Interview with Ryosuke Takahashi, General Affairs Manager at Kurashiki Ivy Square
We spoke with Ryosuke Takahashi, General Affairs Department Manager at Kurashiki Ivy Square at the time of the interview.
This interview was conducted during our initial visit in June 2025.
Kurabo Memorial Hall has been recognized for its historical value and has received various designations.
Takahashi (honorific omitted)
Yes. The Bikan Historical Area has retained its appearance from the Edo period, as well as from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods, through to the present day.
Within this area, Kurabo Memorial Hall preserves, in its original state, a spinning mill built as part of Japan’s modernization under the Meiji-era policy of promoting industry. It was therefore designated a constituent cultural property of the Japan Heritage site “A Kurashiki story beginning with a single cotton flower: A textile town woven from Japanese and Western influences.”
Also, as Meiji-era spinning mills have disappeared due to war and aging, the hall has been designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property and a Heritage of Industrial Modernization as a valuable building that conveys the history of the textile industry to the present day.
It is also extremely valuable for conveying how labor policies introduced more than 100 years ago by second company president Ohara Magosaburo have been carried on into the present day. Some of the exhibits have also been designated a Japan Labor Heritage.
What impact did Kurabo’s founding have on the town of Kurashiki?
Takahashi
Since its founding, as Kurabo expanded and created jobs, it has always considered employee development and well-being. I think establishing a school inside the factory was progressive for the time (the Meiji and Taisho periods).
In particular, second company president Ohara Magosaburo managed the company based on labor idealism. He believed that a company could not develop sustainably if it simply pursued profits for itself; it needed a win-win relationship in which employees could also be happy.
The company provided employee housing and health checkups, and established Kurabo Central Hospital (now Kurashiki Central Hospital) for its employees. The hospital was later opened to local residents as well.
It also established the Ohara Institute for Social Research, the Kurashiki Institute for Science of Labour, and the Ohara Institute for Agricultural Research, among others. Through various initiatives, it devoted itself to contributing to the local community and society, and had a major impact on society.
I believe these efforts have contributed, at least in part, to the development of the town of Kurashiki.
What are some highlights of the memorial hall?
Takahashi
I think one of its main highlights is how it tells the story of the company Kurabo and the history of the spinning industry, which drove industrial modernization and supported Japan’s economy from the Meiji period through part of the Showa period.
One unusual feature is that visitors can view every issue of the in-house newsletter, which has been published for more than 100 years.
Print copies have been restored and digitized, and issues dating back to 1913 (Taisho 2) are available to view. Publication continued even during World War II, so visitors can get a sense of how the times changed, including what the factory was like when it produced military supplies.
It’s fascinating that you can watch rare historical footage; it really gives you a sense of the era.
A message for Kurashiki City residents
Takahashi
I think that surprisingly many local people know the name “Kurashiki Ivy Square” but have never visited Kurabo Memorial Hall.
Kurabo is a company that has supported the town of Kurashiki, and the hall also houses valuable historical materials. We hope you’ll come visit.
From the Writer
Kurabo Memorial Hall tells the story of Kurabo, whose founding place was the Bikan Historical Area.
With its thick floorboards, high ceilings, beams projecting from the walls to prevent condensation, and red-brick walls, the interior felt like stepping back in time when I first entered.
The records of Kurabo’s evolution as one of the companies that played a part in the spinning industry that supported Japan in a particular era offered a glimpse into Kurashiki as it was in each period.
Kurabo Memorial Hall is tucked away just inside the west gate of Kurashiki Ivy Square, and still holds many treasures we couldn’t cover here.
Be sure to visit and discover them for yourself.
Kurabo Memorial Hall Information
| Name | Kurabo Memorial Hall |
|---|---|
| Location | 7-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (inside Kurashiki Ivy Square) |
| Contact | 【Inquiries about opening days and admission hours】 086-422-0010 【Inquiries about materials】 06-6266-5053 |
| Parking | Available Kurashiki Ivy Square parking lot (fee required) is available |
| Opening hours | 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last admission at 3:45 p.m.) |
| Closed | None |
| Admission (tax included) | Individual: Adults ¥300 / Students ¥250 Groups (30 or more): Adults ¥250 / Students ¥200 Free for children under elementary school age |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Not available |
| Smoking | Entire facility is non-smoking |
| Restrooms | No restroom As there are no restrooms in the facility, visitors may use the restroom next to the “Aibi Kobo Shop” (Western-style toilet) |
| Accessibility | A wheelchair ramp is available, though it is not permanently installed |
| Website | Kurabo Memorial Hall website |
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