Ako Sugie | "Setagaya Literary Museum 30th Anniversary Exhibition: Donald Keene Exhibition Seeds in the Heart"
The Donald Keene exhibition at the Setagaya Literary Museum showcases his contributions to Japanese literature and unique personality.Summary
The Setagaya Literary Museum is hosting the "Donald Keene Exhibition: Seeds in the Heart" from November 15, 2025, to March 8, 2026, commemorating its 30th anniversary. The exhibition highlights the achievements and character of Donald Keene, a figure comparable to Lafcadio Hearn in his deep appreciation for Japanese culture and literature, despite arriving in post-war Japan. Keene initially became interested in Japan through a translated version of *The Tale of Genji* and later learned Japanese by joining the US Navy Japanese Language School during WWII. His efforts significantly contributed to introducing Japanese literature overseas. The exhibition reveals his wide-ranging interests beyond literature, including Noh theater, tea ceremony, antiques, and temple architecture. A key takeaway is Keene's reflection that his non-Japanese status allowed him to study Japanese literature with an unforced passion, contrasting with the sometimes compulsory exposure Japanese students receive, urging a humble reconsideration of one's own culture.
(Source：artscape)