How to build a philosophy museum? Ishikawa Nishida Kitaro Museum of Philosophy might be a good example. Built in Ishikawa Prefecture and designed by Ando Tadao, it is probably the largest philosophy museum in the world. In contrast, Tanabe Hajime Museum in Gunma Prefecture is less known. It is the house where Tanabe Hajime lived after World War II. Although it was a good place to escape from the summer heat, it was difficult to live in winter because of cold weather. His students repeatedly urged him to move to a warmer place to live, but Tanabe insisted on living there as a “self-punishment.” After Tanabe’s death, the house and other personal belongings were donated to Gunma University. Since it is not easy to maintain the old house, perhaps it is time to initiate a project to renovate the museum. In this meeting, Prof. Cheung explained the difficulties of this project and invited the audience to join him in offering some suggestions for the design and operation of this new Tanabe Hajime Museum. During the discussion, various ideas were put forward, including exhibiting Tanabe’s ideas and relics, organizing art exhibitions and concerts, running a cafe and a hostel, holding summer workshops, and so on. It is hoped that this new museum will draw the attention of a new generation of young scholars who are interested in modern Japanese philosophy.

Prof. Cheung Ching-yuen

Report by Lin Ziwei (EAA Research Assistant)
Photo by Guo Chiyang (EAA Project Assistant Professor)