Silk Museum Special Exhibition: Striving for Abundant Silkworms – Tools Used in Sericulture

From October 10 to November 23, 2026, the Silk Museum will hold a special exhibition titled 'Striving for Abundant Silkworms – Tools Used in Sericulture.' Sericulture in Japan began about 2,000 years ago and has continued uninterrupted through the ages, creating a wide array of specialized tools. After the opening of the port of Yokohama in 1859, raw silk became a major export for Japan, leading to sericulture becoming a key national industry. Proper care of silkworms and the development of more effective and user-friendly sericulture tools were essential for producing high-quality silk cocoons. This exhibition introduces a variety of sericulture tools developed through generations of knowledge and ingenuity, and explores the history of sericulture and the silkworms that supported modern Japan. During the exhibition, special gallery talks and lectures will be held for a deeper understanding. Period: October 10 (Sat) – November 23 (Mon, holiday), 2026 Opening hours: 9:30–17:00 (last entry at 16:30) Special exhibition admission: Adults 700 yen, Seniors (65+) 500 yen, University students 300 yen, High school, junior high, and elementary school students 100 yen Related events: 1. Gallery Talks Dates: October 25 (Sun), November 8 (Sun), November 23 (Mon, holiday) Time: 14:00 2. Special Lecture 'Tools Connecting Silkworms and People – Inherited Wisdom and the Future of Sericulture' Date: November 1 (Sun), 2026 Speaker: Yohei Ashizawa, Ashizawa Sericulture Time: 13:30–15:30 Capacity: 40 (advance reservation by phone required; first come, first served) Fee: Free (museum admission required) About the Silk Museum: The Silk Museum showcases the process from silkworm to silk, the history of silk, and silk textile crafts, particularly those related to traditional Japanese clothing. The museum keeps silkworms on display throughout the year for close observation, and also offers hands-on activities such as thread spinning and weaving, as well as various silk-related workshops.