Renjuku School and the Former Residence of Suga Chazan

Overview

Renjuku was a private school established in the late Edo period by Suga Chazan, a Confucian scholar, in his hometown of Bingo Province, Kanbe (present-day Kanbe-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture). From a young age, Chazan dedicated himself to his studies and gained fame as a leading Confucian scholar. Commissioned by the feudal lord, he traveled to Edo, where he interacted with many prominent intellectuals. Renjuku welcomed distinguished guests such as Rai Shunsui, Rai Kyōhei, and Nakamura Hokō. Chazan was also well-versed in Dutch learning and medicine, sharing his extensive knowledge with his students. Many outstanding individuals emerged from Chazan's tutelage, contributing to the development of modern Japan. Renjuku boasts buildings and gardens that retain the atmosphere of the time, offering a valuable opportunity to experience history and the spirit of learning. The school building, constructed around 1790 (Kansei 2), features a 20-mat lecture hall formed by three rooms to the east of the raised platform (shikidai). The fusuma (sliding doors) were removed to create the lecture space. The raised platform is said to have been built in 1801 (Kyowa 1) when Chazan became a feudal retainer. A bathroom and toilet were located north of the lecture hall, while a reading room was situated to the west. Chazan's former residence, built after Renjuku, was where he spent his later years. It was later inhabited by the second headmaster, Jimakusai, and the third, Shinken. The residence was expanded during Chazan's time, the late Edo period under Jimakusai, and in Meiji 20 under Shinken. Within Renjuku's grounds, there's a site believed to be the remains of a medicinal herb garden from when Chazan practiced medicine. The Japanese pagoda tree, gardenia, and privet currently on the grounds were reportedly planted for medicinal use. Renjuku is designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan, making it a valuable place to learn about history and culture.