Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku, which began in October 2005, holds monthly lectures open to the public.
It has continued for 20 years, and the next session, on February 12, 2026, will mark the milestone of its 200th session.
The theme of the symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary and 200th session of Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku is “The Ohara Family’s Contributions to Society.” We spoke with the organizers about the purpose behind the event.
The information presented here was current when this article was published in February 2026. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku?
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku is an organization that studies the history and culture of the Bitchu and Kurashiki region and contributes to cultural enrichment.
Its monthly lectures are open to the public, and anyone can attend for free.
It began with the first session on October 20, 2005, “On-site Study Session: The History of Kanryuji Temple — Lecturer: Kanryuji Temple Head Priest Murata Ry zen.” By January 8, 2026, it had held 199 sessions on a wide range of topics.
And the next session, on February 12, 2026, will be the 200th.
A lecture and symposium on the “Ohara family,” whose history is inseparable from the Bikan Historical Area, will be held.
See the image below for details.
Interview with the Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku Planning Committee
We spoke with Otsuka Fumiko and Ozaki Yoko, members of Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku, about the commemorative symposium.
Could you tell us how the event came about?
Otsuka (surname only)
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku, and the lecture series will also reach its 200th session—a significant milestone. So we decided to hold a commemorative symposium on a larger scale than usual.
We chose the Ohara family as the theme because when you think of Kurashiki, the Ohara family is inseparable from it.
Many Kurashiki residents know about the social contributions of the well-known Ohara Magosaburo, but this time we also wanted to shine a light on people such as his predecessor Koshiro, who laid the foundations, and Sohei.
Magosaburo was able to carry out such remarkable projects because Koshiro had built a strong economic foundation, including through investments in KURABO INDUSTRIES LTD. We wanted to delve into “the deeper history of the Ohara family,” and that was the starting point for this event.
What are some highlights?
Ozaki (surname only)
First, attendees will be able to watch a video of “Ohara Magosaburo’s funeral,” something rarely seen.
In addition to Professor Taro Yamamoto, an adviser to Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku, we have invited Professors Masato Kimura and Hiroshi Mizushima as speakers. Professor Mizushima is scheduled to talk about the precious collections and the garden at Ohara House Katalyzer, as well as other “treasures of Kurashiki” that have not been seen before.
There will be more than just one-way lectures; we also plan to set aside time for questions from the audience.
Professor Kimura will connect participants’ questions with the history of the Ohara family as he explains, so I think it will be an engaging, interactive event.
Do you have a message for our readers?
Otsuka
The Bikan Historical Area is now bustling with tourists, but many people leave after eating and shopping, and it seems that more local residents, too, are unfamiliar with Kurashiki’s rich history. I find that a little sad.
Learning the history—why the townscape is so beautiful today and how the Ohara family contributed—should make the scenery of Kurashiki look different.
“A history study group” may sound daunting, but you don’t have to be a member; we’d be delighted if you simply came along to listen once.
Our group is aging, but we hope this will spark interest among younger generations and newcomers, and help us pass on opportunities to learn about history to the future.
From the Writer
20 years of activity and 200 lectures
The fact that they have continued to hold these lectures for free is, to put it simply, “amazing,” and I have nothing but respect for the organizers. Of course, they cannot really be held “for free”; this is made possible by the support of many people.
Since the event takes place during the day on a weekday, it may be difficult for people with work or school commitments to attend, but this is a milestone symposium.
Please come along and learn about Kurashiki’s history.
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Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku 20th Anniversary Symposium: “The Ohara Family’s Contributions to Society”
Address:
Kurashiki Community Center, Main Hall
2-21 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture
Date and time:
Thursday, February 12, 2026
2:00–4:30 p.m.
Web page:
Bitchu Kurashiki-gaku