Kumamoto Culture

Picture: Traditional Performing Arts Photography; Shigeto Kenichi
《Library for Human Use》©Marina Abramović《Modus Vivendi -Pieta-》©Marina Abramović/Ulay

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The Cultural Capital of Art and History

When you hear the words "Kumamoto Culture", what comes to mind? Culture can mean lots of things - from traditions passed on from long ago to new culture like modern arts. We've put together a summary of Kumamoto culture to help you get aquainted!

Memorial Museums &
Historic Ruins

Picture：Memorial Museums & Historic Ruins

Aside from Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto is home to a lot of buildings and ruins with historical value. From the former residence of Natsume Soseki to the gardens of the Kumamoto Hosokawa Clan, here's an introduction to some famous memorial museums and historical ruins.

Memorial Museums & Historic Ruins

For Memorial Museums and Historical Ruins

Contemporary Art Museum,
Kumamoto

《Library for Human Use》©Marina Abramović《Modus Vivendi -Pieta-》©Marina Abramović/Ulay

Picture：Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto

Discover exhibitions that are both charming and inviting with opportunities for people of all ages to experience art.

Contemporary Art Museum, Kumamoto

For the Contemporary Art Museum

Traditional Performing Arts

Picture：Traditional Performing Arts
Picture: Traditional Performing Arts Photography; Shigeto Kenichi

Passed on since the Edo Period, many traditional performing arts are still deeply rooted in Kumamoto Culture.

Traditional Performing Arts

For Traditional Performing Arts

Kumamoto City
KUMAMOTO Crafts Center

Picture：Kumamoto City KUMAMOTO Crafts Center

It is a facility where visitors can "see, touch, and experience" the handicraft of a town with a historical romantic atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Middle Ages.

Kumamoto City KUMAMOTO Crafts Center

For Kumamoto City KUMAMOTO Crafts Center

Traditional handicrafts

Picture：Traditional handicrafts

Introducing the wonderful, and rich in history, handicrafts of Kumamoto City; including the Higo zogan inlay -nationally designated as traditional craft item, the Obake no Kinta puppet, the Kawashiri blade, the Higo Temari ball, and the Higo Mari ball.

Traditional handicrafts

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Artist spots Kumamoto

Picture：Artist spots Kumamoto

By connecting the "artists" actively working within Kumamoto City with "spots" where they can show their creations, we provide opportunities for citizens to come into contact with culture and art in their neighbourhoods.

Artist spots Kumamoto

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Cultural assets

Picture：Cultural assets

Introducing local cultural assets, as well as many others, starting from those designated as cultural properties in Kumamoto City.

Cultural Property

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The Cultural Capital of Art and History