Guide
The Rokuzan Museum, located in Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing the works and materials of the modern sculptor Ogihara Rokuzan (also known by his pen name, Shuei). As a native of Azumino, Ogihara left a significant legacy in this region. The main building opened in 1958, established through donations from local community members. The collection features Ogihara Rokuzan's sculptures, paintings, and letters, alongside works by artists with whom he shared deep connections, such as Kotaro Takamura, Koan Tobari, and Teijiro Nakahara. The facility includes a distinctive architectural structure designed by a professional architect, alongside exhibition halls, a library, and a rest house.
Ogihara Rokuzan played a pivotal role in the development of modern Japanese sculpture. To preserve his legacy, approximately 300,000 people, including local students, donated funds to establish the museum, which opened in April 1958. Parts of the building feature designs reminiscent of a Christian chapel and are designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Designed by Kenji Imai, the architecture is a beautiful fusion of traditional elements—such as the wooden kura-zukuri (storehouse style) and stone-tiled roofs—with modern architectural thought. Many of the exhibited works serve as essential historical documents for understanding the history of modern Japanese art.
The museum consists of several exhibition halls, each with its own unique character. The central