Interview with Director Hara Hiroyuki
We spoke with Hara Hiroyuki, the fourth director of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory.
Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory through Director Hara’s eyes
What memories do you have of the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory?
Hara (honorific omitted)
I remember going on an astronomical observation trip with Minoru Honda once. To amateur astronomers, Mr. Honda was someone who seemed like a god.
While he was alive, many enthusiasts came to the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory as a sacred place to meet Mr. Honda.
Why did you decide to take over the observatory?
Hara
I returned to Kurashiki in 2010, and I was moved by Jupiter as I saw it from the observation room. I decided, “We have to preserve this place,” and took over about five years later.
It was a facility built by my great-grandfather as Japan’s first public observatory. We also continued supporting it during my grandfather’s time, when it was used as a national hydrographic observation station. The observatory exists today because of those earlier generations.
Even seeing the moon at a stargazing event moves people. When I see them cheer at Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s bands, I feel the observatory has a reason to exist. I feel that we can’t simply shut it down.
What makes the observatory special
What can visitors enjoy?
Hara
At the memorial museum, visitors can see the reflecting telescope imported from Britain when the observatory opened, equipment used by Minoru Honda to observe stars, and other materials that tell the story of his achievements.
The cafe, renovated from the official residence where Mr. Honda lived, also has more than 1,000 astronomy-related books collected by Mr. Honda and the staff.
Including the observation room relocated to Life Park Kurashiki, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory is Japan’s oldest privately run public observatory and a historically significant facility, recognized as a Japanese Astronomical Heritage site. I hope you’ll come and experience the romance of the starry sky.
What kinds of events are held throughout the year?
Hara
For example, we hold stargazing events as a summer vacation project, a moon-viewing gathering around the time of the harvest moon, and an event to view Saturn around November 21, the observatory’s birthday. We hold about 10 events a year.
Our stargazing events are intended to bring people together around the theme of stars, so we hold them even when it rains. Experts explain, “The stars we were supposed to see today are…”
Mr. Honda also loved poetry and wrote a great deal, so we held gatherings called “Star Poetry Reading Classes” where people read his poetry collections, so that visitors could learn about that side of him too.
Looking ahead to the observatory’s 100th anniversary
What does the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory’s 100th anniversary mean to you?
Hara
I’m simply perched on top of what my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father built. I believe it’s my role to carry on the hopes of those who came before me and consider how to keep the observatory going for the next 100 or 200 years.
I feel an increasing sense of responsibility, but I hope we can create all kinds of new value while carrying on the legacy.
There are currently no specialists based at the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory. However, many people inspired by Mr. Honda are still active as comet hunters.
I hope this place will spark children’s interest in the origins of the stars, and inspire them to want to become astronauts or visit the moon.
Fortunately, we’re close to JR Kurashiki Station, and the observatory is easy to visit, so please come by.
From the Writer
The Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory has created a 100th anniversary commemorative logo inspired by the dome of its iconic memorial museum and the Culver reflecting telescope inside, which was imported from Britain.
They plan to use it for event announcements and other purposes.
There are reportedly more than 300 public observatories in Japan today.
As a pioneer, the Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory has expanded opportunities for amateur astronomers to observe celestial bodies and fostered a sense of wonder about the starry sky. Even 100 years later, it remains open free of charge, unchanged in its commitment to being “accessible to everyone”.
It is a precious facility where “you can observe celestial bodies even in town” and which is “easy to visit precisely because it’s in town.”
You can learn a little about astronomy, look through a telescope to find your favorite star, or come experience the boundless universe that continues to shine.
Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory details
| Name | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
|---|---|
| Location | 2-19-10 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-4589 |
| Parking | Available The number of spaces may be limited at certain times, so please check when making your reservation. |
| Opening hours | Opened by appointment (reservation required) Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (reservation required; closed on public holidays) Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Check the “Instagram account” for business days |
| Closed | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays Except public holidays *The book cafe is closed on Mondays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except public holidays. |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Reservations | Available Reservations are required for visits and use of the facilities. Reservations must be made at least one week before the planned visit or use date. Reservations must be made at least one day before the planned visit. |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilet |
| Accessibility | Ramp |
| Website | Kurashiki Astronomical Observatory |
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