Since October 2005, Bitchu Kurashiki Studies has been holding monthly lectures that are widely open to the public.

It has continued for 20 years, and the next session on February 12, 2026, will mark the 200th milestone.

Bitchu Kurashiki Studies will hold a symposium to commemorate its 20th anniversary and the 200th session, with the theme of Social Contributions of the Ohara Family. We asked the organizers about the intentions behind the planning.

What is Bitchu Kurashiki Studies

Bitchu Kurashiki Studies is an association that studies the history and culture of the Bitchu and Kurashiki regions and contributes to cultural enhancement.

The monthly lectures are widely open to the public, and anyone can participate for free.
It started with the first session on October 20, 2005, titled "Field Training Session: The History of Kanryuji Temple: Lecturer, Kanryuji Temple Chief Priest, Murata Ryuzen," and has held 199 sessions on a wide range of topics by January 8, 2026.

Bitchu Kurashiki Studies - A place to learn about the history and culture of the region, continuing for over 15 years and more than 170 sessions since 2005.

Bitchu Kurashiki Studies is an association that studies the history and culture of the Bitchu and Kurashiki regions. The first session on October 20, 2005, was "Field Training Session: The History of Kanryuji Temple: Lecturer Kan...

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And, the next session on February 12, 2026, will be the "200th".
A lecture and symposium themed around the "Ohara Family," which is inextricably linked to the Bikan Historical Area, will be held.

Please check the details in the image below.

Interview with the Planning Committee of "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies"

We spoke with Otsuka Fumiko and Ozaki Yoko from Bitchu Kurashiki Studies about the commemorative symposium.

Please tell us about the background of the planning.

Otsuka (no honorifics)

This time marks the 20th anniversary of "Bitchu Kurashiki Studies" and the 200th session of the lecture series. Therefore, we thought of holding a larger commemorative symposium than usual.

The theme "Ohara Family" was chosen because the Ohara family is inextricably linked to Kurashiki.
While many citizens of Kurashiki are familiar with the social contributions of the famous Ohara Magosaburo, we also want to shine a light on figures like his predecessors, Koshiro and Sohei, who laid the foundation.

Magosaburo was able to carry out wonderful projects because Koshiro established a solid economic foundation through investments in KURABO INDUSTRIES LTD. This desire to delve into the deeper history of the Ohara family was the starting point of our planning.

What are the highlights of the event?

Ozaki (no honorifics)

First, there will be a video of "the funeral of Ohara Magosaburo," which is not something we usually get to see.

Additionally, we will invite Professor Yamamoto Taro, who is an advisor to Bitchu Kurashiki Studies, along with Professors Kimura Masato and Mizushima Hiroshi. Professor Mizushima will talk about the valuable collection and the charm of the garden at Ohara House Katalyzer, discussing "the treasures of Kurashiki" that have not been seen before.

We plan to have a time for questions from the audience, not just a one-sided lecture.
Professor Kimura will connect the participants' questions with the history of the Ohara family, making it an interactive and enjoyable experience.

Please give a message to the readers.

Otsuka

Currently, the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki is bustling with many tourists, but I feel a bit sad that many people leave after just eating and shopping, and that more local residents seem to be unaware of Kurashiki's deep history.

By learning the "history" of why the beautiful townscape exists now and how the Ohara family contributed, the scenery of Kurashiki will look different.

When you hear "study session on history," it might sound difficult, but even if you are not a member, you are very welcome to come and listen at least once.

Our association is also aging, but we hope that this will spark interest among younger generations and new people, allowing us to pass on the place for learning about history into the future.

Conclusion

20 years of activity and 200 sessions of lectures

Moreover, the fact that this has been continuously held as a free lecture series is truly remarkable, and I have great respect for the organizers. It goes without saying that it is not truly "free," and it is made possible by the support of many people.

Since it is held during the day on weekdays, it may be difficult for those with work or school to participate, but this is a milestone symposium.

Please come and learn about the history of Kurashiki.

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