Jiro Shirasu and Masako Shirasu. Buaiso in Machida City in Tokyo, where the couple moved into, shaped and loved throughout their lives.

In 1942, due to the worsening war situation, Jiro Shirasu was looking for a house in the suburbs, away from Tokyo. He and his wife Masako lived in Buaiso until Jiro’s death in 1985 and Masako’s death in 1998. After this house was found and the couple moved there, they lived a self-sufficient life, growing their own crops. Since October 2001, Buaiso, the former Shirasu residence has been open to the public as a memorial museum and archive. The director there is Katsurako Makiyama, the eldest daughter of Masako and Jiro.

The main house and barn with a thatched roof are open to the public, and Jiro and Masako’s study, family living room, furniture, personal belongings, photographs, Jiro’s hand-made items and used farming tools are on display. The museum holds seasonal exhibitions along with various related events such as Noh theatre workshops and lectures on antiques. Books and memorabilia related to Jiro and Masako are also on sale.

The cafe serves lunch and dinner, and lunchboxes can be ordered. The seasonal scenery and flowers in the garden are a delight to the eye. The thatched roof, which is now very rare, was replaced in 2016 and the process of the replacement can be viewed on the Museum website.
 

Photos by Nik van der Giesen

Translation :Naoko Mabon (WAGON)