IWAKUNI, Japan -- Residents of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni interested in learning a little Japanese history need to look no further than the Iwakuni Museum of History and Art.
Located just past the Kintai Bridge and adjacent to the rope way station leading up to the Iwakuni castle, the museum displays pieces as old as the 14th century to include various items dating back to warrior period of the samurai.
Only 800 yen for adults and 200 yen for children, onlookers can marvel at the history of such items such as full samurai battle dresses, swords, bow and arrows, spears, guns, cannons and folding screens depicting battles to be taught to future generations.
"The samurai culture was dominant all the way from 12th to the 19th century," said Yoko Seo, Marine Corps Community Services cultural specialist. "The museum showcases quite a few antiques dating back to the samurai period, and samurai armors and swords are forms of Japanese traditional art."
While foreigners may find reading the posted scriptures difficult, Seo said it should only take a little imagination to picture how weapons were used or how the battle dresses were worn.
"Bushido means the way of the samurai. Their code was simple; confronted with death, they should die readily, and while alive they should live every minute to the fullest. Samurai had to serve his lord and his country at the risk of his life. People believe this is the virtue of Japanese traditions. This spirit is still alive in the business world. For loyalty to business organizations and total involvement in work are highly valued," said Seo.
The spirit of the Samurai and of the Japanese past is enshrined at many museums throughout Japan and makes for a great visit by service members and their families.
"Americans should go to these museums to enjoy Japanese traditional arts and our history," stated Seo. "The Japanese culture is totally different from the United States or Europe, so people can come to understand some of the unique behaviors of Japanese by knowing how people lived in the history."
For more information on museums contact the Information Referral & Relocation Office at 253-6165.