Gunma museum dedicated to artist Hoshino Tomihiro reopens | NHK WORLD

Gunma museum dedicated to artist Hoshino Tomihiro reopens

A museum displaying paintings and poems by Japanese artist Hoshino Tomihiro has reopened in his hometown in Gunma Prefecture. He used a brush held in his mouth to create his works.

Hoshino lost the use of his limbs in an accident when he was in his 20s. He later began painting and writing poems using his mouth, and became widely known for his work. He died in 2024 at the age of 78.

The Tomihiro Art Museum in Midori City reopened on Saturday for the first time in eight months following renovation work.

At a ceremony marking the reopening, 23 students from local elementary and junior high schools sang songs with lyrics written by Hoshino and recited some of his poems.

The museum has introduced a projection featuring Hoshino's paintings of flowers from all four seasons and his poems. The images are projected across a large curved wall, creating an immersive display that allows visitors to feel surrounded by Hoshino's work. The projection will be shown for a limited time.

A man in his 70s said that Hoshino's works encourage him when he is feeling down because they convey the artist's determination to confront difficult circumstances.

Museum director Seiryu Kiyoshige said Hoshino's works have the power to give people courage. He said he hopes they will continue to inspire people for generations to come.

Hoshino's widow, Masako, said she is glad that her late husband's works have been loved by so many people for so long. She said she hopes visitors will appreciate them from many different perspectives.