Mori Ogai, Director General of the Imperial Household Museum: 150 Years since his Birth

Mori Rintaro (Ogai), a representative literary figure of Japan's modern era, was appointed as both the Director General of the Imperial Household Museum (a forerunner to the Tokyo National Museum) and the Director of the Imperial Archives in 1917. He died in 1922 while still holding these positions. This time was one of major transformations in history: in world history, there was the Russian Revolution, the end of World War I, and the rise of socialism and nationalism; in Japanese history, there were the rice riots, the evolution of democracy, and the founding of political parties.

During his tenure, Ogai diligently carried out his duties and reformed the museum in response to the demands of the times, almost 50 years after the museum was founded. While he looked through administrative papers awaiting his approval, he also worked on the transformation of displays, the increase of visitor numbers, and the presentation of research and study achievements to the public. The maintenance of the Shosoin Repository Treasures and the improvement of the management of Ueno Park, both of which belonged to the museum at the time, were also among his undertakings. Furthermore, he studied classical books in the museum collection and wrote an extensive number of bibliographical introductions. Though Ogai seldom spoke about his work of this time while he was alive, the documents left today tell us of his diligence.

Through materials in the museum collection, this exhibition highlights the lesser-known side of Ogai as the director general of this museum.