Nagaoka Kesakichi Memorial Gallery is an art exhibition facility located in Obata, Kanra Town, Gunma Prefecture. Together with the adjacent Rakuzan-en Garden, a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, the gallery provides visitors with a peaceful setting where they can appreciate fine art while experiencing the historic atmosphere of Obata, a former castle town.
The gallery houses a valuable collection of artworks and provides a rare opportunity to encounter works by some of Japan’s leading artists in a tranquil historic setting.
The gallery was established through a donation by Kesakichi Nagaoka, a successful businessman born in Kanra Town. He was born in Kanra in 1918 and founded a construction company in Tokyo in 1937. His business subsequently grew considerably.
Nagaoka had a deep affection for his hometown and made significant contributions to the local community. In addition to donating paintings, he supported improvements to school facilities and initiatives to enhance the welfare of local residents. In recognition of his contributions, he was named an Honorary Citizen of Kanra Town in 1995.
His passion for art began when he was deeply moved by a painting he encountered in his youth. His belief that encountering a single painting can sometimes change the course of a person’s life is reflected in the gallery’s purpose: to provide visitors with opportunities to discover artworks that may leave a lasting impression.
Opened in 2011, the gallery mainly displays works from Nagaoka’s personal collection. The collection includes 34 works by renowned masters of Japanese painting as well as five works by Living National Treasures, offering an impressive combination of quality and variety.
Exhibition Room 1 primarily features paintings from the collection. Visitors can experience the beauty of modern Japanese art at close range and take their time appreciating each work in the gallery’s calm and comfortable surroundings.
Exhibition Room 2 features not only paintings but also traditional Japanese crafts. Among the exhibits is a replica of a kon-ito odoshi domaru armor, traditionally said to have been owned by Lord Oda Nobukatsu, the second son of Oda Nobunaga.
The displays also include an inlaid metalwork vase and lacquerware created by Living National Treasures such as Mineishi Okuyama and Kenji Suda. Together, these works showcase the high level of craftsmanship found in Japan’s traditional arts.
The audio-visual room offers visitors the opportunity to watch materials related to art and history, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the exhibits and their cultural background.
The library corner contains books about art as well as picture books, making the gallery accessible and enjoyable for visitors of different ages.
The gallery also has a gallery café with terrace seating overlooking the nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, Rakuzan-en Garden.
Rakuzan-en was developed as a daimyo garden by Oda Nobukatsu, the second son of Oda Nobunaga. The garden retains the atmosphere of the Edo period and offers beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
Enjoying a cup of coffee while looking out over the traditional garden provides a relaxing experience. It is an ideal place to linger after viewing the artwork and reflect on the impressions left by the collection.
Obata, where the gallery is located, was once a castle town ruled by the Oda clan. A walk through the historic streets, combined with a visit to Rakuzan-en Garden, allows visitors to experience the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Nagaoka Kesakichi Memorial Gallery is more than a place to view works of art. It is also a place where the passion and generosity of a businessman who deeply loved his hometown have been preserved for future generations.
For visitors from Japan and abroad alike, the gallery offers the chance to encounter a memorable work of art and discover a new source of inspiration in the historic surroundings of Kanra.