Museum • 40-59 Ōkubochō, Kashihara, Nara 634-0061, Japan
The Okubo Machizukuri-kan in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, is a valuable facility that conveys the event of the Meiji era known as the 'Dora Village Relocation'. Visitors will catch a glimpse of the lives of common people at that time and may gain a new perspective on Japanese history.
The traditional farmhouses exhibited in the museum were the actual residences of the villagers who were forcibly relocated to the nearby Dora village. Although the homes of self-sufficient farmers may seem simple at first glance, their interiors were functional and ingeniously crafted. On the other hand, it is said that the homes of tenant farmers were even more simple in design.
The Dora Village relocation by the Meiji government was part of the modernization policy at that time. However, it also imposed significant sacrifices on the residents. The guides provide an objective and fair explanation of these events, allowing visitors to encounter viewpoints different from conventional wisdom.
While visiting the exhibits, visitors can also hear the testimonies of people who lived during that time. The guides meticulously explain the circumstances of the Dora Village relocation, interweaving stories and accounts of those who lived through it. This will provide a more personal connection to the history from the perspective of common people.
The relocation of Dora Village had a significant impact on Japanese society. A visit to the Okubo Machizukuri-kan allows glimpses into one aspect of this event. It may open up new perspectives on history.