Encountering the Grand History of the Orient in Okayama

Nestled in the Okayama Culture Zone in the heart of Okayama City, the Okayama Orient Museum is a conceptually unique institution. While the English term "Orient" is often associated with East Asian countries including China and Japan, the Japanese word “オリエント, Oriento” refers to the region between the European and Chinese cultural spheres, the museum’s collection centers on the civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt, while also including surrounding regions: the Mediterranean coast, Greece, and even China—spanning vast spaces and time periods, from the Paleolithic era to the present day. In fact, the Okayama Orient Museum is the only public art museum in Japan that specializes in the cultures, history, and material heritage of “Oriento”. For this reason, the museum stands out for its collection and displays, which are based on the Japanese concept of the “Oriento” distinct from the English notion.

The Passion of an Okayama Businessman in Favorable Times

What is most remarkable about the Orient Museum's collection is how it was formed.

The formation of the collection, reflecting a distinctly Japanese “Oriento” culture, was made possible through the contributions of two Japanese business leaders: Shinjiro Yasuhara and Rinpei Okazaki.

Shinjiro Yasuhara had started his collection in 1967, inspired by an exhibition on ancient Mesopotamian civilization held in Okayama. With the guidance from archaeologists and art historians conducting excavations in Iraq and Iran at that time, he collected 1947 objects traveled extensively from across the region until 1972 and generously gifted the entire collection to the city. This donation became a catalyst for the establishment of Okayama Orient Museum in 1979.

By contrast, the collection of Rinpei Okazaki was formed though secondary means. After Second World War, he acquired objects at domestic art market in Japan. These included Greek pottery, Egyptian art, Gandharan sculpture, Islamic Pottery that had been brought to Japan through Paris and London during the interwar period, especially 1920’s. His extensive collection of ancient art, comprising more than 650 pieces, was donated by his son in 2005.

In this way, a collection was formed based on the Japanese “Oriento”, encompassing the cultures and histories of regions between China and Europe. Notably, the collection also offers a comprehensive overview of the collection history of West Asian and Egyptian art and development of archaeology in Japan.

The late His Imperial Highness Prince Takahito of Mikasa (1915-2016), a historian of the ancient Orient, has also offered his guidance to the museum as an honorary advisor. Today, the museum’s collection comprises approximately 4700 pieces.

A Museum of Natural Light and Shadow

The Orient Museum building is structured around an impressive central hall, which is bathed in natural light. The hall was designed specifically to highlight works of Middle eastern archaeology, with the meticulous placement of sculptures and mosaics directly informing the museum’s architecture. Although the building itself is made of concrete, it was chiseled by hand to enhance its unique character.

The museum’s open architecture generously incorporates natural light, so that the artworks appear differently depending on the season and time of day. While natural light is generally avoided in museums to protect the works from deteriorating, the Orient Museum alternates exhibition rooms with artificial lighting and open atrium spaces where natural light pours in. This offers visitors a continually fresh view of the artworks.

In particular, natural sunlight streaming into the atrium around noon resembles a tower of light descending from heaven. For some visitors, it even evokes the Tower of Babel from the Old Testament of the Bible.

Other architectural highlights and details include windows glowing rose pink under the setting sun, an indoor fountain, and various furnishings designed to stimulate the five senses. The architect Shinichi Okada’s vision is evident in every corner of the building, which guides visitors toward a deep and enriching experience.

Another inspired choice was the washbasins in the restrooms. They are a reproduction of the legendary Lusterware technique—a ceramic with a metallic sheen developed in medieval Persia. Utilizing lusterware's characteristic property of glittering brightest when exposed to water, this inventive design allows visitors to freely and intimately experience the beauty of the ceramics.

A Grand Journey Through Human History

The Orient Museum aims to present the grand narrative of human history, so that visitors can put their own existence and feelings into perspective.

The curators actively conduct off-site lectures at community centers as well as outreach activities at schools, to convey the significance of human history beyond the museum among the general public. This is done from the perspective of social education, raising awareness of diverse cultural backgrounds. This half-century of continuous outreach activity since the museum’s opening has cultivated a deep understanding among the community, leading to further donations and trusts, and the sustainable enrichment of the museum’s collection.

The Orient Museum seeks to convey the message that the richness of urban civilization was built only through periods of peace, by encouraging visitors to engage with the magnificent narrative of human history.

Even cultures from regions that were previously unfamiliar can feel closer through multi-sensory experiences inside the museum. Visitors can use these free activities as clues to address issues common to humanity through cross-cultural contact.

A Museum that Co-exists with the Community

The Orient Museum greatly values its connection with the local community in Okayama. Situated in a corner of the Okayama Culture Zone, it plays a unique role, offering experiences that span from local to global. Curators encourage visitors to also visit the other museums, galleries, and Okayama Korakuen Garden located in the Okayama Culture Zone. Collectively, these cultural institutions offer a well-rounded view of local history and culture, while visitors can also experience the seasonal changes of Okayama along the way. In this environment, the grand theme of Human History is presented by the Orient Museum within a local context, gaining deeper meaning.

Okayama Orient Museum: Into the Depths of Human History

The Orient Museum is a place that offers a deep and rich experience, where you can learn about human history and gain a relative perspective on your own existence. Looking west from the eastern edge, why not embark on a journey into the depths of this magnificent history at the Okayama Orient Museum.