Interview with Deputy Director Tomohiro Fujitani
We spoke with Deputy Director Tomohiro Fujitani about the origins and appeal of Ohara House Katalyzer, as well as its exhibits.
This interview was conducted during our first visit in November 2018.
Please tell us why the former Ohara family residence, which had rarely been open to the public, came to be opened as Ohara House Katalyzer.
Fujitani
It came from our desire for people to learn about Kurashiki and the Ohara family.
For example, even many people in Kurashiki do not know that the first president of Chugoku Bank was Ohara Magosaburo.
However, rather than simply being a memorial museum that introduces the family, Ohara Kenichiro, the ninth head of the Ohara family, has envisioned it as a place that could be called a “temple of knowledge.”
To make this a place of learning, we also hold seminars for teachers called “Kurashiki Mirai K-juku.”
Our director previously served as a high school principal and then as a specially appointed professor in the Faculty of Education at Okayama University. He has worked on education related to solving local issues.
It serves not only as a tourist attraction, but also as a place for culture and education.
What makes Ohara House Katalyzer appealing to visitors?
Fujitani
It captures the atmosphere of Kurashiki in a nutshell. The authentic white walls and storehouses of Kurashiki remain, without having been remade.
Some visitors even say, “I don’t need to walk around outside anymore; Ohara House alone is enough,” so you can really enjoy the character of Kurashiki here.
A quick look around takes about 30 minutes, so even those in a hurry can stop by. For those with more time, matcha served in the tatami room is popular.
Every angle makes a great picture, and there are no areas where photography is prohibited. You’re sure to get some interesting shots.
Exhibits related to the Ohara family
Here are some of the exhibits from the Ohara family collection that caught our attention, based on our conversation with Mr. Fujitani.
A relief depicting businesses launched or closely supported by Ohara Magosaburo, seventh head of the Ohara family
Fujitani
This relief depicting Magosaburo’s achievements was created by architect Shizutaro Urabe. From right to left, it shows:
- Okayama Orphanage
- Kurashiki Sunday Lectures
- KURABO INDUSTRIES LTD.
- Ohara Institute for Agricultural Research
- Ohara Institute for Social Research
- Institute for Science of Labour
- Kurashiki Central Hospital
- the Mingei movement
- Kurashiki Silk Textile Co., Ltd.
- Ohara Museum of Art
<
Fujitani
Can you see “Yoshio Obayashi” written on the tea bowl on the right?
It was signed as a memento by people who attended the tea gathering. You can see the names of the following people:
- Yoshio Obayashi, second president of Obayashi Corporation, a major general contractor
- Sosui Kanazawa, an instructor directly affiliated with the head of the Urasenke school of tea
- People named “Tane” and “Tomi,” whose identities are difficult to determine
Audio equipment custom-made by audio critic Shigemi Takajo
Fujitani
This was made by Shigemi Takajo at the request of Ohara Soichiro. It is currently being repaired, and soon you’ll be able to listen to it here.
A message from Deputy Director Tomohiro Fujitani
Finally, do you have a message for people visiting Ohara House Katalyzer?
Fujitani
The building and garden are well worth seeing. Also, learning about the Ohara family may help you understand Kurashiki better.
Please feel free to visit. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Articles about Ohara House Katalyzer
Ohara House Katalyzer Information
| Name | Ohara House Katalyzer |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-2-1 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-434-6277 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening hours | 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. *Last admission is at 4:30 p.m. *The cafe is open until 4:30 p.m. *Matcha is served from 10:00 a.m. to noon or from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Mondays Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays *Open when a public holiday or substitute holiday falls on a Monday |
| Admission (tax included) | [General admission] Adults: ¥500 High school students and younger: ¥400 *Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more Preschool children: Free |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Smoking | Entirely non-smoking |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets |
| Website | Ohara House Katalyzer |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
