Exhibitions

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  Exhibition Current

  Permanent exhibition

  In Kyoto, where both the supporters and opposers of the shogunate were active, valuable materials are always on display based on the idea of ​​understanding the history of the Bakumatsu Restoration from both perspectives.

  ■Konosuke Matsushita and Ryozen [newly displayed]
  We will exhibit valuable materials related to the establishment of the Ryozen Museum and Konosuke Matsushita (Panasonic founder), the first director of the museum.

  ■ Boshin War Picture Scroll / Shinsengumi soldier List
  All three volumes of the spectacular “Boshin War Record Picture Scroll” or three types of “Shinsengumi soldier List” will be exhibited alternately.

  ■ Permanent main exhibition on the 2nd floor
  Zone exhibitions are mainly focused on Ryoma Sakamoto and Shinsengumi / Shogunate.

  * On the 1st floor, “the Sword that killed Ryoma”, “Kondo Isami’s sword”, and “Hijikata Toshizo’s sword” are also exhibited, which is a representative collection of the museum.

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  Exhibition Current

  The 170th Anniversary of the Treaty of Amity between Japan and the U.S.
  Perry and Shoin Yoshida

  　On June 3, 1853, four ships of Perry’s fleet arrived off the coast of Uraga. Perry’s objectives were to “open Japan to the outside world,” “protect American sailors in distress,” “secure a port for the supply of firewood, water, and food,” “obtain permission to establish a coal depot,” and “commerce (trade).
  　Perry, through gunboat diplomacy, demanded that the Shogunate receive a letter of invitation from President Fillmore. The Bakufu acquiesced, received the letter at Kurihama, and agreed to a one-year reprieve.
  　Perry left Japan, announcing that he would return the following year, but returned to Uraga on January 16, 1854.
  　On February 10, Perry landed at Yokohama with his troops, and after four rounds of talks, the Treaty of Friendship between Japan and the U.S., which did not include trade, was concluded on March 3.
  　Yoshida Shoin decided to stow away abroad, partly on the advice of his mentor Sakuma Shozan (Shozan).
  　On March 27, Shoin rowed out in a small boat with his disciple Kaneko Shigenosuke and requested to board the Pohatan. Shoin pleaded with Commodore Perry to go to the U.S., but was unable to obtain Perry’s approval. He surrendered to the Shimoda Magistrate’s Office and was imprisoned in the Denmacho Prison.
  　This exhibition presents about 35 historical documents to tell the true story of Perry’s arrival in Japan and Shouin’s life.

  24th, January 2024 - 12th, May