[Venue Scene]

 

This is the first gallery exhibition to feature the cherry blossoms at the Tama Tama Zenshoen Leprosy sanatorium.
Photographs and artworks that convey the feelings behind 70 years of cherry blossom trees are gathered together

The cherry blossom trees at Tama Zenshoen, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot, were planted by residents 70 years ago and have been carefully protected and nurtured to this day. These cherry blossom trees represent the residents' wish that the many people who visit this area, which was once closed off by a holly hedge, will inherit their history along with the cherry blossoms.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the event, this exhibition will feature approximately 25 pieces, including photographs conveying the history of the cherry blossom trees, as well as paintings, pottery, and poetry that express the residents' feelings about the cherry blossoms.
Additionally, on the second floor The National Hansen's Disease Museum there is an observation window that offers a panoramic view of the cherry blossom trees at the neighboring Tama Zenshoen. We hope that while admiring the flowers, you can also think back to the people who planted those trees.

Download the flyer here

Upper row
Residents building a road, 1955
・Haruno Iikawa, excerpt from the poem "Sakura" 2003
Middle row
Cherry tree seedlings planted on a new road in 1955
Cherry blossom viewing scene 2015
Lower
・Shirou Fujita Ceramic Panel "Sakura"
・Toyama Shuhaku "Sakura Ash Glazed Coffee Cup"

 

Outline of the event※Finished

[Date]
March 20, 2025 (Thursday/Holiday) - April 13, 2025 (Sunday)
9:30am - 4:30pm (entry until 4pm)

[Closed days]
Mondays and the day after national holidays (open if Monday is a national holiday)

【place】
The National Hansen's Disease Museum 1st floor Gallery Free admission

[Sponsor]
Higashimurayama City

【cooperation】
Tama Zenshoen, Tama Zenshoen Resident Association

 

Gallery Talk

A person in charge will talk about the exhibition from 13:00 on Saturday, March 29th for about 30 minutes. No reservation required.

"Sakura bookmark" gift

This bookmark features tanka and haiku poems written by residents of Tama Zenshoen, expressing their feelings towards cherry blossoms. It comes with a string dyed with cherry blossom leaves.

A mini exhibition will be held in the library at the same time, introducing the movie "An" and other works.

A mini exhibition themed on the cherry blossoms and forests of Tama Zenshoen will be held at the same time in The National Hansen's Disease Museum library.
You can pick up and read related books. You can also watch DVDs.
Click here for the library mini-exhibition "The People Who Planted Cherry Trees" related to the gallery exhibition.

The cherry blossom trees lined up from the observation window are also a highlight

The exhibition room on the second floor The National Hansen's Disease Museum has an observation window that offers a panoramic view of the cherry blossom trees of Tama Zenshoen. (Elevator available)

Cherry blossom trees lined up from the observation window of The National Hansen's Disease Museum exhibition room

What is Tama Zenshoen?

Located next to The National Hansen's Disease Museum is National leprosy sanatorium in Higashimurayama City. Due to the country's mistaken isolation policy since the modern era, Hansen's Disease patients, Former leprosy patients and their families have had their human rights violated and have been subjected to prejudice and discrimination. Currently, about 90 Former leprosy patients live at Tama Zenshoen. This row of cherry trees was the setting for the film "An" (2015), directed by Naomi Kawase, which is about Hansen's Disease.

 

<<Contact Us>>
The National Hansen's Disease Museum Projects Division
4-1-13, Aoba-cho, Higashimurayama-shi, Tokyo 189-0002
Phone: 042-396-2909