Who was Zozan Sakuma?

A native of Matsushiro, Zozan Sakuma was a samurai who became famous nationwide as a patriotic pioneer in the mid-nineteenth century. Advocating the importance of coastal defense as well as Japan’s opening to the rest of the world, he exhibited exceptional talents by intensively learning Western gunnery as well as the Dutch language. He also conducted various scientific experiments. He came to Edo, present-day Tokyo, and opened a private school to teach Chinese classics and advanced Western gunnery. From among Zozan’s students emerged a number of prominent figures who would later play important roles in the Meiji Restoration. At the request of the Shogunate, Zozan himself began political activities in Kyoto and was soon after assassinated there. The Zozan Memorial Hall showcases Zozan Sakuma’s major achievements and displays articles left behind including his calligraphic works.

Zozan Memorial Museum Exhibit Room 1

Introducing the life of Zozan Sakuma and displaying the instruments he used as well as the machinery he built. The displays are rotated four times a year.

Zozan Memorial Museum Exhibit Room 2

Zozan Sakuma was also an exceptionally gifted calligrapher. He wrote in a variety of styles; he studied the writing style of China’s Tang Dynasty calligrapher, Yan Zhenqing, and established his own unique style. You can view an assortment of Zozan’s works.