Oct. 15 (Tue.),2024
I see. Mr. Sasabe’s love for sakura must have been like my love for sake.
Only Sakagura-kan is open until December 2.
A new article is posted on the 15th of January, April, July and October (4 times a year).
Learn New Things about Well-known Sakura
Cherry blossom trees have been capturing Japanese people’s hearts for innumerable generations, but no one more so than the late Sasabe Shintaro.
Learn about his life dedicated to the study and preservation of cherry blossom trees through his research notes and writings and you may gain a new appreciation for sakura.
All About Sakura List
Jul. 15 (Mon.),2024
Extracting the Scent of Cherry Blossoms
Apr. 15 (Mon.),2024
What is the Color of Cherry Blossoms?
What is the “colors of cherry blossoms” mentioned in waka poetry?
Oct. 15 (Sun.),2023
Introduction to the Sasabe Sakura Collection 4: Book Collection
Let’s see the Sasabe’s bookshelf!
Jul. 15 (Sat.),2023
Introduction to the Sasabe Sakura Collection 3: Earthenware
I would love to use such beautiful dishes!
Apr. 15 (Sat.),2023
Introduction to the Sasabe Sakura Collection2: Woodblock Printings
Vivid-colored woodblock printings offer a different king of pleasure to the eyes, compared to hanging scrolls.
Jan. 15 (Sun.),2023
Introduction to the Sasabe Sakura Collection 1: Paintings and Calligraphy
Let’s enjoy Sasabe san’s collection together through the articles!
Nov. 15 (Tue.),2022
Sasabe and Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots 3: Shōgawa-zakura Cherry Blossom Trees
Oct. 15 (Sat.),2022
Sasabe and Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots Part 2: Nishinomiya
About Sasabe Shintaro - “Sakura Otoko” (The Man of Cherry Blossom Trees) -
Born in Osaka in 1887, Sasabe Shintaro spent his lifetime protecting and nurturing Japan’s ancient and wild cherry blossom trees until he died in 1978. He knew that understanding the environment surrounding the cherry blossom trees was just as important as knowing how to grow them. He owned an experimental forest and a nursery field. This dedication lead to him being called “Sakura Otoko” (The Man of Cherry Blossom Trees).
Sasabe’s Projects of Cherry Blossom Trees
Sasabe’s involvement was requested in many projects of surrounding the planting, growing, and instructing in how to grow cherry blossom trees in mainly the Kansai area, but he was also active all throughout Japan. Below is the list of the main projects Sasabe was involved in and directed.
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- 1936 -
- Japan Mint (Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)
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- 1953 -
- Manchidani in Mt. Kabutoyama (Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture)
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- 1954
- Osaka Castle Park (Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture)
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- 1960
- Shogawa-zakura Cherry Blossom Trees (Shogawa-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture)
Sasabe Sakura Collection and Nishinomiya City
Sasabe Shintaro collected a variety of items related to cherry blossom trees, such as calligraphic works, works of art, books and beyond. His collection of approximately 5,000 items is one of Japan’s foremost collection of works regarding cherry blossom trees.
Sasabe had built a relationship with Nishinomiya caring for many of the important cherry trees there and in accordance with Sasabe’s will, his collection was donated to the city at his bequest. His collection was then entrusted to our museum by the city government. Every spring, the Sasabe Sakura Collection exhibition is held using all three exhibition rooms at the Kinen-kan. In other seasons, his collection is exhibited in Sakura Reference Room.
Whenever I smell the scent of cherry blossoms, I feel spring!