Heart open to the universe, mind on the earth. A trip around Kenji’s hometown.
Kenji was a great man of Hanamaki who developed his talent young though he met a very early end.
While teaching at Hanamaki Agricultural School, he wrote many poems and fairy tales. When he resigned from the school at the age of 30, he founded the Rasuchijin Association and began solitary life. Though he started teaching agronomy to young local farmers there, he fell sick twice after that and was called to his eternal rest on September 21st, 1933. He was 37 years old.
He is well-known for his poems and fairy tales. As well as being a teacher and farmer, he also displayed his talents in fields such as astronomy, meteorology, geography, history, philosophy, religion, chemistry, horticulture, biology, fine art and music.
There are many sites in Hanamaki where visitors can trace his life.
Why don’t you visit “Ihatov”, Hanamaki, which Kenji named out of affection for the land of his birth?
Miyazawa Kenji
Born in Hanamaki on August 27th, 1896.
Became a teacher at Hanamaki Agricultural School in 1923.
Published a book of poetry, “Haru to Shura”, and a collection of children’s tales, “The Restaurant of Many Orders”, in 1924.
Founded Rasuchijin Association in 1926.
Passed away on September 21st, 1933.
His grave is at Shinshoji Temple, Hanamaki.
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum
This museum introduces Kenji’s accomplishments in literature, education, agriculture and science with personal belongings, originals of his works, videos, slides and books. More than 200,000 people visit each year to learn about the life and work of this remarkable man. We recommend you sense Kenji’s interesting imaginary world “Ihatov.”
TEL.0198[31]2319
Rasuchijin Association
As well as teaching agronomy and various arts to local farmers there, Kenji lived alone in this building until he fell sick in 1928. The building was relocated to the grounds of Hanamaki Agricultural High School and is maintained by the students.
Hanamaki Agricultural High School TEL.0198[26]3131
English Coast
Kenji named a point of the western riverbank of Kitakami River, about 2km east of Hanamaki Station, “English Coast” as he adored England. While a teacher at an agricultural school, he often took his students there and had them do earth science field studies.
Hanamaki City Hall TEL.0198[24]2111
Polan Square Garden
These south-facing flowerbeds, named after one of Kenji’s fantastic stories, “Polan Square”, have a wonderful, quiet atmosphere. You can spend a relaxing time strolling or resting among the re-created flowerbeds and floral clock.
Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum TEL.0198[31]2319
Rinpusha
This store sells original souvenirs and gifts, many using the motif of an owl, which Kenji often drew. There is a café on the second floor, where classical or jazz music is performed on Sundays.
TEL.0198[22]7010
Ginga Poppo clockk
The mechanical clock at Nahan Plaza plays music on the hour between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. While it plays, dolls of the leading characters from Kenji’s “Night on the Milky Way Train,” Giovanni and Campanella, move adorably.
TEL.0198[22]4412 (NAHAN PLAZA)
Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum
This museum collects books, research bulletins, magazines and art works about Kenji and is the headquarters of the Miyazawa Kenji Association, Ihatov Center, an association for researchers and fans of Kenji. Books, picture books, CDs and videotapes of his work are available. The museum organizes lectures and workshops about him, and also holds concerts during the Kenji Festival and the Kenji Birthday Festival.
TEL.0198[31]2116
Miyazawa Kenji Dowa Mura, Kenji’s School
Be amazed when you come face-to-face with Kenji’s world at the modern fantasy lands, Dowa Mura and Kenji’s School. At Kenji’s School, movies, sound effects and displays in the five differently-themed rooms usher you into the fantastic world of his “imagery sketches”.
TEL.0198[31]2211
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