たばこと塩の博物館

The Tobacco and Salt Museum was established by Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) with the theme of the history and culture of tobacco and salt, which were once monopoly products. After speaking with museum director Takanori Kikuchi about his thoughts on the museum, we were given a tour of the museum.

■Please tell me the history of tobacco and salt.

Tobacco, which originated in the Andes Mountains of South America, spread throughout the world during the Age of Discovery. It was introduced to Japan in the late 16th century. It was introduced along with trade goods such as guns during exchanges with the Nanban people, and by the early 17th century, smoking culture had become widespread. It was used in all aspects of life, from breaks at work to entertaining guests. A tobacco monopoly was established in 1904, but was abolished in 1985 due to market liberalization and administrative and financial reforms. Today, with health consciousness on the rise, the tobacco industry as a whole is making various efforts to coexist with tobacco.

While tobacco is a luxury item, salt is a necessity. However, Japan, with its heavy rainfall, is not good at making salt. For this reason, a unique salt-making technique was developed in primitive and ancient times, in which concentrated saltwater called "brine" was collected and boiled down to obtain salt. This was followed by the development of two types of salt fields: the "inarihama method," which utilizes the difference in water levels between high and low tides, and the "agehama method," in which seawater is pumped up by hand. Since 1972, this method has been completely replaced by a method that uses electrical energy and ion exchange membranes. It's a little surprising to learn that the salt we all rely on is actually so laboriously produced.

■What are the highlights of the exhibition?

The museum's high level of reproduction is designed to allow visitors to experience real ruins and materials firsthand. For example, at the entrance to the permanent tobacco exhibit, there is a replica of the Temple of the Cross (photo) from the Palenque ruins in Mexico, the oldest surviving tobacco material. A relief of the "God Smoking Tobacco" is painted on the pillar on the right side of the temple, and this large-scale exhibit is a must-see. In addition to a tobacco shop from the Edo period, a tobacco shop's front door from the Showa period has also been recreated, allowing visitors to feel a sense of nostalgia as they recall the scenery of those times.

The permanent salt exhibit is also packed with real salt artifacts. The replica of the "Saint Kinga" statue (pictured), which is worshipped at the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland, a World Heritage Site, was made entirely by local artisans using local rock salt. Everything, from the sculpture to the wall behind it and the ornaments on the chandelier, is made entirely of salt. In addition to the salt-making exhibit, there is also an interactive corner where children can enjoy themselves by holding a petri dish filled with salt over a screen to see where it is produced and the crystals. I think these are impressive and unique exhibits that are only possible because of the larger area after the renovation.

■Please tell us about your future prospects.

　We are truly grateful to the many visitors to our globally unique museum, which deals with the history and culture surrounding tobacco and salt. We will continue to see things from the customer's perspective, checking whether our various projects and exhibits are relevant to their interests and eliciting new insights, and strive to make improvements to make them even better. We believe that repeating this process and maintaining good relationships with the local community are important factors in ensuring the museum's continued existence.
　I understand that society's view of tobacco is changing as health consciousness grows. However, it is also true that tobacco and salt have a history of being deeply connected to us. By clearly communicating these facts from the customer's perspective, I believe we can provide a new perspective and awareness of critical views of tobacco and salt. Given the diverse ways of thinking and values, I would be happy if this provides an opportunity for people to decide how they view things after learning the facts. With this idea at the core of the museum's theme, I would also like to focus on improving the quality of the exhibits and services, as well as disseminating information about the initiatives we are currently implementing.

■Message to university students

I hope that communication will not be one-way, but that it is mutual and mutually reciprocated. The starting point is to take an interest in the other person, face them, and engage in dialogue while observing their reactions. If you can do this, you will be able to empathize with them and be able to speak your true feelings to each other. With this in mind, try to take a fresh look at what you are currently able to do and what you are not able to do. Digital is important, but analog may not be the thing to throw away just yet.

2F The World of Salt

Point 1: See, move and learn!
The science corner allows visitors to learn about the properties of salt and the structure of crystals. One of the most impressive exhibits involves placing a petri dish filled with salt on an electronic panel, allowing visitors to learn about its origins and crystals. When you turn the petri dish, commands on the screen are synchronized, and you can select buttons to investigate further or to see photos of the crystals. Even we university students were engrossed and had a great time.

3F: Tobacco History and Culture

Point 2: A huge collection of smoking accessories from around the world
There is a wide selection of smoking accessories that suit the culture and climate of each country. You'll find yourself paying attention to the intricate decorations and designs.

Point 3: Focus on the beginning of tobacco monopoly
Tobacco (cigarettes), a standardized product, is easy to mechanize. When American machines, which allow for efficient and fast production, were introduced to Japan, it became possible to produce 150 to 200 cigarettes per minute. However, small tobacco factories that did not have the capital for mechanization suffered great damage. I was able to see the actual American-made machines that were the catalyst for the start of the oligopoly, and I got a real sense of this fact.

"A bag merchant moving with the times: from tobacco pouches to handbags"with the theme ofApril 27th ~ October 30, 2024The event will be held until 10:00. For more information,CLICK HEREcheck!

Interviewed by Student Newspaper Online on March 13, 2024, by Minami Yoshikawa, second-year student at Sophia University (writing and composition)