31 January, 2012

The new exhibition pavilion for “Taira no Kiyomori”

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 This issue introduces a new attraction in Kobe related to the new NHK drama, “Taira no Kiyomori,” which came on air in January 2012. Along with the launch of the new drama, the “Taira no Kiyomori Drama Museum” opened on 21st January so that visitors can experience the world of the NHK drama.

When you get off at JR Kobe Station and go down the escalator to the underground malls, you will find banners like the one in the photo below. Walk straight ahead and you will find another escalator. The entrance to the drama pavilion will come into sight as you go up the escalator.

Banners near JR Kobe Station

The entrance of the Drama Museum



The entrance of the Drama Museum

 Let’s go inside the museum!

 Matsuyama Ken’ichi, who starred in a movie called “Norwegian Wood,” plays the main hero Kiyomori. Numerous objects like photos of the cast, introductory information about the characters, costumes, scenic art and other items are displayed at the second exhibition corner called “Taiga Drama Information Zone.”

One of Kiyomori’s outfits


Clothing belonging to Tokiko (Kiyomori’s wife)

In the late Heian period (approximately 830 years ago), Kiyomori relocated the Japanese capital city from Kyoto to “Fukuhara-kyo” (Hyogo Ward, Kobe City). An accurate diorama and elaborated computer graphics at the corner of “the Lost Capial of Fukuhara-kyo Zone” are on display to reproduce the Fukuhara-kyo area, helping to reveal to the viewer the new capital Kiyomori dreamed about. Enjoy traveling back to old Kobe in the late Heian period.

Diorama of Fukuhara-kyo

 There is a special area for taking commemorative photographs with a life-size figure of Kiyomori (played by Matsuyama Ken’ichi in the drama) at the “Young Kiyomori” Zone. Matsuyama himself said that the figure bares a striking resemblence. Don’t miss this memorable photo-op with the figure! It will be your only chanceto take such a precious photo this year.

Commemorative photo corner 

 Near the exit is a gift shop selling official goods of the NHK drama “Taira no Kiyomori” and souvenirs of Kobe. All products sold at the shop including sweets, T-shirts and goods printed with official logos, are limited editions that are only available here.

 Why not visit this museum? The displays are sure to fascinate all visitors! This pavilion is the very exhibition for you if you love Japanese history or samurai warriors.

 “Taira no Kiyomori”: the Drama Museum
Venue: Harborland Center Building (Higashi Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe)
Date: January 21st (Sat), 2012 – January 14th (Mon), 2013
Time: 9：00 - 17：00（Last admission at 16：30）
Access:  5 minute walk from Harborland Stn., Municipal Subway Kaigan Line
        5 minute walk from JR Kobe Stn.
        8 minute walk from Kosoku Kobe Stn., Kobe Kosoku Line
Admission: Adults ¥600 (the Drama Museum only), \700 (a ticket set for both the Drama Museum and the Historical Museum); Primary & Junior high school students ¥300 (the Drama Museum only), \350 (a ticket set for both the Drama Museum and the Historical Museum)

Useful links :
KOBE de Kiyomori : The Drama Pavilion: http://kobe-de-kiyomori.jp/dorama/ (Japanese)
Information page for the Drama Museum and the Historical Museum　：http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/whatsnew/index.php?id=339 (English)

 Our next issue will be on “Taira no Kiyomori” Historical Museum. Don’t miss it!


Hana（Hyogo Tourism Association)