Asakura Museum of Sculpture

Located in the Yanaka neighborhood of Taito Ward, Tokyo, the Asakura Museum of Sculpture is dedicated to Fumio Asakura’s legacy. Born in Oita Prefecture, Asakura developed his sculpting skills at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, influenced by French sculptors like Auguste Rodin. His home, which he designed with a mix of Japanese sukiya-style and Western elements, now serves as a museum reflecting his personal aesthetic and philosophy. The building, completed in 1935, served as his residence, studio, and a school for sculptors.

The museum’s architecture combines reinforced concrete for the studio and sukiya-style for the residence. Asakura’s rooftop garden, said to be one of the first in Japan, showcases his belief in the connection between nature and artistry. The gardens, including a courtyard with a pond, provide a seasonal display.

The museum exhibits Asakura’s work, including bronze sculptures such as “Thinker” and “Mother and Child,” along with his collections of hanging scrolls and ceramics. The Sunroom, once an orchid greenhouse, is now “The Cat Room,” a tribute to Asakura’s appreciation for cats. The museum also offers insight into his life, with a study containing personal items and a reception room with his collections.

After Asakura’s death in 1967, his residence was turned into a museum, which was opened by his family in 1970. In 1986, Taito Ward took over its management. The museum was honored with a local landscape award in 2000 and had four buildings registered as cultural properties in 2001. Renovations in 2009 helped preserve Asakura’s legacy.

The Asakura Museum of Sculpture stands as a testament to a pioneering artist and offers an experience where nature and art come together. Its location in Yanaka complements its appeal, reflecting the area’s traditional character and rich history. Visitors can enjoy a connection to the past through the artist’s preserved environment.