The permanent collection of this museum centers around works by Shu Ogawara, a painter from Kutchan. The museum also holds special exhibitions featuring works by artists associated with the region and various other events. The museum is also popular for its scenic location, modern building, and compact space filled with sunlight. The magnificent view of Mt. Yotei from the museum lobby is exceptional.

Shu Ogawara (1911 – 2002)

Born in Kutchan Town (formerly Kutchan Village), Shu Ogawara began his career as an avant-garde painter after graduating from Tokyo Fine Arts School (today’s Tokyo University of the Arts). However, he had to give it up because of a lack of creative freedom under Japan’s war regime. After World War II, Ogawara returned to his hometown, where he devoted himself to creative activities for the next 60-odd years. His travels to Tibet and China after he turned 60 inspired him to break new ground in his work.

This white museum nestled on the scenic slopes of Mt. Iwanai is known for having one of the largest Picasso print collections in Japan: more than 200 works ranging from The Frugal Meal, a masterpiece from his Blue Period, to Erotica, from his late years. Its annex displays works by Keiyu Nishimura, an internationally renowned painter from the neighboring Kyowa Town, and works created by Hokkaido-based artists under the theme of Umareizuru Nayami (The Agony of Being Born), a novel set in Iwanai Town and written by Takeo Arishima.

This museum features the history, nature, and culture of Noboribetsu City. The myriad exhibits here include those about the history of the Ainu, an indigenous people of Japan, about the relocation of samurai warriors to Hokkaido in the early Meiji era (around 1870), and about Noboribetsu and Karurusu hot springs, as well as everyday tools used in olden days and a carbonized Sakhalin fir trunk formed by the eruption of the Kuttara volcano. The museum also holds municipally designated cultural properties and other valuable materials.

The museum exterior was modeled after Shiroishi Castle, the castle of the Katakura family, whose head was a retainer of the Sendai Domain. Trees near the museum, including Gioiko and other cherry and maple trees, offer stunning seasonal scenery.

This museum is a forum for communication that brings together Iwanai Town, paintings by Kinjiro Kida, and visitors.
Kinjiro spent his life painting the natural splendor of Iwanai, and the museum was established to encourage people to learn about his works and life. Beyond displaying his paintings, the facility also holds events to bring visitors closer to the nature and town of Iwanai and to people associated with the town. The facility will continue to offer various opportunities for communication and excitement in collaboration with local facilities and the community.