thursdays, but I will participate as much as possible and want to learn broadly about the history and culture of the Bitchu and Kurashiki regions, making it an opportunity for cultural advancement.
I hope to see you at the venue!
Articles about Bitchu Kurashiki Studies
Data on Bitchu Kurashiki Studies
| Name | Bitchu Kurashiki Studies |
|---|---|
| Date of Meetings | Every second Thursday of the month from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (usually closed in August) Anyone can attend without reservation, even if they are not a member |
| Location | Kurashiki Community Center, Large Hall |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Membership for 'Bitchu Kurashiki Studies' is open for voluntary contributions ・Individual member: 4,000 yen (annual fee) ・Corporate sponsor member: 10,000 yen (annual fee) Members can participate in exclusive bus trips, study tours, and social gatherings ・Applications can be made at the reception of the monthly lectures ・Announcements are published in the Sanyo Shimbun (Information Plaza) every Thursday |
