"Totto-chan Square," a recreation of the world of "Totto-chan at the Window," a story by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, published by Kodansha in 1981, opened on July 23rd in Azumino Chihiro Park, which surrounds the Azumino Chihiro Art Museum in Matsukawa Village, Nagano Prefecture.

"Totto-chan Square" is a new facility located in the park, where visitors can learn about Matsukawa Village's abundant "food," "agriculture," and "life" through hands-on experience. The square recreates the world of the beloved story of "Totto-chan at the Window" (written by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, director of the Chihiro Art Museum), illustrated by Chihiro Iwasaki. The square is home to two train cars, "Moha" and "Dehani," each of which has been renovated into the "Moha Train Library" where visitors can freely read around 500 books, including "Totto-chan at the Window." The "Dehani Train Classroom" is a recreation of the train classroom from around 1940 when Totto-chan and her friends attended classes at Tomoe Gakuen. Signs with excerpts from Totto-chan's stories are also installed throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll through the stories of "Totto-chan at the Window," Japan's biggest postwar bestseller, which begins with Totto-chan's expulsion from first grade. Other attractions include the "Woodland Zone," where visitors can experience the richness of nature through a grove of trees native to Matsukawa Village; the "Agricultural Experience Zone," where visitors can plant, harvest, and cook vegetables (reservations required); and the "Experience Exchange Center," an information terminal introducing experience programs and local tourist information. Everyone, from children to adults, can enjoy spending time interacting with the richness of nature. The Azumino Chihiro Art Museum is currently hosting an opening commemorative exhibition, "We're All Together," through September 27th. The exhibition features artwork, texts, documents, and international editions, showcasing the full appeal of this beloved work, beloved in over 35 countries, from its origins and history to its desire for peace. This exhibition explores the appeal of "Totto-chan at the Window," including the world of the story woven by Iwasaki Chihiro's artwork and Kuroyanagi Tetsuko's words, the untold story of Totto-chan's birth, and the state of Tomoe Gakuen at the time. There are also sections where visitors can listen to the musical version of "Totto-chan at the Window" and read the story in the exhibits, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience. Various summer vacation events are also planned. On August 7th, the museum will open at 8:00 a.m. as a "Morning Museum," allowing visitors to breathe in the fresh morning air and leisurely browse the exhibits. The picture book cafe inside the museum will also open from 8am, offering coffee and breakfast sets. Starting at 9am, a "Morning Storytime" event will be held in the courtyard or on the cafe terrace, featuring picture book readings and hand games. On August 27th, the museum will be open until 9pm as part of a "Night Museum" event. Starting at 7pm, there will be an event where visitors can enjoy the sounds of bell crickets and collect them. Starting at 7:30pm, there will also be "Totto-chan's Night Train Exploration," where visitors can explore the normally off-limits night train classroom in Totto-chan Square, as well as a slightly spooky "Summer Night Storytime." Additionally, from July 30th to August 16th, there will be a workshop called "Chihiro's Watercolor Technique Experience," which both adults and children can enjoy.
【Exhibition Information】
"We're all together," an exhibition commemorating the opening of Totto-chan Square in Azumino Chihiro Park, Matsukawa Village.
Venue: Azumino Chihiro Art Museum, Exhibition Rooms 1 and 2
Address: 3358-24 Nishihara, Matsukawa Village, Kitaazumi District, Nagano Prefecture
Dates: July 15th - September 27th
Time: 9:00 - 17:00 (until 18:00 from August 6th to 16th)
Admission: 800 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger
Open every day during the exhibition period