The Kuboso Memorial Museum of Arts, Izumi
The Kuboso Memorial Museum of Arts, Izumi opened in 1982. The museum’s namesake, Kuboso, was a cotton weaving company that was in operation for over 100 years, and flourished as one of the most successful corporations in the Senshu region.
In 1977 when the company closed operations, Sotaro Kubo III (a descendant of the company founder) donated the artworks as well as the museum building, site, and foundation to the city of Izumi as a token of his gratitude to the local community and to the development of local culture in his hometown of Izumi.
When the business closed in 1977, Sotaro Kubo III (a descendant of the company founder) donated its art collection along with the museum building, the site it is located on, and generous funds to the city of Izumi to contribute to regional and cultural development.
The museum currently owns approximately 12,000 pieces of oriental antiques, including Japanese and Chinese paintings, calligraphy, and crafts, and holds four to five special exhibitions, as well as one independently planned special exhibition, each year. In addition to exhibitions, the museum provides local citizens with opportunities and venues for creative activities and presentations, such as tea ceremonies, concerts, and local art exhibitions, in order to promote the culture of the city.