About the Museum
- Museum type
- History Museum
- Hours
- 10:00–16:00
- Closed
- Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3)
- Admission
- Free
- Suggested visit time
- Quick: ~10 min / Unhurried: ~20 min
- Website
- Official website
- Address
- 2-4-21, Nakaochiai, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo(Map)
- Phone
- +81 3-5988-0091
- Nearest station
- Shimo-Ochiai Station; Mejiro Station
What Is the Yuzo Saeki Atelier Memorial?
The Yuzo Saeki Atelier Memorial is located within Saeki Park in Shimo-Ochiai, a quiet residential neighborhood in Shinjuku.
The site preserves and opens to the public the former residence and atelier of Yuzo Saeki, a gifted painter widely regarded as one of the leading artists of the Taisho period.
This atelier was the only place in Japan that Saeki used as a base for his artistic activities before his untimely death at the age of 30.
The building itself is also historically significant as a rare surviving example of Taisho-era atelier architecture. Its white wooden exterior conveys both a sense of historical weight and a gentle warmth that quietly embraces visitors.
For modern visitors often caught up in the pace of daily life, the memorial offers a calm and contemplative atmosphere—an opportunity to pause and quietly reflect on one’s place in the world.
Visitor Information
The memorial is divided into three sections: the Atelier Exhibition Room, the Small Exhibition Room, and the Mini Gallery.
In the Atelier Exhibition Room, a short video of approximately ten minutes introduces both the atelier itself and the life of Yuzo Saeki. The room also features biographical panels, a chronological timeline, and Saeki’s work Tennis on display.
One of the defining characteristics of this space is its large windows, a common feature of atelier architecture designed to bring in natural light. These windows help visitors experience the atmosphere of the artist’s original working environment.
The Small Exhibition Room focuses on Saeki’s family. It introduces the life and works of his wife, Yoneko Saeki, who was herself a painter, through replica artworks and explanatory panels.
In the Mini Gallery, visitors can browse materials related to Yuzo Saeki as well as sightseeing information about the Shinjuku and Ochiai areas.
Original goods such as postcards and clear files are also available for purchase.
Who Was Yuzo Saeki?
Yuzo Saeki (1898–1928) was a Japanese Western-style painter active during the Taisho period. After graduating from the Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts), he moved to France, where he was influenced by artists such as Maurice de Vlaminck and Maurice Utrillo, both associated with Fauvism.
One well-known episode tells of Saeki showing one of his most confident works to Vlaminck, only to have it harshly criticized as “academic.” This experience is said to have profoundly changed his artistic direction. Thereafter, he began incorporating the bold brushwork and vivid colors characteristic of Fauvism into his own paintings.
Although the center of Saeki’s artistic career was in France, the atelier in Shimo-Ochiai was the only place in Japan that served as his creative base. He worked there for approximately four years.
Saeki died of illness in Paris in 1928 at the age of only 30. Nevertheless, his highly individual style and powerful artistic personality left a lasting impact on Japanese modern art, and he continues to be regarded as one of the great artistic talents of the Taisho era.
Saeki Park
The Yuzo Saeki Atelier Memorial is located within Saeki Park.
Although modest in size, the park is carefully maintained, with wooden decks and benches that provide visitors with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.
In particular, the central resting area allows visitors to sit peacefully while experiencing a sense of calm reminiscent of being surrounded by a forest.
Despite being situated within the city, the park offers a rare opportunity to reflect quietly in a setting closely connected to nature.
Nearby Information
The Yuzo Saeki Atelier Memorial is within walking distance of Mejiro Station.
Nearby attractions include the Mejiro Teien Garden, while a slightly longer walk leads to cultural sites such as the Naruse Memorial Museum and the Zoshigaya Missionary House Museum.
Exploring these places together as part of a leisurely walk through the neighborhood is highly recommended.
In addition, a hidden café called Cafe Hitotoki is located near the museum. Visitors can relax there while enjoying sweets such as waffles and anmitsu, as well as light lunch dishes.
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