“Could this unassuming farmhouse be a haven from war?” That’s precisely what Kojiro Shirasu and his wife Masako sought when they purchased this property. This is the \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358. It served as their home in troubled times.
\u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358 offers a glimpse into the lives of Kojiro Shirasu and Masako Shirasu. Kojiro was an industrialist who played a crucial role in Japan’s postwar recovery. Masako was an accomplished essayist. Together, they created a unique space that reflected their combined passions.
Before us stands the \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358. It is now a museum showcasing their legacy. The couple purchased this farmhouse in 1942 anticipating wartime difficulties. They sought refuge from air raids and food shortages. Kojiro left his executive position at Nippon Suisan and poured his retirement money into the property.
Initially, the house was in poor condition. The Shirasu family commuted from their home in Shinjuku to repair it gradually. But as the war intensified, they moved here permanently in 1943. They embraced a self-sufficient farming lifestyle. Kojiro was 41 and Masako was 33.
Interestingly, Kojiro called himself a “country gentleman.” He deliberately distanced himself from central politics. He preferred to live locally while staying informed about national affairs. This was influenced by his friend Robert Cecil Bingham. Bingham was the 7th Baron Strafford.
Even during the war, the \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358 was a place of refuge for others. From 1945 for two years, Kojiro and Masako hosted Matajiro Kawakami and his wife. The Kawakami’s home had been destroyed in the Tokyo air raids. Masako chronicled their life at \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358 in her “Tsurukawa Diary.”
After the war, Kojiro assisted Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida. He worked on establishing the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Masako pursued her literary career. They remained at \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358 until their deaths.
Today, the house and grounds are open to the public. You can explore the main house with its thatched roof. Discover the couple’s books, furniture and personal belongings. See Kojiro’s handcrafted tools and the couple’s art collection.
Before leaving \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358, consider its name. Kojiro created it. It combines “Musashi” and “Sagami.” These are the names of the regions where the house is located and it also hints at “no ideals.” The \u65e7\u767d\u6d32\u90b8 \u6b66\u76f8\u8358 stands as a testament to their lives. It is a blend of intellect, resilience and artistic spirit.