German Ambassador to Japan and Delegation Visit Our Museum

On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Petra Sigmund, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Japan; Melanie Zaxinger, Consul General; Peter Reffelhardt, Minister-Counselor and Head of the Economic and Scientific Affairs Section; and Ms. Oishi, Head of the Climate Protection and Energy Section at the German Embassy, visited our museum.

This visit took place as part of the delegation’s tour of the Kansai region; it was made possible because the Ambassador herself expressed a desire to visit our museum from the perspectives of cultural exchange and history.

Director Kinoshita began with a welcome address and provided a detailed explanation of netsuke, covering topics such as what inspired his collection, the history of the museum’s establishment within a local samurai residence designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Kyoto City, and efforts to preserve and nurture those involved in contemporary netsuke. Following this, the delegation viewed the netsuke on display, and the visit concluded with a very cordial exchange in a warm and friendly atmosphere.