The Setagaya Literary Museum in Setagaya, Tokyo, will be holding a collection exhibition, "30th Anniversary of the Death of Chiyo Uno," until March 28, 2027.
Circa 7, at Chuo Koronsha: A photograph published in Fujin Koron magazine, showing the subject wearing a kimono she designed herself for the first time (exhibited in the first exhibition).
Chiyo Uno was a writer who left behind works that continue to be read across generations, such as "Iro Zange," "Ohan," and "Ikite Iku Watashi," and whose talent blossomed amidst numerous love affairs with Shiro Ozaki, Seiji Togo, Takeo Kitahara, and other prominent figures, as well as her vibrant social circle. This exhibition will showcase newly acquired materials from Chiyo Uno's collection, donated to the museum in 2023, in two parts, introducing the trajectory of her life and creative work.
The handwritten manuscript "Ohan" formerly owned by Chiyo Uno, 4th time exhibited (on display in the first half of the exhibition)
The first part of the exhibition, "30th Anniversary of Chiyo Uno's Death: Young Days of Love and Creativity," which runs until September 6th (Sunday), focuses on her childhood in Iwakuni up to around the age of 50, when the serialization of "Ohan" began.
On April 1, 1939, she married Takeo Kitahara at the Imperial Hotel (exhibited in the first part of the exhibition).
Chiyo Uno's Diary: A diary containing entries from her 1941 trip to China (on display in the first exhibition)
The first issue of the magazine "Style" (June 1936): Japan's first fashion magazine. The title calligraphy was done by Seiji Togo, and the cover was designed by Tsuguharu Fujita, who was known as a darling of the School of Paris (exhibited in the first part of the exhibition).
The exhibition features core materials for the Setagaya Literary Museum's new collection, including the handwritten manuscript of "Iro Zange," letters from painter Togo Seiji to Uno Chiyo, a diary kept during a trip to China with Kitahara Takeo, as well as Japan's first fashion magazine "Style" and kimonos she designed herself. Through her pioneering attire and lifestyle, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the life of young Uno Chiyo, who lived for love and creativity.
Necklace formerly owned by Chiyo Uno, purchased in Paris (on display during the first half of the exhibition)
Cosmetic tools formerly owned by Chiyo Uno (on display during the first half of the exhibition)
Next, the second half of the exhibition, "30th Anniversary of Chiyo Uno's Death: The Me Who Lives On with Me," which will be held from September 26th (Saturday) to March 28th, 2027 (Sunday), will introduce the latter half of her life, from the postwar period to her later years.
"Ohan (Part Three)" handwritten manuscript: Published in "Buntai" No. 4 (Buntai-sha, July 10, 1949) (Exhibited in the first exhibition)
Despite a turbulent life marked by events such as the bankruptcy of the once-flourishing Style Company and her separation from Takeo Kitahara, the book highlights her mature creative period, culminating in the completion of her masterpiece "Ohan" and the success of her essay collection "I Live On." It also focuses on her resilient and powerful way of life, as she continued to be active in various fields, including kimono design.
Kimono with patchwork design formerly owned by Chiyo Uno: A kimono made by patching together 129 pieces of fabric designed by Uno (on display in the first half of the exhibition)
Blue kimono formerly owned by Chiyo Uno: Comes with obi and obi-jime (on display during the first half of the exhibition)
Chiyo Uno lived for love, for creative work, and always affirmed her own life. Why not explore her life and personality through the newly released materials?
◆Setagaya Literary Museum Collection Exhibition: "30th Anniversary of the Death of Chiyo Uno"
[Period] Currently being held - Sunday, May 2027, 3
First half: Ongoing until September 6, 2026 (Sunday)
Second semester: September 26, 2026 (Sat) - March 28, 2027 (Sun)
[Venue] Setagaya Literary Museum, 1st Floor Exhibition Room (1-10-10 Minami-Karasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
[Hours] 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Exhibition admission and museum shop close at 17:30 PM)
[Closed days] Every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, the museum will be open and closed on the following weekday), during exhibition changeovers, during the New Year holidays, and during museum maintenance periods.
[Admission Fee] General: 220 yen, High school and university students: 170 yen, Seniors (65 and over): 110 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 110 yen
*Group rates and disability discounts are available.
