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[Special] Making of the Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum

Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum opened in 2019 by the Senzokuike Pond in Ota City. Katsu Kaishu still fascinates many people to this day due to his role in the fall of Edo (also known as “Edo Muketsu Kaijo” as in opening up Edo without bloodshed), using his great perspective and negotiation ability. Previously, there had never been a memorial museum of Kaishu, making this the first one in Japan! So, how did Japan’s first Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum come into existence? We went to talk with the director and curator of the Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum to hear some behind-the-scenes stories, the “making of the museum.”

1. Planning: Birth of the Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum

One of the Tangible Cultural Properties, the former Seimei Bunko Library, was developed into a memorial museum for Katsu Kaishu, who is deeply connected to the area through his fondness for the Senzokuike Pond!

The museum building used to be the Seimei Bunko, a cultural institute established and opened by the Seimeikai Foundation for the purposes of collecting and viewing of books as well as hosting lectures about Kaishu. Neo-Gothic style exterior with Art Deco interiors makes the building valuable; it was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2000.
Katsu Kaishu is deeply connected to the Senzokuike Pond, which can be seen from the fact that Kaishu built his villa called “Senzokuken” nearby. He also chose to be buried in this place. In fact, one story suggests that on his way to Ikegami Honmonji Temple for a meeting, one which eventually prompted the Edo Muketsu Kaijo, he passed by the Senzokuike Pond and it was probably at that time that he became enamored of the location. The Seimeikai later on relocated Senzokuken next door to the Seimei Bunko and maintained it. As such, the Seimeikai continuously worked to preserve the achievements of Kaishu for the future.


Pictures of the former Seimei Bunko Library, and scenery of Kaishu’s beloved Senzokuike Pond. Their calm atmospheres are appealing.


The memorial museum accepted by the local community

Afterwards, the building was utilized for various purposes, but in 2012, talk of reconsidering its use arose.
When a project like this is begun, the content of the project is explained to the local community via a meeting with local residents, seeking their support. “In the meeting, I was able to feel everyone’s attachment to the building, and I was very happy that everyone accepted our proposition,” said the director.





The Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum under construction. During the construction, the timeline of Kaishu’s life and career as well as historical items planned for exhibition were displayed on the panels of the temporary enclosure to promote the publicity of the project.

Momentum increased with the opening of “Don to Koi! Bakumatsu-Meiji Project” in 2018

In 2018, which marks 150 years since the Edo Muketsu Kaijo, the Ota Tourist Association hosted “Don to Koi! Bakumatsu-Meiji Project.” 2018 is also the year when a Japanese historical drama “Segodon” was aired. As such, Ota City planned many dishes and events that were related to Saigo Takamori and Katsu Kaishu by collaborating with Shinagawa City, Kagoshima Prefecture, and Tokyu Corporation. The increased interest and momentum allowed the memorial museum to open with great fanfare.





“Don to Koi! Bakumatsu-Meiji Project” bustled with various events. At a public bath, Taisho-yu, drawings of Katsu Kaishu and the Senzokuike Pond (in the women’s bath) and Saigo Takamori and Sakurajima (in the men’s bath) were displayed! Events of this type were a must-see for fans of history and the Bakumatsu period.

2. Historical items: This is how Katsu Kaishu items have been restored!

At the memorial museum, clothing such as kataginu (a vest with broad, wing-like shoulders) and naga-bakama (long trousers) that Kaishu himself used to wear are in storage. In the future, a letter written by Kaishu’s pupils, Sato Yonosuke and Sakamoto Ryoma, is planned for exhibition! Through some established relationships with the Katsu family, it was possible to exhibit such valuable items. However, due to the age of the items, they show signs of wear and tear, so a lot of effort has been put into preparing the exhibition.
Due to the preservation of historical items, the kataginu and naga-bakama exhibited are replicas painstakingly crafted from the carefully restored originals. We asked about how the restoration was done regarding these two historical items.


Kataginu and Naga-bakama
Naga-bakama worn by Kaishu when he went to the castle to meet with superiors for official purposes

At that time, samurai were allowed to wear daimon (crested formal robe) and naga-bakama as a ceremonial costume if they were a Shodaibu class, i.e. fifth-rank official (senior fifth rank and junior fifth rank). When Kaishu was appointed to work on a warship on May 14, 1864, he was given the lower junior fifth rank and the corresponding government position, Awanokami, and became Shodaibu. Once appointed to work on a warship, Kaishu is assumed to have come to the castle, wearing this costume.

Notably, Kaishu was actually unofficially announced to be promoted to the Shodaibu about a year before this. He was unofficially appointed by the Roju, Itakura Suonokami Katsukiyo on May 8, 1863, but Kaishu declined due to reasons such as “It has never been my wish to be promoted without achieving anything to warrant it,” “Opportunistic prioritization of myself would be shameful conduct as a man,” (quoted from the Kaishu Diary) at this time. Kaishu seemed to have thought that his biggest mission back then was to establish the Kobe Naval Training Center, and eventually to unify the naval forces of the Edo Bakufu (Tokugawa shogunate) and multiple daimyos (feudal lords). At this point, he had not achieved this mission, so it is commonly believed that he declined because of this. This series of events demonstrates how humble Kaishu was.

The Katsu family’s official crest “Maruni-ken-hanabishi (swords and a flower with a circle around them)” on light blue hemp

These kataginu and naga-bakama worn by Kaishu are made of indigo-dyed light blue hemp, and its surface has a pattern of small sharkskin-like half circles and lined with dyed threads. On the chest and back of the kataginu and the hip of the naga-bakama are embroidered the Katsu family’s crest “Maruni-ken-hanabishi.”

How restoration is done
Let us show you how some of the restoration is done!

Before



As seen in the pictures, the items are wrinkled and show signs of mold as well as fading from aging and discoloration from folding.



The inside linings, where washi paper was pasted to maintain the shape and resilience, especially have defined wrinkles. There were some parts where staining was visible as well.


Restoration
Dry-cleaning without damaging the fabric and returning it to its original shape

The most important thing about restoring a dyed fabric is to not damage the fabric. The most important part of the task was to carefully restore the garments without losing the fabric’s original colors and patterns such as the indigo dye, surface pattern, and threads on the linings, and to return it to its original shape.

1. Cleaning
First, by using a soft brush, dust, staining, and traces of mold were removed. For stubborn stains, water was applied using an ink brush, and then absorbent blotting paper was used to absorb the stains. This cleaning was carefully repeated.

2. Restoration of the shape
After Step 1, wrinkles were smoothed out while humidifying the fabric, and then misshapen parts were restored. For this particular restoration, the starch was coming out from the shoulder lines of the kataginu, and some of the stiffeners (baleen hairs) sewn in the top part of the shoulders were protruding. These parts were also carefully returned to their original shape and sewn back in.


After




A replica created based on the diligently restored kataginu and naga-bakama (left picture). The original can be seen via the touch panel in the Kaishu Chronicles of the museum (right picture).


On another note...
One of the Katsu family’s alternative crests is a letter 可. This family crest is pretty rare, but it is even engraved on Kaishu’s tombstone. Kaishu’s grave is right beside the memorial museum, so please feel free to check it out when you drop by.




In the picture, the right grave is Kaishu’s and the left one is his wife, Tami’s. The simple five-ring tower tombstone was, to our surprise, designed by Kaishu himself. The letter 可 can be seen behind the flower stand!




A co-signed letter from Sato Yonosuke and Sakamoto Ryoma to Katsu Kaishu
Written around when the Kobe Naval Training Center was built

The letter was written by Kaishu’s pupil, Sato Yonosuke, who was taking care of the Kobe Naval Training Center while Kaishu was away, and it was dated July 25, 1863 and addressed to Kaishu in Edo.
“In April 1863, Kaishu took the 14th shogun, Tokugawa Iemochi, who at the time was visiting Kyoto, on the Jundomaru to show him around the ocean in Settsu. He explained the importance of coastal defense to Iemochi, and later on took him back to Edo by sea. The approval of the Kobe Naval Training Center construction was received from Iemochi at this time. The letter was co-signed by Sato Yonosuke and Sakamoto Ryoma, but it was written in full by Yonosuke. It is actually over 3m (close to 10 feet) in length,” said the curator.

Important content with which Ryoma’s Kobe naval concept can be seen!

The curator says, “Ryoma had a specific concept of how the Japanese navy should be, and he was working towards it. Yonosuke is conveying that to Kaishu in this letter.”
The overview of his concept was that “the admiral of the Kobe Navy should be chosen by the royal court, and gather people regardless of their status underneath the admiral,” and that “the operation cost of the Kobe Navy should be paid by the west region under the royal order, keeping the navy to the Kansai region,” which was unique and different from Kaishu’s concept of “creating a unified Japanese navy under the Edo Bakufu.” The Kobe Naval Training Center was an Edo Bakufu facility, but it was pointed out that Ryoma had a different concept which is to stay away from the Bakufu Navy and move towards the royal court and west region centralized navy. Now we understand how valuable this item is!

How restoration is done
Let us show you how some of the restoration is done!

Before



The beginning edge part of the paper especially had a lot of wear; there were mold spots, small holes created by worms, and there was also some “aging” of the paper, where the paper’s fibers come undone and become flocculent. That sounds like it makes for a very difficult restoration.
In this letter of over 3m in length, seven pieces of paper were attached together with glue, but because of the deterioration over the years, the glue weakened and some parts were beginning to separate.


Restoration

Remove stains and reinforce the missing parts

In the restoration of old documents, utmost care is required so that the paper and written letters are not damaged. In the restoration of this letter, after the stains were carefully removed, water of an appropriate amount and quality was used to straighten wrinkles and creases.

1. Cleaning
First, a soft brush was used to remove the dust, and then traces of worm damage were removed with tweezers (dry cleaning).

2. Straighten out the wrinkles and creases
Next, water was sprayed onto the paper to straighten out the wrinkles and creases. The water used is filtered to remove all impurities and its pH level was adjusted so as not to damage the paper or the inked letters on it. The amount of water used was also taken into great consideration. For the parts with great damage, the glued parts were separated and carefully restored little by little.

3. Reinforce the missing parts from the back side
The back side of the parts with tears and holes was covered with new, very thin paper, and then when the papers blended in, starch glue was applied with a brush and allowed to dry. Lastly, the sections of paper were glued back together and reinforced so that it would not come off again.


After



The beginning edge of the beautifully restored paper.


Co-sign of Sato Yonosuke and Sakamoto Ryoma. It has been beautifully restored; the two are hardly comparable!

Deterioration of historical documents is said to progress from the decayed and weakened parts. While many historical documents have crumbled and been lost, those that have survived to this day have surely overcome multiple critical situations. Thinking about them like this, the miraculous fate of these documents is surely impressive.

These historical documents are restored thanks to your generous donations. Please see 3. Establishment of the Katsu Kaishu Foundation in 3. Episodes for more details.

3. Episodes: Top 5 challenges before and after the opening

Opening a memorial museum is indeed a huge project. There have been various hardships that they had to overcome. We asked about the “top 5 challenges” before and after the opening of the Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum.

1. The pressure of being the first to undertake an endeavor

Katsu Kaishu is a well-known person, yet a memorial museum dedicated to him is a first-time effort. There are a lot of hardcore fans of Kaishu. For these reasons, the pressure they felt was incredible. While asking for advice from other museums and university professors, they explored the best approach.
A lot of the historical documents were new or never reproduced before, and they had to study each and every one of them before the exhibition. This investigative research was all from scratch, and even to this day, they are still wrestling with some of them.




The reproduced letters of these historical documents are printed on the exhibition catalog.


2. How to utilize the building of the former Seimei Bunko Library

Since the Seimei Bunko Library, an old and dignified building was to be used for this museum, they had to consider the balance of preservation of exterior and interior, how much to leave and how much to renovate. Architecturally speaking, renovating an existing building, especially the one from 90 years ago, is more difficult than building a new one.
They struggled with numerous things during the construction, but the director said, “The local community was really attached to this building as well, so it was great that we finally created a memorial museum that utilized the building.”







3. Establishment of the Katsu Kaishu Foundation

Upon the opening of the memorial museum, a donation system called the Katsu Kaishu Foundation was established. This system utilized the Hometown Tax system, which is a tax scheme for taxpayers to make donations to their favorite municipality (also known as Furusato Nozei). Because they had never used a crowdfunding donation system in Ota City before, they followed every trail trying to establish the foundation. They were indeed driven by the Kaishu power.


The donations received from everyone have been used for restoration of the historical items introduced in 2. Historical items. Please see the following link for more details.
[Katsu Kaishu Foundation]
https://www.city.ota.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/hakubutsukan/katsu_kinenkan/kifu/index.html


4. Multiple coverages beyond expectations

Because this is the first ever memorial museum for Kaishu, people from all over Japan have come to visit the museum. The staff mentioned that every day feels like a fresh start for them. In order to reach out with information to not just the people in the city, but also to Kaishu fans and history fans all over Japan, they are putting a lot of effort into promotions such as collaborating with history and sightseeing magazines. We hope that the appeal of Kaishu’s legacy will reach everyone nationwide.




5. What to do with the logo and goods

The typeface of the logo is inspired by “Kaishu Shooku,” calligraphy work by Sakuma Shozan, which motivated Kaishu to adopt the nickname “Kaishu” by which he is known. His name originally was Rintaro (later on Yoshikuni, then Yasuyoshi).
Regarding the goods, they started out by brainstorming what kind of items they wanted and what the theme would be. They decided upon his portrait picture, the silhouette of the building, the seal of the documents, Kaishu’s words, and so on. By looking to various museums for examples, they are working on it every day.


“Kaishu Shooku” calligraphed by Sakuma Shozan (this is a replica as the original is at the Edo-Tokyo Museum). The typeface for the memorial museum’s nameplate and pamphlets was inspired by this calligraphy. It definitely matches the theme!


Here is a must-see item!



At the memorial museum, original goods such as pencils with Kaishu’s word of wisdom, and document folders with Kaishu’s seal or portrait printed on them are available for purchase. They even created an adhesive bandage and called it “Muketsu” adhesive bandage inspired by the Edo Muketsu Kaijo. This is definitely an item worth checking out!

Ota City Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum
Address: 2-3-1 Minamisenzoku, Ota City, Tokyo 145-0063
Operating hours: 10:00-18:00 (Last entry: 17:30)
Closed on Mondays, Year-end and New Year holidays, extra holidays
Admission fees: Adults: 300 yen, Elementary school/Junior high school students: 100 yen
For details about Katsu Kaishu Memorial Museum, please check here.


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