The kominkan (公民館) are public places where residents of each city can access cultural activities involving sports, music, literature, lectures, arts, and crafts, serving as a kind of community cultural center.
Community or cultural centers usually exist in most developed countries, but the Japanese tend to elevate these kominkan to another level, providing various opportunities for children, youth, adults, and the elderly.
In addition to the kominkan, there are also koryukan (交流館) which are exchange centers that operate in the same way but with activities aimed at promoting cultural exchange. Both places are for people who wish to study, teach, and expand their social circle.
The Kominkan have existed since 1940, where after the second world war, they were intended to provide cultural support to the community that suffered the devastation of war. The government even spent up to 10 billion yen, despite the financial crises in the last century.
What is the purpose of the Kominkan?
According to the law, the Kominkan provide people living in certain regions such as cities and even villages with academic and cultural activities. The kominkan should contribute to health and character development, as well as stimulate and cultivate culture and social well-being.
Many kominkan or koryukan offer libraries, museums, courses, theater rooms, study rooms, kitchens and culinary courses, meeting rooms, craft rooms, and many other group activities.
It is estimated that there are more than 16,000 community centers throughout Japan, a number greater than that of secondary schools in the country. 50,000 people work in a cultural center in Japan, which means that many are small and have few employees.
Getting to know a koryukan
Below you can see what a public community cultural center in Japan looks like in the video from our friend Caipira in Japan:
Some cultural exchange centers (koryukan) even provide Japanese classes for foreigners. It’s amazing how Japan strives to provide space for foreigners, yet some still take advantage of Japan.
Did you know about the community cultural centers in Japan? Have you ever attended one? What is your opinion on the subject? We appreciate your comments and shares.
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