In just around 60 years, Japan underwent significant lifestyle changes during the Showa era. Preserving this era’s way of life is the ‘Showa Era Lifestyle Museum,’ a hidden gem in Kita Nagoya City, Aichi. Tucked away in a non-touristy area, it’s bursting with hyper-local charm. For Showa era folks, it’s a trip down memory lane, while younger generations get a taste of delightful retro nostalgia. Exploring Showa-era life here is an adventure enjoyed by all ages.
*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely our own!
Award-Winning Hidden Gem Museum!
Originally a local resource center in Kita Nagoya City, this museum has evolved into a hidden gem known as the “Showa Era Lifestyle Museum.” Remarkably, it received the first Japanese Museum Association Award in 2020 for its innovative program aimed at the elderly. While it’s a bit off the beaten path, about a 25-minute walk from “Nishiharushinden Station” on the Meitetsu Inuyama Line, the fact that such an acclaimed museum is nestled in this unexpected location adds to its allure!
It’s like stepping into a time machine back to the Showa era! The streets and daily life, complete with nostalgic tobacco shops and old-school candy stores, recreate the vibe of that bygone era. You’ll find yourself saying, “I remember this!” or “I used to use that!” as everything exudes a delightful sense of nostalgia.
Moreover, as we move forward in our modern lives, many items from the Showa period are disappearing. Things like toilet paper holders, food packaging, stationery – they all may seem nostalgic and almost trash-worthy in our daily routines. However, they are essential artifacts for preserving the memories of the Showa era for future generations. So, don’t just toss them away; they’re time capsules from the past.
Nostalgia Knows No Boundaries!
Step into life-sized recreations of Showa-era living, meticulously detailed with furniture and styles from the late 30s to the 40s. Imagine the conversations that once filled these rooms, and the vibrant lives of the past. Even the refined and chic antique-style furniture adds to the charm.
And the best part? You can explore this incredible collection for free! Take a whimsical journey, picturing your own childhood or the days when your parents and grandparents lived in a lively Japan. As you ponder the quirks and blessings of modern life, you’ll find yourself wrapped in a delightful mix of nostalgia and a hint of sweet and sour.
No matter your age, country or culture, cherishing the past, embracing new knowledge, and dancing to the rhythm of nostalgia knows no borders!
The Showa Era Lifestyle Museum (昭和日常博物館)
53 Osakaki, Kumanosho, Kita Nagoya City