Interview with Chairman Hironori Hara
I spoke with Hironori Hara, the 4th Chairman of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory for Chairman Hara
What kind of memories do you have of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory?
Hara
I remember being taken to observe celestial bodies by Minoru Honda once, and he was someone who seemed like a god to amateur astronomers.
During his lifetime, many enthusiasts came to the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory as a holy place to meet Mr. Honda.
Why did you decide to continue the observatory?
Hara
I returned to Kurashiki in 2010, and I was so moved by the sight of Jupiter from the observation room that I decided, "This must be preserved," and about five years later, I succeeded him.
This facility was established by my great-grandfather as the first public observatory in Japan, and I continued to support it during my grandfather's time when it was used as a national waterway observation station, and that history has led to where we are now.
Seeing people moved just by looking at the moon during observation events, or hearing their cheers when they see the rings of Saturn or the stripes of Jupiter, makes me feel the significance of the observatory's existence, and I feel I cannot easily give it up.
The Charm of the Observatory
What kind of experiences can visitors enjoy?
Hara
In the memorial hall, you can see materials that convey the achievements of the observatory, including the reflecting telescope imported from England at the time of its opening and the equipment used by Mr. Minoru Honda for star observations.
Additionally, the café renovated from the official residence where Mr. Honda lived has over 1,000 astronomy-related books collected by Mr. Honda and the staff.
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory, including the observation room relocated to Life Park Kurashiki, is a historically significant facility recognized as a Japan Heritage as the oldest private public observatory in Japan. I hope you can experience the romance of the starry sky.
What kind of events are held throughout the year?
Hara
For example, we hold observation events as part of summer homework projects, and around the time of the mid-autumn moon, we have moon viewing events and events to observe Saturn on November 21, which is the anniversary of the observatory, holding about 10 events a year.
Observation events aim to gather everyone around the theme of stars, so they are held even in the rain, with knowledgeable individuals explaining, "The stars we were supposed to see today are...".
Additionally, Mr. Honda loved poetry and wrote many poems, so we also held a reading event called "Star Poetry Reading Class" to share his poetry collection.
Thoughts on the 100th Anniversary of the Observatory
Please share your thoughts on the 100th anniversary of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
Hara
I am just a small part built on what my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father established. I believe my role is to think about how to inherit the thoughts of my predecessors and connect them for the next 100 or 200 years.
I feel an increasing sense of responsibility, but I hope to create new values while continuing the legacy.
Currently, there are no specialists at the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory. However, influenced by Mr. Honda, many people are still active as comet hunters.
I hope that the children who come here will become interested in the origins of stars, wanting to become astronauts or visit the moon.
Fortunately, it is close to JR Kurashiki Station, making it an easily accessible observatory, so please come visit.
Conclusion
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory has created a 100th anniversary commemorative logo inspired by the dome of the memorial hall, which is a symbol of the observatory, and the Culver reflecting telescope imported from England.
It will be used for event announcements and more.
Currently, there are said to be over 300 public observatories in Japan.
As a pioneer, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory has expanded opportunities for amateur astronomers to observe celestial bodies and has continued to share the romance of the starry sky, remaining free and open to everyone even after 100 years.
It is a valuable facility where you can "observe celestial bodies even in the city" and "easily visit because it is in the city."
You can touch on a part of astronomy, look through a telescope to find your favorite star, or come to experience the endless universe that continues to shine.
Data on the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory
| Name | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-4589 |
| Parking | Available Parking may be limited at certain times, so please check when making a reservation. |
| Opening Hours | ＜Observation Room＞ Open according to reservations (reservation required) ＜Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum＞ 1 PM to 5 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (excluding holidays) (reservation required) ＜Book Café, Hoshi no Hikari no Sumiwatari＞ 1 PM to 5 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5 PM to 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays Please check the " Instagram account " for business days |
| Closed | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and holidays Closed on holidays * The book café is closed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, excluding holidays |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Available Visits and use are by reservation only. ＜Observation Room＞ Reservations are required one week in advance for planned visits ＜Sumiji Hara & Minoru Honda Memorial Museum＞ Reservations are required one day in advance for planned visits |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style restrooms |
| Barrier-Free | Ramp |
| Website | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
