About Eiichi Shibusawa Museum

The Eiichi Shibusawa Museum in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture, is a popular tourist spot for learning about history and economics, where visitors can learn about the achievements and life of Eiichi Shibusawa, known as the father of modern Japanese economy. Eiichi Shibusawa was a great man who rooted capitalism in Japan and devoted himself to the establishment of over 500 companies and social welfare activities. Learning about his life makes the museum an interesting place for history buffs and business people alike, as they can learn about the history of Japan's modernization and deep involvement in economic development.

The museum's exhibits range from Eiichi Shibusawa's life and philosophy to the establishment of the companies he was involved with and the details of his social activities. The museum is also an important place for understanding the historical background of Shibusawa's life, as it introduces episodes from his youth to his later years and is closely linked to historical events in Japan during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods. The museum has many valuable exhibits including letters, documents, and photographs left by Eiichi Shibusawa, which provide a detailed understanding of his thoughts and ideas, and the process by which the foundations of Japan's modern economy were laid.

The exhibition focusing on the “Analects and Arithmetic,” which symbolize Shibusawa Eiichi's thought, is particularly not to be missed. The “Analects and the Arithmetic” is the philosophy that Shibusawa based his business on, and represents his belief that morality and economic activity should go hand in hand. This exhibit explains the importance of economic activities based on Shibusawa's ethical principles, and visitors can learn values and hints on how to live a life that are relevant to business today. Therefore, it is very meaningful not only for tourism, but also for business people and students who wish to learn about morality and business.

The museum also incorporates many interactive exhibits and videos, making it easy to experience the activities of Eiichi Shibusawa in a visual and easy-to-understand manner. In particular, the section that introduces the process of establishing the company and the business environment of the time through video images is well known for allowing visitors to feel the atmosphere of that era just by looking at the images. A number of the companies that Shibusawa was involved in establishing are also introduced, showing his tremendous contribution to the development of the Japanese economy.

In addition, the area surrounding the museum is dotted with the house where Eiichi Shibusawa was born and raised and other places associated with him, so a walk around the museum is recommended in conjunction with a visit. By seeing the history of the Shibusawa family and the environment in which he grew up, you can get a deeper understanding of his personality and thinking. In particular, Fukaya City, where Shibusawa spent his childhood, is an appropriate place to visit to learn about his roots.

All in all, the Eiichi Shibusawa Museum is a place where visitors can not only learn about the ideas and achievements of Eiichi Shibusawa, who laid the foundation of Japan's modern economy, but also about the period of change and social movements in Japan during that time. The museum is worth a visit not only for those interested in history, but also for those active in the world of business and those who want to learn about the balance between morality and economics that Eiichi Shibusawa possessed.