Misuzu Kaneko Memorial Museum: Curator’s Note

Kaneko Misuzu was a children's poet from Senzaki, Nagato, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, best known for her poems "Me, a Bird, and a Bell" and "Are You an Echo?" Affectionately known as "Misuzu-san" among the residents of Nagato, many people visit the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum, which was built in the Senzaki district where she grew up, every year.

On this page, curators from the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum will share highlights of the museum, as well as information on special exhibitions and regularly held curator lectures.

Current Special Exhibition at the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum: "The Revival of Misuzu – From the Harukiyo Danjo Collection"

Harukiyo Danjo was a children's poet of the same generation as Misuzu and compiled poetry collections by many poets active during the Taisho era. "The Cocoon and the Grave" (Mayu to Haka) was the first collection to compile Misuzu's works. This special exhibition uses materials from Harukiyo Danjo to illustrate how young people in the Taisho era created their own poetry collections and the characteristics of children's songs from that period. Additionally, through post-war materials, it traces the journey leading to the completion of "The Cocoon and the Grave: A Collection of Children's Poems by Kaneko Misuzu," including the steady efforts of Mr. Danjo and the cooperation of his colleagues to preserve Misuzu's work.
Some materials will be on display for a limited time only, so please take this opportunity to visit.

→ Click here for details on the current special exhibition

▽ Period: Saturday, March 7 – Thursday, May 28
▽ Gallery Talk
・Dates: Saturday, March 28; Sunday, April 26
・Time: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM / 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM *The content is the same for both sessions.
▽ Participation: Free / No reservation required

Experiences at the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum: Workshop "Resin Art – Making Roses"

Rose bushes grow in the courtyard of Kaneko Buneido, Misuzu's childhood home, and they still produce beautiful flowers today. To coincide with Misuzu's birthday, we will create a single rose using wire and resin. Please enjoy creating your own original resin art, starting from the petals.
In the lecture "The Story of Roses Depicted by Misuzu" on Sunday, May 10, we will introduce Misuzu's poems that expand the imagination through the theme of "roses."

▽ Dates: Saturday, April 11; Sunday, April 12
▽ Time (Duration: approx. 2 hours)
1) 10:00 AM –
2) 11:00 AM –
3) 12:00 PM –
4) 1:00 PM –
5) 2:00 PM –
▽ Priority given to reservations (Participation possible if space is available)
▽ Fee: 2,000 yen
▽ Application: Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum (0837-26-5155)
▽ Other: Up to 2 pairs (2 people per pair) per session. For high school students and older.

Experiences at the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum: "Poem Tablet Making"

Why not connect with Misuzu's heartwarming poetry in Senzaki, where she was born and raised, and create a poem tablet as a keepsake? You can make your own unique poem tablet by coloring wooden plaques with watercolors, felt-tip pens, or crayons, or by carving them in your own style.

▽ Available Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

▽ Duration: Approx. 30 minutes to 1 hour per session

▽ Fee: 300 yen

▽ Application: Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum (TEL: 0837-26-5155) *Reservation required

To further enjoy the world of Kaneko Misuzu: "Walking through Senzaki, the Town that Nurtured Children's Poet Kaneko Misuzu" Guided Walk

Senzaki, Nagato City, is the hometown of children's poet Kaneko Misuzu. Why not walk through the spiritual scenery that inspired Misuzu's poems, such as "Me, a Bird, and a Bell" and "Big Catch," with the guidance of a local guide?

▽ Dates: Every Saturday

▽ Time: Approx. 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Meeting time: 1:20 PM)

▽ Meeting Point: In front of the Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum

▽ Participation: Free / No reservation required

▽ Inquiries: Nagato Tourism Convention Association (General Incorporated Association) 0837-27-0074

Additionally, there is a program where you can specify a different day and time: "Guided Tour: Exploring the 'Heart' of Kaneko Misuzu" (Reservation required / Fee applies).

Please feel free to take advantage of this service as well.

Related Links

Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum official website

・Kaneko Misuzu Memorial Museum Official X