Have you heard about Zezan Goto (後藤是山)? He was a journalist who worked hard to introduce cultures to Kumamoto and also did research of unclarified histories and stories of Kumamoto.

Newspapers back then played a role as a party organ and most pages were about politics and economics and the space for culture was very limited. Among journalists, culture was disrespected and people like Zezan were considered to be too soft. Zezan faced the huge gap between his dream and the reality.

However, thanks to the CEO of the company who understood him, Zezan could meet and interact with many cultured people in Tokyo and introduced them and their works in Kyushu Nichinichi Newspaper (later it became Kumamoto Nichinichi Newspaper).

There is a house that Zezan used to live in Suizenji, Chuo-ku Kumamoto City. It was built in 1927. This house and the museum is called Goto Zezan memorial hall (後藤是山記念館). Zezan lived in the house until 1986 when he passed away at the age of 99 years old (I heard his birthday of 100 years old was 4 days later!).

This house is well-maintained and you can have a seat and enjoy the view of the lovely garden. I heard that there are some trees which were gifted by his cultured friends from Tokyo. It is amazing that we can feel connected with them by seeing those legacy.

Also, the good thing about the museum is that they have English explanations!!! Sometimes (or often), there is no English explanations and you may got bored not to be able to learn about the place. Visit the memorial hall and get to know Zezan. Then relax in the lovely house. It is close to Suizenji Jojuen Park (about 10 minutes on foot) so you can arrange your plan with it. Goto Zezan memorial hall opens from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. It closes on Mondays and national holidays. And the entrance fee is free! There is a parking lot for 2 cars so you can go there by car, too.

Check the link below and get to know more about his stories!

  • Chieko

Google map https://goo.gl/maps/9qUJJyueX9wu4dEL8

Official website https://kumamoto-guide.jp/spots/detail/130

#gotozezan #後藤是山 #徳富蘇峰 #徳冨蘆花 #Kumamoto #熊本