Museum's Concepts and History

I  The Lake Biwa Museum - Serving a Vital Need

Although Lake Biwa occupies only one-sixth of the area of Shiga Prefecture, it has a significant influence not only on those who live along its shores, but also on the residents of Shiga and neighboring prefectures. Besides playing a central role in the lives of local residents, the lake is an important freshwater resource and is, in fact, Japan's largest lake. It is a symbol of the prefecture and its beautiful natural surroundings are a source of national pride having few equals in the country.

　 Interestingly, Lake Biwa is one of the world's oldest lakes. Having evolved over millions of years, its many organisms - including some found nowhere else on earth - are extremely diverse and fascinating to behold. The human settlements on the shores of the lake also have a rich history, with origins dating to ancient times. Settlers in the area have engaged in agriculture and fishing and have developed unique regional cultures. Over the years, their interesting way of life has fostered a number of cultural traditions. Clearly, Lake Biwa is a multifaceted resource of great value not only to the Japanese, but to all of humanity. The lake is without doubt an integral part of Japan's natural and cultural heritage.

　 During Japan's pursuit of rapid economic growth in the postwar period, dramatic industrialization and urbanization in the area improved the living standards of local residents and resulted in material affluence. On the other hand, however, it is becoming apparent that this economic progress has adversely affected the environment and has led to a decline in some of the more spiritual aspects of Japanese society. We are only now beginning to understand the true scope of these changes.

　 Today, the world has come to understand that we must shift our cultural trends and way of life in a more desirable direction and, in the process, hand down to coming generations a renewed culture focused on our surroundings. This can be thought of as a gift to the future, the idea that "we must dedicate our lives, and the health of the environment, to future, as-yet-unborn generations." Encouragingly, this ideal has taken root worldwide.

　 Building on this understanding, we must identify the multifaceted value of Lake Biwa, consider the reciprocal effects on the lake and its people over their shared history, ponder our own relationship with the lake, develop a better attitude toward the lake in the new era, and reexamine the focus of our culture. This is the most important challenge confronting the present generation. This challenge is important not only to the preservation of Lake Biwa and its environs, but also to the preservation of the global environment.

　 The Lake Biwa Museum was established in April, 1996, and was opened to the public in October of the same year, following more than a decade of preparation. Its purpose is to conduct research on humanity's historical relationship with lakes, collect and classify related data, and share its research findings with the people of Shiga Prefecture in order to pursue a better future. The Lake Biwa Museum is a research institute, cultural center, and life-long study facility, as well as a center of interaction and information. In other words, it is a facility that meets our intellectual needs, offers a forum for communication, and fosters creativity for the future, and it thereby leads the effort to create a new way of looking at our relationship with freshwater lakes.

II  Founding Principles

　 Lake Biwa is characterized not only by its beautiful natural environment, but also by the historical ties local residents have developed to the lake over the years.Studies of Lake Biwa have inevitably involved studies on our relationship with nature, and thus require a truly comprehensive approach.

　 Acknowledging this reality, the Lake Biwa Museum will develop the capability to collect information on Lake Biwa and other lakes - including their natural features and the relationship of those who live near the lakes - and present exhibitions as well as provide public services incorporating its findings under the theme of "Lakes and People." At the same time, the museum will emphasize the development of advanced research capabilities as an essential function.

　 The ability to continue providing such comprehensive services will add to the appeal of the museum, as it will enable the museum to offer visitors something new to discover with every visit and will make visitors to want to return again and again.

　 By conducting research of international significance on Lake Biwa, the Lake Biwa Museum is expected to contribute to preservation of the global environment and biological diversity, deepen understanding of indigenous culture, and assume a leading role internationally in the study of lakes and marshes.

2. To serve as an entrance to the study field.

　 The Lake Biwa watershed has undergone the evolution of its natural ecosystem and has suffered the effects of conflicts with mankind throughout human history. This area deserves close observation, as something important yet intangible and unknown lies behind the visible and perceptible. In the belief that nature is an unending source of exciting discoveries and creativity, the Lake Biwa Museum will design and offer a variety of programs that will stimulate research and civic interaction in the local community. In so doing, the museum will direct the attention of local residents to their own lives and community.

　 The museum's scope is not limited to Japanese lakes; it also includes lakes and marshes in Asia and the world. Comparative studies of these lakes will help deepen understanding of the value and significance of Lake Biwa, as well as our relationship with lakes.

3. To offer varied public services and serve as a venue for interaction in the community.

　 The Lake Biwa Museum is not merely an exhibition facility; it also aims to serve as a focal point for people to encounter new information. Moreover, it will grow and evolve by inviting visitors - both experts and lay people - to participate in activities such as exhibitions, interactive events, public services, and research, and will offer opportunities for simultaneous recreation, learning, and association.

　 Today, our society requires individuals to develop their originality and vitality through life-long study. In this context, the museum must seek the involvement of people of all ages by presenting a venue where people meet and learn, and where a new sense of values can be created.

III  Activities

The Lake Biwa Museum will undertake the following activities, through which it will encourage visitors to exchange knowledge and information while serving as a venue for interaction. In this way it will continue to develop and evolve.

1. Research

　 The museum will undertake research covering a broad range of themes, present exhibitions, and offer public services incorporating the results of this research. By doing so, the museum can ensure its continued development and evolution. The museum will also establish a research system that will invite local residents to participate in research activities in a broad range of fields. Further, the museum will develop the capabilities for drafting, planning, and launching long-term, comprehensive and interdisciplinary research programs while fostering cooperative ties with other research institutes and universities located near Lake Biwa. Moreover, it will establish a network with other institutes involved in lake and marsh research around the world.

2. Civic interaction and public services

　 In order to offer the public a forum for intellectual stimulation, the museum will emphasize public services and launch a variety of programs in which all can participate and take pleasure.

　 The museum will also offer nature-observation programs at its outdoor exhibition facilities, as well as field trips to observe natural features, fauna, historical properties, and cultural life, while also stressing public relations and publication activities.

3. Information

　 The museum will collect and store data on Lake Biwa and other lakes and marshes in Japan and abroad, and will offer this information to the public after analysis and classification.

　 In order to develop new information channels, it will also promote networking with local citizens and related bodies both within and outside Shiga Prefecture while encouraging exchanges of information.

4. Collection

　 The museum will systematically collect, classify, and preserve data and artifacts on the natural and cultural features of Lake Biwa and its drainage basin, as well as data and artifacts on other lake districts in Japan and around the world. Efforts will also be directed at developing technologies and methods to store, manage, and maintain these artifacts in good condition.

5. Exhibits

　The museum will present clear, friendly, and enjoyable displays for its permanent, special, and traveling exhibitions. As part of its effort to involve local citizens in its activities, the museum plans to have its field reporters present exhibits and provide information in person in order to offer opportunities for interactive communication. The museum will also invite visitors to submit their opinions, which will assist the museum in its efforts to increase public interest in the neighboring natural environment.

IV  History and Background of the Museum

The construction of the Lake Biwa Museum was first proposed in 1979, when the Shiga Prefecture Study Group for High School Science Education, aware of the increasing public interest in Lake Biwa, submitted a written request to the prefectural government. The decade from the mid-1970s to mid-1980s witnessed successive construction of prefectural museums nationwide. Against this social background, the construction of the Lake Biwa Museum was promoted.

Chronology

1. Fiscal Year 1985

・ February 1986: The Prefectural Museum Construction Fund, with assets of �2 billion, is founded. (The Lake Biwa Management and Coordination Fund donates �700 million to the fund.)

2. Fiscal Year 1986

・ A survey is conducted to examine the current situation, problems, and desirable direction for museums in general.

3. Fiscal Year 1987

・ November 1987: The Committee to Develop the Basic Concept of the Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum is established under the chairmanship of Dr. Tatsuo Kira, President of Lake Biwa Research Institute.

4. Fiscal Year 1988

・ April 1988: A Subcommittee to the Committee to Develop the Basic Concept of the Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum is established under the chairmanship of Dr. Taizo Miura, Assistant Professor of Kyoto University.

・ March 1989: The Basic Concept of the Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum is determined.

5. Fiscal Year 1989

・1989: First curatorial staff member is hired.

・ June 1989: The Preparatory Committee for the Construction of the Lake Biwa Museum is established under the chairmanship of Dr. Manzo Chiji, Professor of Kyoto Tachibana College. (Four task forces dealing with exhibitions, administration, facilities and the aquarium are founded.)

6. Fiscal Year 1990

・ 1990: Five curatorial staff are hired.

・ December 1990: The basic plan of the Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum is adopted.

7. Fiscal Year 1991

・ 1991: Three curatorial staff are hired.

・ June 1991: The task forces of the Preparatory Committee for the Construction of Lake Biwa Museum are dismissed and a project team is organized. (The project team is dissolved in May, 1993.)

・ August 1991: The Exhibit Plan Review Team is founded in the Shiga Prefectural Government. (The team is dismissed in March, 1992.)

・ The basic designs of the museum's exhibits are determined.

8. Fiscal Year 1992

・ 1992: Seven curatorial staff are hired.

・ April-June 1992: The outdoor nature-observation program is launched.

・ September 1992: The basic construction plan is determined.

・ October 1992: The design of the exhibits, construction work, and the information system design is started. The museum's administration policy is deliberated until March, 1993.

9. Fiscal Year 1993

・ 1993: One curatorial staff is hired.

・ 1993: participatory surveys involving local residents are launched.

・ January 1994: A draft agreement for exhibits and construction is passed by the Prefectural Assembly on January 6. (The construction period is January 7, 1994, to March 31, 1996, with a groundbreaking ceremony on January 29.)

・ Production of exhibits begins, the information system is configured, and the museum's administration policies are considered.

10. Fiscal Year 1994

・ 1994: Three curatorial staff are hired.

・ July 1994: "Hwang Ho (Yellow River) Elephant Exhibit" is held from July 30 to August 4 at the Kusatsu Culture and Art Hall.

・ January 1995: A symposium entitled "Surveying our Environment and Construction of the Museum" is held on January 22 at the Yasu Culture Theater.

・ March 1995: The launching ceremony is held for the Maruko-bune, an old cargo boat. A public exhibition of the boat is held on March 25 at the Matsui Shipbuilding Yard and on March 25 and 26 at Karasuma Peninsula.

11. Fiscal Year 1995

・ September 1995: The Preparatory Committee for the Opening of the Shiga Lake Biwa Museum is established under the chairmanship of Dr. Manzo Chiji, Professor of Kyoto Tachibana College.

・ October 1995: Museum seminars begin.

・ February 1996: A photo exhibition, "The Story of Lake Biwa by Takashi Maeno", is held as a preliminary event before the opening of the museum at Minakuchi Culture and Art Hall and Nagahama Rakuichi.

・ February 1996: A symposium entitled "Probing the History of Lake Biwa in Kafuka Village" is held at Minakuchi Sekisui Hall.

・ March 1996: The construction of the main building is completed.

12. Fiscal Year 1996

・ 1996: Five curatorial staff are hired, including one non-Japanese.

・ April 1996: The Shiga Prefectural Lake Biwa Museum is established. The museum's logo is adopted.

・ October 1996: Opening commemorative symposium, "Lake Biwa, Fish and People - An East Asian Perspective", is held.

・ October 1996: Opening ceremony and preview take place.

・ October 1996: The museum is opened to the public.

・ October 1996: Opening commemorative exhibit, "Mitsuhiko Imamori Photo Exhibit -Satoyama", begins. (October 20, 1996 to January 19, 1997)

・ October 1996: Aquarium special exhibit, "Life of Satoyama", begins. (October 20, 1996 to January 19, 1997)

・ October 1996: Opening commemorative symposium, "Satoyama - A Countryside Full of Life", is held.

・ March 1997: Opening commemorative symposium, "Why a Museum Now", is held.

・ March 1997: Special exhibit, "How to Make a Museum", begins. (March 8 to April 27)

・ March 1997: Aquarium special exhibit, "Freshwater Fishes of Brazil", begins. (March 11 to April 20)

13. Fiscal Year 1997

・ April 1997: One Japanese and two non-Japanese curatorial staff are hired.

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