About the Museum
About the Museum
Message
The path Ikuo Hirayama set out on in search of the roots of Japanese culture was not only a route along which civilizations came and went, but also the road by which Buddhism spread eastward—what is now called the Silk Road.
We have traveled along that road whenever possible and encountered the cultures found there. In doing so, we were repeatedly struck by the feeling that something deep within our hearts, long asleep, was being awakened. We must never forget that much of what we proudly call Japanese culture today has been shaped by the blessings of many different countries.
What Hirayama collected personally is only a small part of those cultures, but we hope that as many people as possible will have the opportunity to see it.
The Yatsugatake area was also one of the centers of Jomon culture, which lies at the root of Japanese culture. In addition, I was deeply moved to learn that the roads around this area were once routes through which silk was carried. We hope that many people will sympathize with our decision to open this museum here and come to visit us.
Museum History (Timeline)
1988
Ikuo Hirayama established the Silk Road Research Institute in Kamakura.
April 1993
Ikuo Hirayama officially founded the Silk Road Research Institute.
July 1999
Michiko Hirayama opened the Yatsugatake Silk Road Museum at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake Mountains, in front of JR Kai-Koizumi Station.
November 2003
The Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation was established, based on the activities of the Silk Road Research Institute.
April 2004
The Yatsugatake Silk Road Museum was renamed the Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum.
July 2004
A new exhibition building was completed in front of JR Kai-Koizumi Station. This building is now the main building of the Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum.
2007
The museum was certified as a designated museum by Yamanashi Prefecture.
October 2007
Construction began on the museum’s new wing, funded through designated donations approved by the Ministry of Finance in October 2006.
March 12, 2008
The museum was certified as a specified public-interest promotion corporation under the relevant provisions of the Income Tax Act Enforcement Order and the Corporation Tax Act Enforcement Order.
July 12, 2008
The new wing opened.
June 29, 2010
The museum was certified as a public interest incorporated foundation, and its official name became the Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation.
Museum History (Logo)
The design is inspired by motifs such as the hanakuidori (“flower-eating bird”) and ganjuchō (“bird holding a ribbon”), which were transmitted from Persia to Japan via the Silk Road.
The hanakuidori refers to an auspicious bird motif in which the bird holds a flower or branch in its beak, while the ganjuchō depicts a bird holding a ribbon, braided cord, or ornament in its beak. The surrounding renjumon pearl-roundel pattern is also a motif that symbolizes the Silk Road.
The Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation aims to contribute to the development of culture in Japan by collecting, exhibiting, researching, and presenting lectures on Ikuo Hirayama’s paintings, which honor the culture and history of the Silk Road, as well as works of art related to the culture and history of the Silk Road, thereby promoting understanding of Silk Road art and Japanese painting.
School Education & Research Support
The museum organizes a variety of programs and events with the aim of encouraging the general public to take an interest in art, including paintings and the cultural heritage of the Silk Road. As part of educational activities for young people, the museum also provides its facilities to enrich learning opportunities. We hope that many people will make use of the museum as a place for activity and come to feel it as something closer and more familiar.
- Educational Outreach for Children
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■1. Admission Fee Exemption Program
If you apply to use the museum as part of school education or other learning activities, and your application is approved, all or part of the admission fee may be waived.
■2. Integrated Learning Programs for Elementary and Junior High School Students
To enrich learning opportunities for young people, the museum opens its facilities on closed days and provides opportunities for children and students to engage freely in creative activities. Museum curators will provide explanations and guidance on the day, following prior consultation with teachers.
■3. Permission for Sketching in the Museum
Visitors may freely sketch while observing works of art up close.
■4. Guided Tours of Exhibits
For groups of 20 or more, explanations of the exhibits are available (please apply at least two weeks in advance).
■5. Various Events
1. Exhibition-related lectures (once or twice a year)
2. Concerts (about once or twice a year)
3. Hands-on classes and workshops (several times a year)
4. Acceptance of museum training students (timing can be discussed)
5. Collaborative activities with other organizations (such as hosting the Wine & Craft Festa and local festivals)
- Annual Special Days
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1. Third Monday of September [Respect for the Aged Day]: Visitors aged 70 and over receive half-price admission and a postcard set.
2. November 3 [Culture Day]: Free admission for students.
3. November 20 [Yamanashi Citizens’ Day]: Free admission for Yamanashi residents.
4. Mid to late December: Invitation period for Hokuto City residents.
In addition to the above, the museum plans to continue offering a variety of events and activities. We warmly welcome your requests and feedback.
- About the Admission Fee Exemption Program
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If the museum is used for school education or learning activities, a system is available under which all or part of the admission fee may be waived. Please submit the application form below in order to apply.
Application Form
■Eligibility
1. School visits conducted as part of curriculum-based learning activities by schools in or outside the prefecture.
2. Visits by study groups closely related to school education or learning activities.
■Contact Information
Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum
Tel: 0551-32-0225 / Fax: 0551-32-0226
Reception Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (applications by fax also accepted)
■Form■How to Submit
Please mail the application to the address below.
2000-6 Koarama, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi 408-0031
Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum
Please write “Application for Admission Fee Exemption Enclosed” in red on the envelope.
■Submission Deadline
Please submit the application at least two weeks before the date of your visit.
After receipt, we will contact you by fax or telephone to confirm the application.
■Important Notes
1. For schools, the application should be made in the name of the principal; for other groups, in the name of the head of the organization.
2. In the purpose-of-use field, please state the main purpose of your visit specifically, such as “training,” “school event,” or “subject study.”
3. In the name and number of participants field, please include a breakdown of adults (supervisors) and minors (including students). For schools, please also state the grade and number of classes.
4. In the reason-for-application field, please explain your request in light of the above program.
5. In the representative field, please provide title, name, and contact information.
The museum is closed during exhibition change periods and in winter (late December to mid-March).
*Please contact the museum for details.
If you have any other requests, please include them in the remarks field.
International Exchange (Overseas Research Grants)
To support research on the art of the Silk Road and Asian countries, the museum offers grants for overseas research and field studies by researchers, including conservation specialists, in relevant countries. We welcome your applications.
- Guidelines for Overseas Research Grants for Young Researchers
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■1. Purpose
Application Form
This grant program supports overseas research on Silk Road art and Asian art, with the aim of fostering young researchers and specialists in conservation and restoration.
■2. Eligible Countries for Overseas Research
Eligible countries include those related to the Silk Road as well as other Asian countries.
■3. Fields of Specialization
Fields covered by these guidelines include art history, archaeology, architectural history, and conservation science.
■4. Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be researchers or specialists under the age of 45, including graduate students, affiliated with universities, museums, art museums, research institutes, or other organizations. It is desirable that the host institution be a university or similar organization with a proven record in cultural heritage research or conservation.
■5. Grant Amount
The grant is limited to up to 1,000,000 yen per person, with approximately one to two recipients selected.
■6. Application Procedure
Applications must be submitted using the prescribed application form together with a letter of recommendation.■7. Screening
List of Overseas Research Grant Results
Selection of grant recipients will be conducted by an internal review committee chaired by the head of the museum.
■8. Research Report
Grant recipients must submit a report within two months after completing their overseas research. They may also be asked to contribute articles to the museum bulletin or cooperate as lecturers in talks and workshops organized by the museum.
These guidelines have been in effect since June 1, 2005.
Foundation Documents
Supporting Membership & Donations
The Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation was established in 2003 with the aim of deepening understanding of the art and culture of the Silk Road, which is closely connected to the ancient culture of Japan, and thereby contributing to the development of Japanese culture. Since July 2004, the museum in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, has been engaged in museum activities through the exhibition of Silk Road cultural heritage and the paintings of Ikuo Hirayama. Although the foundation is still relatively young, its active efforts in organizing exhibitions, lectures, and concerts, supporting youth education nationwide, and assisting local cultural activities have been highly valued as contributing greatly to the public good. As a result, on July 1, 2010, it was certified as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, a status that provides broad tax benefits for donations.
Based on this certification, the foundation is now seeking financial support in order to further enhance and expand the public-interest activities it has undertaken so far.
We are committed to continuing our efforts to promote Japanese culture, and we sincerely ask for your understanding and support.
The supporting membership program is intended not only to support the museum’s activities, but also to promote interaction among members. In addition, a variety of other benefits are available.
Organizations, companies, and individuals who make donations will, for the relevant fiscal year, be treated in a manner equivalent to supporting members.
In agreement with the late Chairman Ikuo Hirayama’s belief that protecting cultural heritage leads to the path of peace, we warmly welcome your support for the foundation.
- Information on Supporting Membership
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■1. Annual Membership Fee
Application Form
Individual Member: 10,000 yen per unit
Family Member: 15,000 yen per unit
Corporate Member: 100,000 yen per unit
Consumption tax is included in the annual fee. Any number of units may be purchased. Family membership is limited to two people. Membership cards are renewed every July. Those who join between December and March receive a half-price fee for the first year. Those who join between April and June will have membership valid through the end of June of the following year.
*Membership fees are eligible for tax deduction as donations. Please contact us for details.
■2. Use of Membership Fees
Lectures and courses related to the Silk Road, research support, international exchange, exhibitions, and related activities
■3. Benefits for Supporting Members
1. A membership card will be issued (1 for individual members, 2 for family members, and 5 for corporate members). Presentation at reception grants free admission.
2. Catalogs of museum-organized exhibitions will be provided (2 per year for individual and family members, 5 for corporate members). Please present your membership card at reception.
3. Museum news will be sent to you.
4. With permission, or in the case of corporations, your name may be listed in the museum news.
5. Priority information on museum events, lectures, and courses will be provided.
6. Preferential discounts are available at the museum shop (excluding some items). Please inquire at the shop.
■4. How to Apply
You may join the supporting membership program at any time. Please fill out the prescribed application form and mail it to the office, then transfer the membership fee to the bank or postal account listed below. You may also apply directly at the museum reception. Once your membership process is complete, your membership card will be sent to you. If you visit before receiving your card, you may enter the museum by presenting your payment receipt.■5. Account for Membership Fee Payment
■Bank Transfer
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Kamakura Branch
Account Name: Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation Supporting Membership Account, Chairman Ren Hirayama
Ordinary Account: 1804778
■6. Contact
Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Office
120-15 Nikaido, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0002
TEL: 0467-25-0251
Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum
2000-6 Koarama, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi 408-0031
TEL: 0551-32-0225
*Personal information provided for joining this membership program will be strictly managed by the Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation to prevent improper use. Please refer to the foundation’s Personal Information Management Policy for details.
- About Donations to the Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum
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■1. Purpose of the Donation Campaign
Application Form
The Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation was established in 2003 with the aim of deepening understanding of the art and culture of the Silk Road, which is closely related to the ancient culture of Japan, and contributing to the development of Japanese culture. Since July 2004, the museum in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture, has been engaged in museum activities through the exhibition of Silk Road cultural heritage and the paintings of Ikuo Hirayama. Although the foundation is still relatively young, its active efforts in exhibitions, lectures, concerts, support for youth education nationwide, and local cultural activities have been highly valued as contributing to the public good. On July 1, 2010, it was certified as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, a status that provides broad tax benefits for donations. Based on this certification, the foundation is now seeking financial support in order to further enhance and expand its public-interest activities.
We sincerely ask for your understanding and support as we continue striving for the advancement of Japanese culture.
■2. Use of Donations
1. Exhibitions: In addition to regular displays, four special or thematic exhibitions of various scales are held annually.
2. Lectures: Lectures are organized mainly in connection with special exhibitions, inviting distinguished speakers.
3. Courses: These are designed to provide systematic learning about the art and history of the Silk Road, taught by the museum’s curators and academic specialists.
4. Educational Materials for Youth: Materials suitable for school education are produced and distributed.
5. Concerts: Concerts related to East-West cultural exchange are held two to three times a year.
6. Workshops: More than five workshops a year are held to teach practical skills such as ceramics and dyeing.
■3. Donation Amount
Please consider making a donation of 5,000 yen or more in any amount of your choosing.
*There is no distinction between individuals and corporations in donation amount.
■4. Tax Benefits
For individuals: By filing a final tax return, the donation may qualify as a specified donation up to 40% of annual income and may be deducted from taxable income.
For corporations: Under the special provision for deductible expenses, the same amount may be counted as deductible separately from general donations.
■5. How to Apply
Please use the prescribed donation application form of the foundation and mail it to the Kamakura office at the address below.
Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Office
120-15 Nikaido, Kamakura 248-0002
Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, Kamakura Branch (Branch No. 255)
Ordinary Deposit / Account No. 1872125
Account Name: Ikuo Hirayama Silk Road Museum Foundation Public Interest Account, Chairman Ren Hirayama
