The Obuse Museum & Nakajima Chinami Museum is an art museum in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, created to promote local culture and introduce the beauty of art to visitors. The museum is particularly known for its collection of works by Chinami Nakajima, a celebrated Japanese-style painter born in Obuse, while also presenting exhibitions that explore the town’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.
The museum officially opened on October 22, 1992. It is also known by its supplementary name, the Han Saku Burari Museum / Nakajima Chinami Museum. Through its permanent collection, special exhibitions, and cultural programs, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to experience both contemporary Japanese painting and the traditional culture of Obuse.
The Nakajima Chinami Museum houses approximately 1,000 works donated by Chinami Nakajima. His artistic career encompasses a wide range of subjects and formats, including paintings of flowers such as cherry blossoms and peonies, portraits, book illustrations, and cover designs.
Among the most impressive works are large-scale paintings depicting the weeping cherry tree of Tsuboi and the Jindai-zakura, or Sacred Ancient Cherry Tree, at Sosakura Shrine. These works are painted on screens measuring more than 3 meters in height, allowing visitors to appreciate the dramatic scale of Nakajima’s compositions as well as the delicate details of his brushwork.
Nakajima’s use of color and composition reflects the distinctive aesthetic of Japanese painting, capturing the changing beauty of nature through the seasons. His flower paintings are particularly evocative for visitors discovering the traditional Japanese appreciation of seasonal scenery.
The museum complex also includes a Yatai Storehouse, where visitors can see traditional festival floats connected with Obuse’s local culture. Of the town’s seven traditional festival floats, five are displayed here, excluding the floats from Kamimachi and Higashimachi, which are currently housed at the Hokusai Museum.
One of the highlights is the Giyaman Yatai from Nakamachi. Its ceiling incorporates beautiful glass tubes that create a distinctive and almost dreamlike appearance. The name “Giyaman” is associated with traditional Japanese glassware, and the glittering decorations make this float particularly memorable.
The Isecho Yatai is notable for its architecture made almost entirely from unpainted natural wood. Its restrained design and elegant appearance provide a striking contrast to the more decorative Giyaman Yatai.
These festival floats are more than works of craftsmanship. They are treasured symbols of local identity and play an important role in preserving Obuse’s traditional festival culture for future generations.
The museum’s special exhibition galleries host a variety of exhibitions throughout the year. Programs include gallery talks by local artists and art seminars designed for parents and children, giving visitors opportunities to engage with art beyond simply viewing the exhibits.
The museum also holds works by Fuminori Aoyama, a mold-making artist from Obuse. His work adds a contemporary dimension to the museum and creates an interesting dialogue between traditional local culture and modern artistic expression.
Chinami Nakajima was born in Obuse, Nagano Prefecture, on October 21, 1945. His father was the painter Kiyoshi Nakajima, who had connections to Obuse after being evacuated there during World War II.
Nakajima completed graduate studies at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1971. While still a student, he made his first successful selection for the prestigious 54th Inten Exhibition in 1969 with a work titled “Window.” He subsequently developed series such as “Shujo” and “Keitai”, establishing himself as an important figure in contemporary Japanese-style painting.
Nakajima’s work extends far beyond the traditional gallery setting. From 1987 for three years, he created cover illustrations for the NHK television program “Today’s Cooking.” He has also produced major works for important cultural sites throughout Japan.
These include “Fuji and Peach Blossoms” and “Pine Forest” at Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, a peacock painting at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura, the “Pale Pink and White Plum Blossoms” curtain at Kabuki-za in Tokyo, and ceiling paintings at Naritasan Fukagawa Fudoson Temple.
In 2005, exhibitions celebrating Nakajima’s 60th birthday, titled “The World of Chinami Nakajima,” were held in various parts of Japan. In 2006, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Obuse in recognition of his contribution to the cultural development of his hometown.
Alongside his career as an artist, Nakajima has contributed to art education. As an Emeritus Professor of Tokyo University of the Arts, he has devoted himself to teaching and mentoring younger artists. He has also served as a standing director of the Japan Artists Association, contributing to the broader development of Japan’s art community.
His publications include “How to Paint Japanese-Style Paintings” and “Chinami Nakajima Art Collection.” These books have helped introduce Japanese-style painting to a broad audience, from beginners to people with a specialist interest in art.
The museum is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and from December 29 through January 3. Visitors planning a trip should check the schedule before visiting, particularly when traveling during holiday periods.
By car, the museum is approximately 10 minutes from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway and about 5 minutes from the Obuse Smart Interchange.
For visitors using public transportation, the museum is approximately a 12-minute walk from Obuse Station on the Nagano Electric Railway.
The Obuse Museum & Nakajima Chinami Museum is a place where Japanese-style painting, traditional festival culture, and the artistic heritage of a small historic town come together. Its collection of works by Chinami Nakajima provides an opportunity to encounter the distinctive beauty of Japanese painting, while the festival floats offer a fascinating look at the traditions maintained by the local community.
For travelers exploring Obuse, the museum provides a quieter and more cultural experience alongside the town’s famous historic streets, traditional buildings, and food culture. Take time to admire Nakajima’s powerful paintings, discover the craftsmanship of the festival floats, and experience another side of the artistic character of Obuse.