A unique space where privately collected ceramics and paintings are shown in part of a residence. An outsider like me can't judge their value, but tea bowls by ceramic artists of Living National Treasure caliber were lined up, and I looked at them while picturing with my eyes the feel of the fired clay. I'd never been to Okamachi in Toyonaka before, but because it was "Kansai Culture Day," admission was free. It made me realize that museums like this exist in Osaka too. On the second floor there are also works by Rouault, Renoir, Ryuzaburo Umehara, Picasso, and others, so I thought it's worth a visit for people interested in paintings too.

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At the Okuuchi Ceramic Art Museum, which opened in Showa 47 (1972) in a residential area of Okamachi-kita 3-chome, art collected by the married couple Toyokichi and Kiyo Okuuchi is displayed, divided into 9 rooms. The collection reaches 1000 pieces, centered on modern and contemporary ceramic works, which make up about 70% of the whole. Among the ceramic works, the most numerous are by Shoji Hamada, at around 75 pieces. Others include Kenkichi Tomimoto, Kanjiro Kawai, Tokuro Kato, Bernard Leach, and Rosanjin Kitaoji. Besides ceramics, there are also works such as ukiyo-e and prints by Shiko Munakata. The building also has an image that blends Japanese style with abstract design.

It's in a residential area with a tangle of narrow streets. The exterior looks very much like an art museum without being too out of place with its surroundings. Unfortunately it was a closed day (Mon, Sat, holidays) so I couldn't go in, but I'd definitely like to visit again.

There really were a lot of works. I think it's quite something that an individual collected all this. It's a museum that makes you want to go again.

I've been here 15 times, but it's never once been open! Going is just a waste of time! The worst!