Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store Presents 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' Special Exhibition
Key facts
- Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store Presents 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' Special Exhibition
- Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store will hold a special exhibition titled 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' at the Matsuzakaya History Museum. This free exhibition explores the deep historical ties between the founding Ito family and Japan's three legendary figures: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 22, 2026
Direct answer
Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store will hold a special exhibition titled 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' at the Matsuzakaya History Museum. This free exhibition explores the deep historical ties between the founding Ito family and Japan's three legendary figures: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
- Citation
- Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store Presents 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' Special Exhibition (May 22, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 22, 2026
Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store will hold a special exhibition titled 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' at the Matsuzakaya History Museum. This free exhibition explores the deep historical ties between the founding Ito family and Japan's three legendary figures: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 20:00
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Matsuzakaya’s history is the oldest among modern department stores, dating back to 1611. It began when Sukemichi Ito, the founder of the Ito family, opened a textile and sundries wholesaler named 'Ito-ya' in Honmachi, Nagoya. Sukemichi was originally a samurai serving Oda Nobunaga, but he abandoned his samurai status after Nobunaga’s death in the Honno-ji Incident of 1582. Following the 'Kiyosu-goshi' resettlement ordered by Tokugawa Ieyasu, he moved to the Nagoya castle town and became a merchant. However, during the Siege of Osaka in 1615, he took up arms once more to support Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Under the second generation, Yuki Ito, the business thrived and was eventually appointed as 'Sanke-shu,' the highest rank of merchant serving the Owari Clan. The business continued to expand, opening stores in Kyoto, Edo (Tokyo), and Osaka from the Edo to Meiji periods.
This exhibition features precious period costumes from Matsuzakaya's collection alongside historical episodes involving the three local heroes: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
[Oda Nobunaga]
Sukemichi Ito, the founder of the Ito family, was a retainer of Oda Nobunaga. He served as a page and was even granted the name 'Ranmaru' by Nobunaga. After the Honno-ji Incident, he briefly retreated to Mino before settling in Nagoya to start the business that would become Matsuzakaya.
[Toyotomi Hideyoshi]
After Hideyoshi’s death, Japan returned to a state of war. During the Siege of Osaka in 1615, Sukemichi entrusted the shop to his family and joined the forces of Hideyoshi’s son, Hideyori, at Osaka Castle.
[Tokugawa Ieyasu]
Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the 'Kiyosu-goshi' resettlement as he built Nagoya Castle. Sukemichi followed this order, moving to Nagoya and opening Ito-ya in 1611. The business eventually became a crucial financial supporter of the Owari Clan, reaching the highest merchant status by 1805.
FAQ
What is the venue and admission fee for the 'Matsuzakaya and the Three Heroes' exhibition?
The exhibition is held at the Matsuzakaya Historical Materials Room on the 7th floor of the South Building of Matsuzakaya Nagoya Store, and admission is free.
What historical connections does the founding family of Matsuzakaya have with the Three Heroes?
The founder, Ito Yudou, was a page (young attendant) to Oda Nobunaga and later became a merchant after Nobunaga's death. He also served Toyotomi Hideyori and participated in the Summer Siege of Osaka. Additionally, he opened his business in Nagoya by the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Kiyosu Crossing.
What specific items are displayed at the exhibition?
The exhibition features valuable period costumes owned by Matsuzakaya, as well as historical anecdotes related to Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
When and where did the predecessor of Matsuzakaya, 'Itoya,' establish its business?
Itoya, the predecessor of Matsuzakaya, was established in Honmachi, Nagoya in 1611, following the order of Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Kiyosu Crossing.
What historical position did Matsuzakaya establish?
Matsuzakaya served as an official merchant for the Owari Domain and was referred to as 'Sansha-shu,' the highest rank of official merchants, in 1805. They also supported the domain financially.