John Mung Museum
John Mung Museum
At the base of the Ashizuri Peninsula in the town of Tosashimizu is a charming museum to Nakahama Manjirō, one of the first Japanese to go to the United States. In America, he was given the nickname John Mung. He’s also called John Manjirō. The museum documents his shipwreck, rescue by an American whaler, life as a whaler himself and his time prospecting for gold. After his return to Japan, he played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. The attractive exhibits are labelled in proper English, and they afford a fascinating view of Japan’s opening to the West.
The shop and restaurant in the museum are also very welcoming. You can enjoy a wide selection of traditional American desserts, prepared with loving care according to authentic recipes. There are also various hands-on craft activities using locally available materials.
Information
Name in Japanese: ジョン万次郎資料館
Pronunciation: jon manjirō shiryōkan
Address: 303 Yoro, Tosashimizu, Kochi 787-0337
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