Shibusawa Memorial Museum

A historical museum where you can trace and relive the life of Eiichi Shibusawa at each stage of his life

  • Cultural Spaces
  • The composition is made up of hanging age signs and display units. The layout is designed to be easily visible, allowing visitors to intuitively understand the spatial composition and route.

    The composition is made up of hanging age signs and display units. The layout is designed to be easily visible, allowing visitors to intuitively understand the spatial composition and route.

  • The exhibition's purpose is made clear by displaying all the signs of age, creating an impressive space where visitors can feel the full extent of their rich lives.

    The exhibition's purpose is made clear by displaying all the signs of age, creating an impressive space where visitors can feel the full extent of their rich lives.

  • By following how he carried out his diverse business ventures as he grew older, we can relive his drive and way of life.

    By following how he carried out his diverse business ventures as he grew older, we can relive his drive and way of life.

  • The exhibition unit is made up of graphic explanations (basic information), case exhibits that are changed regularly, Video exhibits, and drawer exhibits.

    The exhibition unit is made up of graphic explanations (basic information), case exhibits that are changed regularly, Video exhibits, and drawer exhibits.

  • A series of images are displayed using the steps of the diagonally arranged units. Looking back, you can see the buildings that once stood within the former Shibusawa residence.

    A series of images are displayed using the steps of the diagonally arranged units. Looking back, you can see the buildings that once stood within the former Shibusawa residence.

  • Shibusawa Memorial Museum
  • The exhibition's purpose is made clear by displaying all the signs of age, creating an impressive space where visitors can feel the full extent of their rich lives.
  • By following how he carried out his diverse business ventures as he grew older, we can relive his drive and way of life.
  • The exhibition unit is made up of graphic explanations (basic information), case exhibits that are changed regularly, Video exhibits, and drawer exhibits.
  • A series of images are displayed using the steps of the diagonally arranged units. Looking back, you can see the buildings that once stood within the former Shibusawa residence.

Photo: Nacása & Partners Inc.

About the Project

Overview The museum has been renovated to widely introduce the activities of Eiichi Shibusawa. The facility utilizes the Taisho-era buildings "Bankoro" and "Seien Bunko" (both nationally designated Important Cultural Properties) remaining in the former Shibusawa residence, and after opening in 1982, the main building was expanded in 1998 to enhance its contents. In this renovation, the exhibits have been revamped based on the results of research and studies conducted since the museum's opening and the current social context. The exhibition is structured around three themes - "touch, trace, and learn" - to make Eiichi feel even more familiar to visitors.
Issues/Themes Strengthening the coordination of exhibitions in the three buildings (the Main Building, Bankoro, and Seien Bunko). The Main Building exhibits will be revamped from a themed exhibition focused on introducing Eiichi's achievements in a detailed space to one that allows visitors to feel the life and era of Eiichi and the period he lived in, with more spacious exhibits.
Space Solution/Realization The above themes clarify the roles of the three museums. The "Tracing" and "Knowing" exhibits will be held in the main building, and the "Tracing" exhibit in particular will be an impressive space made up of exhibition units that carefully introduce the footsteps of Eiichi's 91-year life by age. By tracing the execution of his diverse business ventures as he grew older, visitors can get a glimpse of his drive and way of life in addition to his ideas and activities, making this an exhibit that will serve as a guidepost for us living in the present age.
Design for Environment Cultural heritage Preservation Planning: The interior finish of the existing cases was renovated, and materials and construction methods that have minimal impact on the exhibits were used.
Universal design: The aisles are wide enough for wheelchair users to move around safely, the height of the main explanatory graphics is set to allow for safe movement, and explanations for foreign visitors are also provided in English.
Energy-saving design: We use lighting fixtures with LED light sources that are energy-saving, long-lasting, and highly durable.

Basic Information

Client Shibusawa Eiichi Memorial Foundation
Services Provided Display Planning, Design, Layout, Production, Construction
Our Team Direction: Tsuyoshi Kato
Display Planning: Yukiko Hashimoto
Design, Layout: Miho Ishiwata
Location Tokyo, Japan
Open November 2020
Website https://www.shibusawa.or.jp/
Tag
KATO Tsuyoshi

Direction

KATO Tsuyoshi

After working in promotion and commercial facility design, he is now mainly involved in Design Direction for culture and communication spaces. He values "the story behind it," "surprises in hospitality," and "the tactile sensation of the space," and strives to create facilities that "make the lives of those who visit just a little bit richer."

Main Achievements

*The shared information and details of the project is accurate as of the date they were posted. There may have been unannounced changes at a later date.

Affiliated companies and solutions

Related Achievements