Reimeikan (Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical and Cultural Studies)

Reimeikan (Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical and Cultural Studies) is a comprehensive museum built by Kagoshima Prefecture as part of the Meiji Centennial commemorative project, on the site of the honmaru of Tsurumaru Castle (Kagoshima Castle), the former main castle of the Satsuma domain. It opened in October 1983, and in April 2020 its name was changed from "Kagoshima Prefectural Historical Materials Center Reimeikan" to the current "Kagoshima Prefectural Center for Historical and Cultural Studies Reimeikan".

Location at the Site of Tsurumaru Castle

Tsurumaru Castle, on whose ruins Reimeikan stands, was built in the early Edo period by Shimazu Iehisa, the 18th head of the Shimazu clan, as the government seat of the Satsuma domain. It is known as a flatland-mountain castle without a main keep. Part of its stone walls and moats survive today, and the stone walls of the former Shigakkō school site next door, said to bear bullet marks from the Satsuma Rebellion, can also be seen nearby. Presenting Satsuma's history and art within the historical context of the castle site is a feature that sets Reimeikan apart from other museums.

Satsuma Swords and the Sword Collection

The Arts and Crafts section of the permanent exhibition has a "Satsuma Sword" corner, which introduces Satsuma swords, including those of the Namihira school. Special exhibitions sometimes present Satsuma-related masterpieces, such as the National Treasure tachi signed "Kunimune", owned by Terukuni Shrine and entrusted to Reimeikan; the Important Cultural Property sword signed "Sōshū-jū Akihiro Meitoku 3", owned by Kagoshima Shrine; and the Important Cultural Property Iro-iro dō-maru with kabuto and ō-sode, also owned by Kagoshima Shrine. The collection is valued as a body of materials that conveys the history of samurai and sword culture in Kyushu.

Highlights and Exhibition Structure

The permanent exhibition consists of a thematic display that surveys Kagoshima's history in chronological order and displays by field covering history, folklore, and arts and crafts, and it includes materials related to the Satsuma Rebellion, among others. On the third floor, the free zone features a Local Information Corner and a hands-on learning room, making it easy for families to use.

Cultural Significance

Reimeikan combines the function of an exhibition hall with that of a "center" that systematically collects, preserves, and researches Kagoshima Prefecture's historical materials. It is positioned as a base for passing on the samurai and sword culture of the Satsuma domain and the Shimazu family to future generations.