The Magical and Inspiring World of Fujishiro Seiji
photo by Kianna Shore
By Kianna Shore (Gunma)
One of my favorite things as a creative writer is finding inspiration everywhere. Of course, I am inspired by novels and movies, their characters often endearing and the plot hopefully unpredictable. I can find inspiration in the mundane, my daily life as an ALT, and quiet interactions in the inaka. One of my favorite places for an artist date, however, is a good, old fashioned museum.
No matter what country or city I am in, it is a safe bet that I will visit at least one or two museums and galleries. My love for museums stems from my mom who worked as a museum curator, designing exhibitions in our hometown. No matter where we traveled, we would hit up the local museum (and gift shop, naturally).
This trend of visiting museums continues in my life here in Japan as well, frequenting popular museums in Ueno and Roppongi, as well as smaller museums off the beaten path. My favorite museum and newfound artist is Fujishiro Seiji and his museum tucked away in oft-overlooked Nasu, Tochigi. It is a small town hidden in the mountains about an hour north of Nikko by car, or three hours by car from Tokyo.
Fujishiro Seiji is a world renowned Japanese kiri-e (paper cutting) artist who uses shadow and light to create whimsical and ethereal images in a delicate dream-like world. Born in 1924, his experience during World War II is felt in his work where common themes are hope and peace even during the darkest of times.
When you first enter the Fujishiro Seiji Museum, you are immediately greeted by staff. The grounds have little statues and silhouettes of cats and frogs, which you will quickly learn are recurring motifs in his work. On the way to the main building, you pass by a simple chapel with beautiful stained glass. Only here are you allowed to take pictures.
About the Author
Kianna Shore is a Korean American writer and second-year JET based in Gunma, Japan. Kianna is also a UCLA MFA Screenwriting alumna, Women in Film Scholar, and editor of CONNECT. When she’s not busy writing or fangirling over her favorite books, Kianna can be found befriending stray cats and hunting for the best boba in town.
This article was published in partnership with AJET’s CONNECT magazine.
