Zoshigaya Cemetery

Established in 1874 by the Tokyo Metropolitan government, Zoshigaya Cemetery holds a unique place in Tokyo’s history. It became a necessary public space due to the Meiji government’s new burial prohibitions in central Tokyo. Originally called Zōshigaya-Asahidechō-Bochi, reflecting its location, Zoshigaya Cemetery received its current name in 1935. The cemetery’s ten hectares offer a peaceful escape within the bustling city. Zoshigaya Cemetery’s significance is amplified by the numerous notable figures resting within its grounds. Literary giants like Natsume Sōseki, author of “I Am a Cat” and “Kokoro,” are buried here. Interestingly, Sōseki featured Zoshigaya Cemetery in “Kokoro,” even before his own burial. Lafcadio Hearn, also known as Koizumi Yakumo, the writer who bridged Japan and the West with works like “Kwaidan,” also rests here. The cemetery is also the final resting place of John Manjiro, a key figure in Japan’s opening to the world during the late Edo period. He served as an interpreter, translator, and shipbuilder, contributing significantly to the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Japan. Dr. Ogino Ginko, Japan’s first licensed female physician of Western medicine, is also commemorated at Zoshigaya. Her gravesite stands out with its distinctive statue. The cemetery also holds the remains of prominent figures like artist Yumeji Takehisa, known for his depictions of Japanese women, and Kyōka Izumi, a celebrated writer of novels, short stories, and kabuki plays. Zoshigaya Cemetery isn’t simply a burial ground. It’s a serene space where history and culture intertwine, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the lives of those who shaped Japan.