Asakura Museum of Sculpture 朝倉文夫記念館

The Fumio Asakura Museum of Sculpture in Oita was built as a memorial to one of the region's finest and most influential artists. Asakura established a style called naturalistic realism, and developed his own school, the Asakura Sculpture School. In this vast park, some of Asakura's most famous works are displayed in the halls, while outdoors, visitors can view works by contemporary Asian sculptors.

The best way to access the park from Oita Station is by train and then taxi.

From Oita Station, take the Hohi mainline train to Asaji Station. From Asaji Station, the park is a 15-minute ride by car or taxi. Parking is available.

This museum was built to commemorate one of the area's most beloved sons, Fumio Asakura, who is regarded as the father of modern Japanese sculpture. Born in Asaji, Fumio moved to Tokyo to study and produced work that set a precedent for those who would follow. There is also an Asakura Museum of Sculpture in Tokyo. His most popular work is the masterpiece "Grave Keeper," apparently modeled on a grave keeper at Tennoji Temple in Yanaka .

Although Asakura wanted to build a relaxing art appreciation space in his hometown, he died in 1964 before he was able to achieve his ambition. Following his passing, the people of Oita got together to create this sculpture park and to make his dream come true. Explore the grounds to find out more about how and why they did it.

The Fumio Asakura Museum of Sculpture houses an impressive collection of over 50 pieces by Asakura, offering a representative cross-section of this prolific artist's most famous works. An influential figure in the world of sculpture, Asakura worked for a while as a professor of his alma mater, the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. His body of work and concepts continue to inspire scholars and other artists.

Asakura loved cats, and more than a dozen cat sculptures are on display in the third exhibition room of the museum.

Beautiful works by contemporary Asian sculptors who won prizes at the Oita Asian Sculpture Exhibition are displayed on the grounds and throughout the park. The park is the site of the biannual Oita Asian Sculpture exhibition, which showcases artists from across Asia.

The 16-hectare park is designed as a place where locals and tourists can relax as Asakura would have wanted, with a viewing platform, waterside area and a bird sanctuary.