CREATIVE KIDS TOP Mineral Museum of Strange Stones

Mineral

2022.07.24
Museum of Strange Stones

The Museum of Unusual Stones. This is Japan's first "stone museum."

The name apparently derives from the “Kiseikai” (Strange Stone Society), a gathering where people brought together unusual stones that was held around the middle of the Edo period. The exhibits are not organized according to academic classification, but rather into categories such as “Strange Stones Resembling Utensils” and “Strange Stones Resembling Animals”“curiosities inspired by food,” and “curiosities inspired by three-dimensional geometry”—categories that focus on their visual appeal.

It is said that this method of classification was described by Kiuchi Sekitei, the author of *Ungenshi*—Japan’s first specialized book on stones, which made extensive use of the term “奇石” (unusual stones).

The Museum of Strange Stones was also established based on the geological specimens of Dr. Hisanosuke Masutomi, founder of the Masutomi Geology Hall in Kyoto. Dr. Masutomi was truly great!

There are many strange stones on display, so both stone enthusiasts and those who aren't will enjoy it.

A museum where you can really feel the desire to convey the charm of stones!


　

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  • Digital Picture Book Author

    Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
    Director, B Lab
    Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
    Chairperson, CANVAS

    After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
    He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
    His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”