Soseki Museum in Britain reopens

May 9, 2019

London--A museum in London that was dedicated to the late renowned Japanese novelist Soseki Natsume (1867-1916) reopened on Wednesday in Surrey, south of the British capital.

Ikuo Tsunematsu, 67, who headed the museum before its closure in 2016, revived the facility after receiving a flurry of requests to do so from Soseki fans.

The new museum is hosted inside Tsunematsu's house, which was renovated for the occasion.

Soseki, who studied in London for two years from 1900, is celebrated for novels such as "Wagahai wa Neko de Aru" (I Am a Cat), "Botchan" and "Kokoro."

The museum displays more than 10,000 items, including books Soseki bought during his stay in Britain.

While the former museum was targeted at the general public, many of the exhibits at the new facility are for researchers.

"I want to make this museum a place to help elucidate Soseki's life and works from his time in London," Tsunematsu said.

The museum is planned to be open three days a week between March and late August every year. While admission will be free this year, entrance fees are expected apply from next year. Reservations are required. Jiji Press