How about stepping back in time to early Showa era Japan? That’s the feeling you get at the Guo Moruo Memorial Hall. This hall commemorates Guo Moruo. He was a Chinese scholar of literature, history and politics.
Guo Moruo lived in this wonderful wooden house for ten years from 1928. It had a tiled roof and an external corridor. The house was originally in Suwada in Ichikawa city. It was repaired and moved to this park. Ichikawa is a sister city of Loshan in China. That is where Guo Moruo was born.
Guo Moruo was a leading intellectual. He served as the first Vice Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. From 1928 to 1937 Guo Moruo lived in Ichikawa. He deeply studied ancient Chinese history. He researched inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells. He also studied bronzewares. His notable work is the Research of Ancient History of China.
In 1955 Guo Moruo visited his former residence. He was the leader of a Chinese academic group. He met old friends. Guo Moruo wrote a poem Separation at Suwada. It expressed his deep emotions. The poem was carved on a stone tablet in Suwada Park.
The Guo Moruo Memorial Hall symbolizes friendship. Ichikawa City repaired Guo Moruo’s deteriorated house. It moved the house to this park in Mama. This happened on Ichikawa City’s 70th anniversary in September 2004.
This park was named Guo Moruo Memorial Park in 2006. It marked the 25th anniversary of friendship between Loshan and Ichikawa.
The Guo Moruo Memorial Park provides great access. It is accessible from both Narita and Haneda International Airports. From Narita Airport take the Keisei line. Get off at Ichikawamama Station. From Haneda Airport take the Keikyu line bound for Narita. Get off at Ichikawamama Station. From Ichikawamama Station it is a twenty minute walk.
The area around the Guo Moruo Memorial Hall is scenic. Tekona Reishindo Shrine is nearby. It has been described in many poems. Kokubunji is a historic site designated by the government.
Guo Moruo Memorial Park stretches 400 meters. It runs along cherry trees. Many seasonal flowers bloom brightly in the garden. The museums introduce the history of the Ichikawa area. It offers a panoramic view of Mt Fuji. This view is available behind the skyscrapers in Tokyo.
Guo Moruo’s life was truly remarkable. His memorial hall stands as a testament. It shows his contributions to literature, history and friendship between nations. Take a moment to reflect on this man. Consider his enduring legacy.