Dutch letters which Shoin practiced handwriting
(in the possession of Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives)

This is the handwriting written by him at the age of 22 when he was studying in Edo.The writing was translated into Japanese.It means “Uniqueness comes first”.

”Seven Principles of Bushido” which Shoin Yoshida advocated
(in the possession of Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives)

The writing was given to his disciple Tokiyuki Ogino.The well-known saying “As long as you are born as a human being, you must be different from animals” is carried in the writing.

“Stanza” hung down from a pillor in the room of the Shokasonjuku Academy
(duplicate item, in the possession of the Hagi Museum)

Shoin’s writing was inscribed on the bamboo.It says that “If you don’t read lots of books to study, how can you be a person of distinction.”Shoin’s posture on learning is well expressed in brief.

Portrait of Shoin painted by Shodo Matsuura
(in the possession of the ShunanMunicipalArt Museum)

When Shoin was 30 years old in the 6th year of Ansei (1859), this portrait was given to Tomitaro Okabe just before Shoin was sent to Edo.It is said that his disciple Shodo painted the picture and Shoin wrote the legend.

Last poem which Shoin composed just before he was executed
(in the possession of Yamaguchi Prefectural Archives)

Shoin Yoshida was imprisoned at the Tenmacho prison in Edo.Told to go to the execution ground, he began to compose the poem.It means “I’ve been determined to go to the world beyond, and waiting for the coming of the execution day.Though I was told to be executed today, I feel happy now.”

Japanese Flier PDF Downroad
（1.5MB）

English Flier PDF Downroad