Matsuzakaya Nagoya is hosting an exhibition featuring approximately 200 items, primarily from the collection of the former Shirasu residence, Buaiso (Machida City, Tokyo), where Jiro and Masako Shirasu lived throughout their lives, focusing on the family lifestyle that continues to resonate and influence many people today. The exhibition will feature items such as Jiro Shirasu's favorite belongings, clothing, and handmade tools, historical documents showing his dedication to postwar Japan's reconstruction with the aspirations of a country gentleman, as well as Masako's beloved kimonos, obi, antiques, accessories, and items related to her family home, the Kabayama family, where the couple moved and where Masako traveled extensively as an essayist.

Hound's tooth check tweed jacket and hunting cap (Photo: Asai Kayoko)
Shirasu Jiro (1902-1985) was educated in British manners and culture, and with principles as his lifelong creed, he worked hard to rebuild Japan after World War II. Shirasu Masako (1910-1998) was familiar with classical performing arts through Noh from a young age, loved kimonos and antiques, and was a highly accomplished essayist. Jiro and Masako fell in love at first sight and married, and they respected each other and lived each day to the fullest. Jiro and Masako had many interactions with many people who were active in their time, including Shigeru Yoshida, Hideo Kobayashi, and Jiro Aoyama.

Portraits of Jiro given to each other when they were engaged (1928)

Portraits of Masako given to each other when they were engaged (1928)

Exhibition Structure
Chapter 1: The Shirasu and Kabayama families - how they met
Chapter 2: Jiro and Masako - the people involved
Chapter 3: Shirasu Jiro and Shirasu Masako
Chapter 4: Buaiso


The Former Shirasu Residence "Buaiso"
The former residence of the Shirasu couple (Machida City, Tokyo). The name was chosen in reference to its location on the border between Musashi and Sagami, and also because Jiro wanted to add a twist of his unique sense of humor, playing on the word "unsociable," and he was said to have taken great delight in it. Surrounded by a lush, natural garden, the thatched-roof house and other buildings are open to the public (Machida City Historic Site).

Large lacquered zelkova bowl by Kuroda Tatsuaki. Photo: Asai Kayoko
Shigaraki cypress-fenced water jar from the Muromachi period (Photo: Asai Kayoko)
Special Exhibition

1924 Bentley (Wakui Museum Collection)
We will be holding a special exhibition of a 1924 Bentley owned by Jiro Shirasu while he was studying abroad at Cambridge University.