Bunkyo Ward Mori Ogai Memorial Museum Collection Exhibition: 'Ogai Creates Magazines'

## Bunkyo Ward Mori Ogai Memorial Museum Collection Exhibition: 'Ogai Creates Magazines'

The Bunkyo Ward Mori Ogai Memorial Museum will hold the collection exhibition 'Ogai Creates Magazines' from July 5 (Sun) to September 30 (Wed), 2026.

Magazine publishing in Japan began during the Bakumatsu period, and by the Meiji era, various magazines in politics, economics, satire, medicine, and literature were launched. At the time, they were mainly fanzines created by people with shared interests.

After returning from his studies in Germany in September 1888, Ogai became the editor-in-chief (responsible for editorials and editing) of 'Tokyo Iji Shinshi' in January 1889. Concurrently, he launched 'Eisei Shinshi' in March of the same year with fellow physician Toichiro Nakahama, and 'Shigarami Soshi' in October of the same year with the literary society Shinseisha, formed with scholars including Naobumi Ochiai and his siblings. Subsequently, he launched medical journals like 'Iji Shinron,' 'Eisei Ryobyo-shi,' and 'Koshu Iji,' and literary magazines such as 'Mesamashigusa,' 'Geibun,' and 'Mannengusa.' He emphasized critique and communicated knowledge acquired in Germany. His critiques sometimes evolved into debates, gaining attention, and his translations of European literature were well-received. The pages were adorned by physicians like Shuzo Kure and writers including Koyo Ozaki, Rohan Koda, and Shiki Masaoka.

From these magazines, which became the base of Ogai's discourse, we can understand the origins of Ogai, who later became the Surgeon General of the Army and left his name as a writer, as well as a scene of the medical and literary circles of the time. Please see the magazines created by Ogai along with letters, proofs, manuscripts, and recollections that provide a glimpse into the editorial process.

### Exhibition Outline

- Exhibition Title: Collection Exhibition 'Ogai Creates Magazines'
- Period: July 5 (Sun) - September 30 (Wed), 2026 (Total 82 days)
- Closed: July 27-28, August 24-25, September 24-25
- Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Last entry 30 min before closing)
- *Open from 9:00 on July 9 (Thu); Closes at 20:00 on Aug 1 (Sat, last entry 19:30)
- Venue: Bunkyo Ward Mori Ogai Memorial Museum, Exhibition Room 2
- Admission: General 300 yen (Free for junior high students and younger, 240 yen for groups of 20+)
- Organizer: Bunkyo Ward Mori Ogai Memorial Museum

### Main Exhibits

- Magazines by Ogai: 'Tokyo Iji Shinshi', 'Eisei Shinshi', 'Iji Shinron', 'Eisei Ryobyo-shi', 'Koshu Iji', 'Shigarami Soshi', 'Mesamashigusa', 'Geibun', 'Mannengusa'.
- 'Mannengusa' Vol. 6 Proof (1903): Literary magazine launched by Ogai and scholar Bin Ueda.
- Ogai at age 27 (c. 1889): Photo from the time of magazine launches.
- Manuscript by Ogai 'Seiyoku Zassetsu' (c. 1902): Medical treatise.
- Letter from Koyo Ozaki to Ogai (Jan 18, 1896): Apologizing for a late manuscript.
- Postcard from Shiki Masaoka to Ogai (Feb 1, 1896): Informing him about publishing a review.

### Mini Exhibition Guide

A guide including commentary and captions will be sold at the museum shop from July 5. Mail order is available. B5 size, 12 pages, 300 yen (tax included).

### Related Projects

- Lecture: 'Medical Magazines in Meiji Japan: From Dawn to Expansion'
- Lecturer: Nao Sawai (Associate Professor, Juntendo University)
- Date: Sept 12, 2026, 14:00-15:30
- Fee: Free (Requires ticket and exhibit admission)
- Venue: Museum 2F Seminar Room, capacity 50 (registration required)
- Gallery Talks: Aug 12 (Wed), Sept 9 (Wed) 14:00-; For kids: Aug 23 (Sun) 13:00-

### Concurrent Event

- Memorial Exhibition for Ogai's passing: July 5-31. Original 'Will' displayed on July 9 in the permanent exhibition area.