Shotaro Ikenami Exhibition: The Gaze of a Man of Humanity

Koshinokuni Museum of Literature

Finished

Artists

Shotaro Ikenami

Ikenami Shotaro (1923-1990) is a writer who created popular series such as "Onihei Hankacho," "Swordsman Business," "Shikakenin Fujieda Baian," and "Sanada Taiheiki." His works, which have expanded their fan base through their adaptations into TV dramas, films, and anime, are still read by many readers even now, 35 years after his death.

Born and raised in Asakusa, Tokyo, Ikenami began his career as a playwright. His historical novels are filled with an atmosphere reminiscent of the streets of Edo, and seasonal cuisine adds color to the scenes of the characters' daily lives. He also looks deeply at the existence of "human beings," who are full of contradictions and possess both good and evil, and uses his own coined words and writing style to depict the dramas woven by his characters, giving his works an enduring appeal.

With the special cooperation of the Ikenami Shotaro Memorial Library and the Ikenami Shotaro Community Center, this exhibition will delve into the appeal of Ikenami's works, which opened up a new world of period novels, and the behind-the-scenes of his creations through precious handwritten manuscripts, creative materials, original illustrations, etc. In addition, we will introduce the author's profile through essays about food, movies, travel, etc., which are as popular as his novels, the world of painting, which he took up as a hobby in his later years, and his interactions with the people of Etchu Inami, the hometown of his paternal ancestors.

Schedule

Mar 29 (Sat) 2025-Jun 9 (Mon) 2025