Education is the cultivation of human resources that form the foundation of a nation's development. At the end of the Edo period, Meirinkan in Hagi was one of Japan's three major domain schools, along with Kodokan in Mito and Nisshinkan, the Aizu domain school.
Founded in 1719 (the fourth year of the Kyoho era) by the fifth domain lord, Mori Yoshimoto, in Horiuchi, to educate the children of the Mori clan's Ieyoshi clan.
Approximately 130 years later, in 1849 (the second year of the Kaei era), it moved to its current location. The approximately 50,000-square-meter campus includes school buildings, a martial arts training center, and a parade ground, where famous figures such as Yoshida Shoin and Kajitori Motohiko (Odamura Inosuke) taught.
This school built the foundation for Japan's modernization and nurtured many pioneers who led the way into a new era. The former Meirin Elementary School building, where classes were held until recently, has been renovated and turned into a museum.
It is a large, imposing historical heritage site. Be sure to stop by when you're visiting Hagi.
I was surprised to learn that Meirin Gakusha (the former wooden school building) served as a public elementary school until 2014 (it has since relocated to the neighboring property).
Four buildings are lined up in parallel, connected by walkways.
Building 2 is the museum, which requires an admission fee, and the other buildings include administrative facilities, restaurants, shops, and a public gallery.
The principal's office and some classrooms from the elementary school era remain.
The museum is packed with exhibits related to science, technology, and industrial development from the late Edo period to the Meiji era, and it would probably take half a day to explore them all.
The Yubikan (a training hall for swordsmanship and spearmanship) on the premises is a cultural property that has been restored and renovated from a building dating back to the Edo period.
When I first entered the building, a guide came and told me about the history and the facility in general.
Monday, March 25, 2024
It had been raining since the day before, but it has now lightened up a bit. (^.^)
A family member who loves history said they were glad to have visited Hagi City twice, so I decided to visit Meirinkan myself. (o^^o)
The official website has detailed information, including a map of the museum.❗️
It says that the school opened in 1719 as a domain school for the children of vassals, and expanded and relocated to this location in 1849.
I really understand how important education is.❗️
The fifth domain lord, Mori Yoshimoto, must have been wise! ️...He had foresight! ️
I'm not very knowledgeable about history, so seeing the exhibits here is fascinating to me.
I even felt guilty for not knowing about it (^ω^)
Even today, Hagi isn't exactly a city.🙇♀️🙇♀️ This area of Hagi produced many talented people, including Yoshida Shoin, Takasugi Shinsaku, and many others.❗️
These people laid the foundation for the Meiji era and contributed to the development of the country.❗️...it warms my heart!‼️
The swimming pond is apparently the only one remaining from a domain school in the entire country.❗️
It must have fostered a spirit of excellence in both the arts and sciences.☺️☺️☺️
They may have thought studying was hard or put off what they needed to do, but they used what they learned for the sake of their country! What grand ideas and great people who pushed forward! ️
It's true that I was deeply moved by witnessing the great legacy of my predecessors. (´；Д；`)
I could have spent hours exploring without getting bored. 😄😄
The museum was nearby since I was a child, so I'd seen and heard about the name of Ino Tadataka.❗️
Maps and other exhibits...it's a huge collection.😁😁
There were also instruments by Hiraga Gennai, the electric telomer.❗️
The incredible accomplishments of Mr. Ogawa, collected privately, are truly impressive.❗️...I'm in awe.
In 1935, an elementary school was built on the site of the former domain school, Meirinkan. It was renovated and renovated, and in 2017, it opened as "Hagi Meirin Gakusha." (^O^)
The staff who guided us around the museum were all polite and kind.❗️
We were especially grateful to Ms. Y, the woman who helped us out! ️
Your vast knowledge and wonderful storytelling made for a truly enjoyable and meaningful experience. 🎵
Thank you ☺️☺️☺️
Thank you so much‼️
☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆ ☆☆☆☆☆
The souvenir shop had a ton of items (^.^)
I don't usually buy souvenirs, but I couldn't help but look!❗️
The people who dined at the restaurant said it was delicious!❗️
I wasn't hungry, so I had yuzu tea and dango at the cafe inside the information center.
The sound of walking through the wooden buildings was lovely. (o^^o)
