"Memories of Ryotaro Shiba: Osamu Kobayashi Photo Exhibition" Commemorating 30 Years Since His Passing to be Held at Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
The Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture is hosting the "Memories of Ryotaro Shiba: Osamu Kobayashi Photo Exhibition" to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the renowned author's passing in 2026. The exhibition will feature approximately 180 photographs by Osamu Kobayashi, who documented Shiba's works for 20 years, capturing landscapes that resonate with Shiba's descriptions. The exhibition is divided into sections such as 'Kaidō o Yuku,' 'Baku-matsu Ishin,' 'Sengoku Jidai,' 'Saka no Ue no Kumo,' 'Shukyo,' 'Kon'nichi no Katachi - Fūjinshō,' and 'Nagasaki.' A special focus is placed on Nagasaki, a city that inspired several of Shiba's works.
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The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of Ryotaro Shiba (1923-96), author of bestsellers such as 'Ryoma ga Yuku,' 'Moeyo Ken,' and 'Saka no Ue no Kumo.' This photo exhibition showcases approximately 180 pieces that express the world of his works. The photographer, Osamu Kobayashi, spent 20 years photographing Shiba's works for 'Shukan Asahi' and the bimonthly magazine 'Rekishi Dō' (Asahi Shimbun Publications). However, finding landscapes that evoke a sense of history in the modern era can be a challenge. Kobayashi reflects on his work:
"When Shiba describes landscapes, he does so based on his deep knowledge of the land's long history and climate. Relying on this, I would stand in the field, exposed to the wind and rain, waiting for the light to strike, and sometimes a landscape that transcended the everyday would emerge. There are moments when I encounter a landscape with universal appeal that synchronizes with Shiba's words."
The exhibition is divided into sections including 'Kaidō o Yuku,' 'Baku-matsu Ishin,' 'Sengoku Jidai,' 'Saka no Ue no Kumo,' 'Shukyo,' 'Kon'nichi no Katachi - Fūjinshō,' and 'Nagasaki.'
Shiba set Nagasaki as the stage for three of his works: 'Ryoma ga Yuku,' 'Kochō no Yume,' and 'Dattan Shippūroku,' as well as 'Kaidō o Yuku.'
"Shiba wrote about Nagasaki during the period of national isolation, saying it was like 'a small hole pricked by a needle.' It served as a pinhole through which to glimpse the world. To understand the world, Nagasaki was the best place to go, and for Ryoma, Nagasaki was a town of hope."
The exhibition approaches Shiba's deeply cherished "Nagasaki" from the perspectives of the Warring States period, the end of the Edo period, and religion, through photographs. We hope you enjoy it while recalling his works.
Supervision: Shigetoshi Murai (Former Editorial Committee Member, Shukan Asahi)
*An opening ceremony and press preview are scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026.
◆ Exhibition Highlights ◆
Approximately 180 photographs that allow visitors to experience the world of Shiba's works, including the world of 'Kaidō o Yuku,' which can be considered Shiba Ryotaro's life's work, and 'Shiba-san to Nagasaki,' themed around Nagasaki, which has deep connections with Shiba's works.
The section covering the world of 'Saka no Ue no Kumo,' which took about four years to research, covers almost all the novel's settings.
A total of 28 works depicting Nagasaki will be exhibited, with a particular focus on the "Shiba-san to Nagasaki" corner.
◆ Related Event ◆
Lecture "Ryotaro Shiba: Thoughts While Photographing"
Date and Time: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 14:00 - 15:30
Venue: 1st Floor Hall
Lecturers: Shigetoshi Murai (Former Editorial Committee Member, Shukan Asahi, 'Kaidō o Yuku' editor), Osamu Kobayashi (Photographer, Asahi Shimbun Publications Photo and Video Department)
Capacity: 140 people (first-come, first-served) *Free admission, no prior registration required.
"Memories of Ryotaro Shiba: Osamu Kobayashi Photo Exhibition" Commemorating 30 Years Since His Passing
[Period] Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Sunday, May 31, 2026
※Closed on Thursday, May 7, and Monday, May 18
[Venue] 3rd Floor Special Exhibition Room
[Hours] 9:00 - 18:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
[Admission Fee] General [University students and above]: 800 yen (Advance: 600 yen)
*Free for high school students and below, Nagasaki Rekibun Friends, and Campus Members.
*Holders of Physical Disability Certificate, Intellectual Disability Certificate, Mental Disability Certificate, Welfare Service Recipient Certificate for Persons with Disabilities, Regional Consultation Support Recipient Certificate, Specific Disease Medical Treatment Recipient Certificate, Specified Medical Expense (Designated Intractable Disease) Medical Treatment Recipient Certificate, Congenital Blood Coagulation Factor Disorder Medical Treatment Recipient Certificate, Child's Chronic Specific Disease Medical Treatment Recipient Certificate, and one caregiver are eligible for the advance ticket price.
[Organizer] Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
[Special Cooperation] The Ryotaro Shiba Memorial Museum
[Cooperation] Asahi Shimbun Publications, Catholic Archdiocese of Nagasaki
[Support] Nagasaki Prefecture, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefectural Board of Education, Nagasaki City Board of Education, Nagasaki Prefectural Nagasaki Library, Nagasaki City Library, Nagasaki Shimbun, Nishinippon Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Mainichi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun Western Headquarters, Kyodo News Nagasaki Branch, NBC Nagasaki Broadcasting, KTN Television Nagasaki, NCC Nagasaki Broadcasting, NIB Nagasaki International Television, Nagasaki Cable Media, FM Nagasaki, Nagasaki Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Nagasaki Prefecture Taxi Association, Nagasaki Prefecture Tourism Federation, Nagasaki International Tourism Convention Association
[Supervision] Shigetoshi Murai (Former Editorial Committee Member, Shukan Asahi)
●Advance Ticket Information (Available until Friday, April 24)
- Ticket Pia [P Code: 687-447]
- Lawson Ticket [L Code: 81820]
- Seven Ticket [Seven Code: 115-073]
- Kinokuniya Bookstore Nagasaki Store (Yumesaito)
- Metro Bookstore Main Store (Amu Plaza Nagasaki)
- Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture
This museum exhibits valuable historical materials and artworks on the theme of Nagasaki's international exchange history. In the Edo period, it housed the Nagasaki Magistrate's Office, and a portion of it has been restored on the premises. It also features zones for learning history in an enjoyable way and a variety of special exhibitions and events!
It celebrated its 20th anniversary on November 3, 2025.
Address: 1-1-1 Tachiyama, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, 850-0007
Contact: TEL 095-818-8366
FAX 095-818-8407
E-mail info-his@nmhc.jp
URL: https://www.nmhc.jp/
FAQ
What is the exhibition about?
The exhibition commemorates the 30th anniversary of the passing of author Ryotaro Shiba and features approximately 180 photographs by Osamu Kobayashi that capture the essence of Shiba's literary world and the landscapes he described.
When and where is the exhibition held?
The exhibition runs from April 25, 2026, to May 31, 2026, at the Nagasaki Museum of History and Culture, located on the 3rd floor in the Special Exhibition Room.
What are the opening hours and admission fees?
The museum is open from 9:00 to 18:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing). General admission is 800 yen (600 yen in advance). High school students and below, Nagasaki Rekibun Friends, and Campus Members are admitted free. Certain individuals with disabilities and their caregivers receive the advance ticket price.
Is there a related event?
Yes, there will be a lecture titled "Ryotaro Shiba: Thoughts While Photographing" on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 14:00 to 15:30, featuring Shigetoshi Murai and Osamu Kobayashi. It is free to attend and requires no prior registration.
What is the significance of Nagasaki in Ryotaro Shiba's works?
Nagasaki was a significant setting for several of Shiba's works, including 'Ryoma ga Yuku' and 'Kaidō o Yuku.' He described it as a crucial point of contact with the outside world during Japan's period of isolation.