Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan (Akita City Red Brick Museum)

Overview

Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan is a municipal museum of local history and art located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. It comprises the main red-brick building (an Important Cultural Property) – the former Akita Bank headquarters completed in 1912 (Meiji 45) – a new building, a storage facility, and a branch museum, the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Preservation Hall (commonly known as Nebuta-nagashi-kan), located a short distance away. The interior of the red-brick main building retains much of its original bank features. The former library showcases permanent exhibitions of traditional Akita crafts, such as *ginsen zaiku* (silver wire crafts). The former meeting room houses a memorial room dedicated to Shiro Sekiya, a *jūyō mukei bunkazai* (Important Intangible Cultural Property) holder (Living National Treasure) and metalworker. His home atelier is recreated here, displaying his works and offering insights into his life. The new building features a memorial room for Tokuyuki Katsuhira, a printmaker from Akita. His works, focusing on the local nature and customs, are exhibited alongside his biography and achievements. The Folk Performing Arts Preservation Hall (Nebuta-nagashi-kan), a branch museum, faces Omachi-dori street alongside the red-brick building, separated by Kanto-dori Street. It's about a 5-minute walk from the main building and features a large display of a * Kanto* float at the entrance. The building boasts a spacious atrium. On the first floor, you'll find exhibits of *dashi* floats used in the Tosaki Shinmei Shrine festival and *bon-ten* (large ornamental balls) from the Taiheizan San-kichi Shrine festival. The second floor showcases Akita City's folk events and performing arts. The atrium also provides opportunities to experience the raising of *kanto* lanterns. Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan offers a deep dive into Akita's history and culture. From the imposing red-brick architecture to traditional crafts and works by renowned artists, there's something for everyone. Be sure to visit!