Special Exhibition “Two Writers Born in Himeji: Abe Tomoji and Shiina Rinzo” (December 2 – February 4, 2024) Abe Tomoji (1903 – 1973) and Shiina Rinzo (1911 – 1973) were novelists from Himeji who both died 50 years ago. The exhibition traces the footsteps of these two writers, who established their own unique literary style in tandem with the times. The exhibition will also focus on the novels and plays featuring Himeji Castle that have become monumental works of each of them, and highlight their charms.
World Heritage Symposium (December 3) A symposium will be held to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the registration of Himeji Castle, the first World Heritage site in Japan. The symposium will reexamine the significance of World Heritage and consider the future of Himeji as a “World Heritage City.
Symposium “The Construction of Ikeda Terumasa’s Castle and Its Succession: Himeji, Okayama, and Tottori” (December 10) The current Himeji Castle, including its castle tower, was almost completed by Ikeda Terumasa. The symposium will consider the construction techniques of the Ikeda family, comparing them with those of the Okayama and Tottori castles, of which his descendants became the castle lords.
World Heritage Registration Anniversary Celebration Event (December 11) On the 30th anniversary of Himeji Castle’s World Heritage registration, a commemorative event (photo shooting and message event) will be held at Himeji Castle. In addition, an unveiling ceremony for the new loop bus (EV bus) will be held at the Ieyoriyashiki (Residence Site) Park. Admission to Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, and the zoo will be free on the day.
Acrie Himeji Winter Nigiwai 2023 ~White Christmas~ (December 22-25) Acrie Himeji will host a Christmas market, attractions, and other winter-inspired Christmas events.
Himeji Castle History 30th Kagamikazuki (-December 11) Under the theme of “Connecting Castle History 30th with Light,” a light-up event will be held in which light, water and music resonate with each other. A giant water mirror will be installed in Himeji Castle’s San-no-Maru Plaza, reminiscent of the beautiful waterside of the Mukaiyashiki Garden that is said to have once existed there, as well as various projection mapping, 60,000-bulb illumination, balloon lanterns, shadow puppet installations, and more.
Acrie Himeji Winter Nigiwai 2023 – Illumination of Light – (~December 25) An illumination with lighting that makes full use of stage lighting technology is being held at Acrie Himeji.
All Himeji Arts & Life Project TeamLab: Existence in an Infinite Continuum (2nd half) (～January 21, 2024) Pursues the universal themes of “What is life?” and “What is existence?” through a sense of immersion and unity in a unique TeamLab video installation in which all boundaries are removed. The space is a concept of space proposed by TeamLab. This exhibition will allow visitors to experience the “hyper-subjective space,” a spatial concept proposed by TeamLab.
Himeji Otemae-dori Illumination (-February 29, 2024) On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Himeji Castle’s registration as a World Heritage site, Otemae-dori will be decorated with high-quality illumination with a view to the Osaka/Kansai Expo and other events. The public and private sectors will work together to create a lively nighttime street and a place for people to meet, with the aim of providing hospitality to tourists and making Himeji a city that citizens can be proud of.
© Source travel watch