Exhibition/event has ended.
Thermae Ancient Rome, Japan, and the Joy of Bathing
Kobe City Museum
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Ancient Rome, was renowned for its prosperity throughout human history. One aspect that particularly captures the interest of the Japanese is the "thermae" or public baths. The thermae serve as evidence of ancient Rome's advanced architectural and civil engineering techniques and are also seen as symbols of their affluent lifestyle. This admiration can be attributed to the deep-rooted love for public baths in Japan. According to the "Curiosum urbis Romae" and "Notitia urbis Romae," there were 11 thermae and 856 to 951 small balnea (baths) in the city of Rome in the 4th century. Even today, with private baths being common in Japanese households, Tokyo alone has approximately 700 public bathhouses. Additionally, like Italy, Japan is a volcanic country with many natural hot springs. These hot springs are popular tourist destinations and continue to attract many travelers and health-seekers.
Further fostering this sense of familiarity was the manga "Thermae Romae" (2008-2013) by Mari Yamazaki, who resides in Italy. This manga depicts the architect Lucius during the Hadrian era, traveling between ancient Rome and modern-day Japan, marveling at the similarities and differences between the two cultures. It sold 9 million copies in Japan and was translated into eight languages, including Italian. Yamazaki was awarded the Commendatore Medal by the Italian Republic, becoming the first Japanese manga artist to receive such an honor.
In this exhibition, the protagonist of the manga, Lucius, will serve as a guide, appearing in explanatory panels and other materials. With the supervision of Masanori Aoyagi and Kyoko Haga, experts in ancient Roman studies in Japan, and the cooperation of Mari Yamazaki, visitors will have the opportunity to feel closer to ancient Rome.
Furthermore, the hosting venue of this exhibition includes regions known for their prominent hot spring resorts, each with its rich history of hot springs. Additionally, during the Edo period in Japan, public bathhouses became popular among citizens, akin to ancient Rome. Visitors will have the chance to explore the culture and history of Japanese bathhouses alongside hot springs. Just like the protagonist of "Thermae Romae" traveled between Japan and Rome through bathhouses, this exhibition offers an opportunity to experience the unique bathing cultures of each region.
Further fostering this sense of familiarity was the manga "Thermae Romae" (2008-2013) by Mari Yamazaki, who resides in Italy. This manga depicts the architect Lucius during the Hadrian era, traveling between ancient Rome and modern-day Japan, marveling at the similarities and differences between the two cultures. It sold 9 million copies in Japan and was translated into eight languages, including Italian. Yamazaki was awarded the Commendatore Medal by the Italian Republic, becoming the first Japanese manga artist to receive such an honor.
In this exhibition, the protagonist of the manga, Lucius, will serve as a guide, appearing in explanatory panels and other materials. With the supervision of Masanori Aoyagi and Kyoko Haga, experts in ancient Roman studies in Japan, and the cooperation of Mari Yamazaki, visitors will have the opportunity to feel closer to ancient Rome.
Furthermore, the hosting venue of this exhibition includes regions known for their prominent hot spring resorts, each with its rich history of hot springs. Additionally, during the Edo period in Japan, public bathhouses became popular among citizens, akin to ancient Rome. Visitors will have the chance to explore the culture and history of Japanese bathhouses alongside hot springs. Just like the protagonist of "Thermae Romae" traveled between Japan and Rome through bathhouses, this exhibition offers an opportunity to experience the unique bathing cultures of each region.
Schedule | Jun 22 (Sat) 2024-Aug 25 (Sun) 2024 Opening Hours Information
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| Fee | Adults ¥1800, University Students ¥900, High School Students and Under free. | ||||
| Website | https://www.kobecitymuseum.jp/exhibition/detail?exhibition=381 | ||||
| Venue | Kobe City Museum https://www.kobecitymuseum.jp/notice/language.php | ||||
| Location | 24 Kyomachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 650-0034 | ||||
| Access | 6 minute walk from Kyukyoryuchi-Daimarumae Station on the Kaigan subway line, 10 minute walk from the West exit of JR Sannomiya Station, 10 minute walk from the West exit of Kobe-sannomiya Station on the Hankyu or Hanshin line, 10 minute walk from Sannomiya Station on the Seishin Yamate subway line. | ||||
| Phone | 078-391-0035 | ||||
| Related images | Click on the image to enlarge it |
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