The History Behind the Museum
The museum was established following the generous donation of a major collection of modern Japanese art by Iji Yuie (1909–1992), a prominent art dealer from Saku and former president of Bijutsu Nenkan-sha, a publisher specializing in art-related publications.
Yuie donated the collection he had assembled over many years to Saku City in 1977. The city subsequently established a museum so that these works could be preserved as a cultural asset for the community and made accessible to the public. Saku City Museum of Modern Art officially opened on May 26, 1983.
A Wide-Ranging Collection of Japanese Art
Japanese Painting, Western-Style Painting, Sculpture, Crafts, Calligraphy and Contemporary Art
The museum houses a collection of approximately 3,000 works, centered on the collection donated by Yuie. It encompasses a remarkably broad range of genres, including Japanese painting, Western-style painting, sculpture, crafts, calligraphy, and contemporary art.
The permanent exhibition changes according to the season, allowing visitors to encounter different works on each visit. The changing displays offer an opportunity to discover different aspects of modern Japanese art throughout the year.
Outdoor Sculptures in Komaba Park
The surrounding Komaba Park is itself an extension of the museum experience. Eighteen outdoor sculptures are installed throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy works of art while taking a leisurely walk through the greenery.
A Collection of Chinese Ceramics
The museum’s collection also extends beyond Japanese art. Following renovations in 1990, approximately 40 Chinese ceramics from the Ming and Qing dynasties, donated by Saburo Yoshizawa, were added to the museum’s holdings.
These works broaden the museum’s scope to include the artistic and cultural heritage of East Asia, creating an interesting contrast with its collection of modern Japanese art.
Works by Artists Connected to Saku
The museum also presents works by artists with strong connections to Saku. Among them are works by Ikuo Hirayama, one of Japan’s internationally acclaimed painters. As an honorary citizen of Saku, Hirayama holds a special place in the city’s cultural history, and his works provide visitors with an opportunity to explore his artistic career.
Notable Artists in the Collection
Japanese Painting
The Japanese painting collection includes works by some of the most influential artists in modern Japanese art, including Taikan Yokoyama, Kaii Higashiyama, Togyu Okumura, Yuki Ogura, Shoen Uemura, Gaho Hashimoto, Gyokudo Kawai, and Tessai Tomioka.
Western-Style Painting
The museum also holds works by leading Japanese artists working in Western-style painting, including Seiji Togo, Keizo Koyama, Hirosuke Tasaki, Kazumasa Nakagawa, and Ryohei Koiso.
Sculpture, Crafts, Calligraphy and Contemporary Art
Other highlights include sculptures by Seibo Kitamura and Churyo Sato, crafts by Setsuro Takahashi, calligraphy and related works by Tenrai Hidai, and contemporary works by Mansuo Ikeda.
Selected Works
The collection includes works such as Ikuo Hirayama’s “The Transmission of Buddhism,” “Southern Route of the Tianshan Mountains (Night),” “Emergence,” “Sleep of Primitive Times,” and “Mt. Fuji in the Morning”.
Other notable works include Taikan Yokoyama’s “Morning at the Pavilion,” Ryohei Koiso’s “Western Woman,” Seiji Togo’s “Portrait of a Woman,” Seibo Kitamura’s “Cat,” Denchu Hirakushi’s “Ryokan and Pomegranate,” Mansuo Ikeda’s “Ode to Saku,” Fubo Takeuchi’s “Fruit (II),” and Setsuro Takahashi’s “Song Among Wheat.”
Museum Facilities and Architecture
Exhibition Spaces and Educational Facilities
The museum features a special exhibition gallery, five additional exhibition rooms designed for different purposes, and an audiovisual room. These spaces are used for a variety of temporary exhibitions, lectures, and other cultural programs.
Building Size
The museum occupies a site of approximately 2,778 square meters, with a total floor area of approximately 2,346 square meters.
Visitor Information
Opening Hours and Closures
The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with final admission at 4:30 p.m.
It is closed on Mondays. When Monday is a national holiday, the museum closes on the following Tuesday instead. It is also closed from December 29 to January 3 for the New Year holidays, as well as during periods when exhibitions are being changed.
Access
By Car
The museum is approximately 15 minutes by car from the Saku Interchange on the Joshin-Etsu Expressway and approximately 15 minutes from the Saku-Nakagomi Interchange on the Chubu-Odan Expressway.
By Public Transportation
From Sakudaira Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the museum is approximately 15 minutes by car.
From Kita-Nakagomi Station on the JR Koumi Line, it is approximately a 15-minute walk. The museum is also approximately 10 minutes by car from Iwamurada Station and approximately 15 minutes by car from Nakagomi Station.
Art and Nature in Saku
Saku City Museum of Modern Art offers a chance to experience Japanese art in a peaceful natural setting. Surrounded by the seasonal scenery of Komaba Park, the museum combines an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art with outdoor sculptures and cultural exhibitions.
Whether you are interested in Japanese painting, sculpture, ceramics, calligraphy, or contemporary art, the museum provides an enjoyable introduction to Japan’s diverse artistic traditions. A visit can also be combined with a relaxing walk through Komaba Park, making it a rewarding cultural stop while exploring Saku.