鴻臚館跡展示館

In the year 736, a homesick envoy composed a poem at the Korokan. This poem, preserved in the Man’yoshu, offers us a glimpse into the bustling life of the Korokan in Fukuoka. The Korokan Exhibition Hall stands right here, where centuries ago international diplomacy and trade flourished. The Korokan served as a guesthouse and reception hall for envoys from China, Silla, and Balhae. It played a crucial role in Japan’s relations with the outside world during the Nara, Heian, and early Kamakura periods, roughly from the 7th to the 11th century. The Korokan, whose name signifies “spreading great wings,” hosted not only foreign emissaries but also merchants and scholars. These visitors would stay for months, exchanging goods, ideas, and cultural practices. Imagine the Korokan as a vibrant hub, filled with the sights and sounds of diverse languages and customs. The Korokan in Fukuoka is the only one whose ruins have been confirmed through archaeological excavations. The exhibition hall presents fascinating artifacts unearthed from the site. These artifacts, including roof tiles, pottery shards, and even toilet paper made from wood shavings, offer tangible connections to the past. They allow us to imagine the lives of those who lived and worked at the Korokan. While the building itself is no longer standing, the Korokan Exhibition Hall keeps its memory alive. It offers a window into a significant period in Japanese history. It reminds us of the importance of international exchange and the enduring legacy of the Korokan.