Finding Miyazawa Kenji’s World in His Hometown

Monuments based on the children’s story “The Cat’s Office” mark the entrance to the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum. (Courtesy of the Iwate Tourism Association)

This cobblestone path leads to the Miyazawa Kenji Memorial Museum. (Courtesy of the Iwate Tourism Association)

This monument represents a yodaka (nighthawk) who burns as a star, inspired by the Miyazawa Kenji children’s story “Yodaka no hoshi” (“The Nighthawk Star”).

This display shows Miyazawa’s cello next to the violin used by his younger sister, Toshi.

The Ihatov Museum is at the bottom of a flight of stairs surrounded by trees.

Designed by Miyazawa, the Nansha Kadan blooms with colorful flowers.

Library shelves on the second floor of the Ihatov Museum stock all manner of publications pertaining to Miyazawa.

The Cat’s Office gift shop sells Miyazawa publications and merchandise.

The café is a well-lit place to relax.

This path leads to Kenji’s School, the main facility of the Miyazawa Kenji Dōwa Mura.

The Fantastic Hall of Kenji’s School.

The Classroom of the Stars offers Miyazawa stories associated with constellations and other heavenly bodies.

The gift shop is patterned on Swan Station, from Ginga tetsudō no yoru.

This remarkable sight can only be experienced during periods of drought. (Courtesy of the Iwate Tourism Association)