Do you know about Kibi no Makibi, which is the origin of the name of Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture?
In the Nara period, he was a great scholar who traveled to Tang twice as an envoy, bringing calligraphy, military strategy, astronomy, architecture, and Go to Japan, and he rose to the position of Minister of the Right.
Kibi no Makibi is said to be from Mabi-cho, which is why it is the origin of the town's name.
To commemorate Kibi no Makibi and pass on his legacy to future generations, we will introduce Makibi Park, created in his memory, and the Makibi Memorial Museum where you can learn about Kibi no Makibi!
About Makibi Park
In 1986, a monument to Kibi no Makibi and a Japanese garden were completed within the Circular Park (Huan Cheng Park) in Xi'an, China.
To commemorate this, Makibi Park was opened in Mabi, the place of connection, in October of the same year.
The Chinese name for the park in Xi'an is "Huan Cheng Park."
It is designed as a park in the style of ancient China, which is quite rare in the country.
In Mabi, there are many spots related to ancient tombs and Kindaichi Kosuke, centered around Makibi Park.
Learn about the Envoy to Tang and Kibi no Makibi at the Makibi Memorial Museum
The Makibi Memorial Museum is free to enter.
Let's go inside right away!
Photography is allowed inside the museum.
The Makibi Memorial Museum displays a reproduction of the emaki (painted handscroll) depicting the events of Kibi no Makibi's time in Tang as an envoy, models of envoy ships, and portraits of Kibi no Makibi.
I was guided around the museum by Nakahama, who works at the Makibi Memorial Museum.
The Emaki of Kibi no Makibi who traveled to Tang
A reproduction of the emaki depicting Kibi no Makibi, who traveled to Tang as an envoy, facing numerous challenges, but with the help of the demon Abe no Nakamaro, overcoming them all, was on display.
The original emaki is currently housed in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts in the United States.
The couple Yabunao and Yuricheru, who accompanied me on my interview and are in charge of social media for Kuratoco, were looking at the exhibits with great interest, saying, "We didn't know anything about Kibi no Makibi."
It is said that Kibi no Makibi spent 19 long years in Tang as an envoy.
There were also texts explaining the emaki for children, which made me chuckle.
The scene where Kibi no Makibi and the Go master from Tang face off is depicted with plenty of humor.
In memory of Kibi no Makibi, a national Go tournament for elementary school students is held every year in Mabi.
What Kibi no Makibi brought back
Kibi no Makibi brought back and spread culture, Go, architecture, calligraphy, military strategy, astronomy, arithmetic, and Confucianism from China to Japan.
Kibi no Makibi is said to have invented Katakana.
And despite being a scholar, he rose to the position of Minister of the Right, which is at the center of politics.
It is said that in Japan's long history, only Kibi no Makibi and Sugawara no Michizane achieved such great feats.
Sugawara no Michizane is currently worshipped as the god of learning, and the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, where he is enshrined, is famous. I hope more people come to know about Kibi no Makibi as well.
The painting "Taoist Painting" was the largest and most impressive exhibit in the museum.
When you look closely at the painting, you can find a figure with four eyes and two noses!
It is a mystery why such a person is depicted, but it is also fun to think about the painting and emaki with various interpretations.
The museum also has a space where you can take a break, so it's recommended to relax here while enjoying the view of the park.
Dress up as Kibi no Makibi and take photos at Makibi Park!
In 2018, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the museum's opening, they started lending out Kibi no Makibi costumes for free, hoping to deepen interest in Mabi.
I quickly borrowed a costume and took photos at Makibi Park.
Fill out the costume rental card at the counter and borrow a costume.
The costumes, handmade by members of the Arata District Community Development Council, include six adult sizes and one children's size.
There are also floral-patterned costumes that look good on women, making costume selection fun!
The costumes are designed to be larger, so even larger adults can comfortably wear them over their clothes.
Hats made from denim fabric, as well as obi and shaku, are available, and all rentals are free.
First, I took a photo in front of the memorial museum.
At the representative spot of Makibi Park, the round window offers a view of the hexagonal pavilion, making for a photogenic scene.
Passing through the round window, there is a pond, and beyond the bridge, you can see the hexagonal pavilion.
The hexagonal pavilion has benches, so you can take a break while enjoying the view of the park's pond.
The view of the park from the hexagonal pavilion is also filled with exotic charm, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery.
There was also a stone turtle created based on the theory that Katakana was invented.
Kibi no Makibi lived to the age of 81, which was considered long-lived for that time.
There is also a monument to Kibi no Makibi, so please be sure to look for it.
Tea Room "Chikuyouan"
Next, I visited the tea room "Chikuyouan," which is located to the right of the Makibi Memorial Museum.
Did you notice that the entrance to the tea room is low and narrow?
The low entrance is designed so that one must bow and adopt a low posture to enter the tea room.
It symbolizes that in the tea room, everyone is equal, regardless of their social status.
The tea room is used for the Kibi no Makibi Public Tea Ceremony held every year on May 4.
In 2018, it marked the 30th event, and the tea ceremony was very lively.
Chikuyouan has a size of 8 tatami mats plus 4 tatami mats.
It is available for rental at the following rates. (As of November 2019)
| Time | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 220 yen |
| 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 660 yen |
| 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 880 yen |
The view of Makibi Park from this window is beautiful, and there have been reservations for pre-wedding photos.
For renting the tea room, please make a reservation in advance as much as possible.
For more details, please contact the Makibi Memorial Museum.
Conclusion
Model Yabu Nao, who visited Makibi Park for the first time, said, "I was surprised that it was surprisingly enjoyable, with many photogenic spots. I want to visit again next time with my dog."
Makibi Park, which condenses the natural beauty of Mabi.
And the Makibi Memorial Museum, where you can learn about Kibi no Makibi and borrow costumes.
I felt once again that I want more people to know about Kibi no Makibi, who left behind great achievements.
I recommend it as a hidden spot that can be enjoyed by people of all ages!
Why not forget the busy days and take a leisurely stroll through Makibi Park, feeling the seasons with your loved ones and family?
- Models: Yabu Nao & Yuricheru Couple
Makibi Memorial Museum Data
| Name | Makibi Memorial Museum |
|---|---|
| Location | 3652-1 Ayata, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-698-7612 |
| Parking | Available General: 16 cars Disabled: 2 cars Buses: 2 buses |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Closed | Monday Year-end and New Year (December 28 - January 4) If Monday is a holiday, it will be open, and the following Tuesday will be closed. |
| Admission Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Reservation | Not required |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Restroom | Public restroom |
| Barrier-Free | Ramp |
| Website | Makibi Memorial Museum |
Makibi Memorial Museum
TEL: 086-698-7612