April 29, – June 25, 2023

[General admission fees]
If you are someone who has an interest in Edo-period culture, you may have heard of the famous kyōka poet “Shokusanjin,” also known as Ōta Nanpo (1749–1823), at least once. He was a leading figure in the glamorous world of Edo publishing, which was colored by figures such as Hiraga Gennai, Santo Kyōden, Kitagawa Utamaro, and the publisher Tsutaya Jūzaburō. He is known even today as the master of quick-witted kyōka poems through his appearance as a character in rakugō comic storytelling and historical novels. Nanpo was a capable shogunal retainer, as well. Although he was a low-ranking vassal, called a gokenin, he was promoted based on the knowledge and abilities he accumulated since early childhood, and was also highly regarded for his work. On top of all of this, he has contributed immeasurably to our understanding of the Edo period through his written accounts of everything he observed—from events and rumors of the time to historical texts. To give just one example of his influence, without Nanpo’s records, many events in the history of ukiyo-e “Images of the Floating World” and Edo literature would have been irrevocably lost. The defining characteristic of this exhibition, which commemorates the bicentenary of Nanpo’s death, is its multidimensional exploration of Ōta Nanpo. Moreover, as an exhibition held by Tobacco and Salt Museum, we also have specially introduced the tobacconists Hezutsu Tōsaku and Ranjatei Kaoru, who were closely associated with Nanpo.

Compared to today—when there is an inundation of information and the value of knowledge is being questioned—the ways in which information could be transmitted were limited in the Edo period. I hope that this exhibition will provide an opportunity to reconsider the question of what knowledge is through the Nanpo’s life, which was devoted to examining and recording information.

General (Adults and university students)
individual:100yen

Children and pupils of primary, juniorhigh, and high schools
individual:50yen

Visitors over 65 years old ※Please show proof of age when entering.
individual:50yen

※Free admission for up to 1 accompanying person with disabilities upon presentation of a disability certificate (Mirairo ID is acceptable).
※Please come with as few people as possible.
※Depending on the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the opening hours may be changed or the museum may be temporarily closed. Please check the official Twitter or phone for the latest opening status.

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  Nampo's quick-witted poems collection established his reputation
  private collection

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  Portrait of Ōta Nanpo
  private collection