Kōchi Liberty and People's Rights Museum

The Kōchi Liberty and People's Rights Museum is a modern building in Kōchi that explores civil rights movements through documents, photographs, and historical objects from Japan's democratic development. The collections trace how these movements led to the establishment of modern political institutions.

The museum opened in 1990 to commemorate the Freedom and People's Rights Movement that emerged during the Meiji era. This movement arose from the desire for constitutional government and modern political structures.

The museum displays the importance of figures like Itagaki Taisuke and their calls for political reform in Japanese history. Visitors can observe how these ideas shaped Japan's path toward modern democracy.

The museum is easily accessible by the Tosaden tram from Kōchi Station and sits about 15 minutes' walk from the nearest stop. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes suitable for museum floors and plan enough time to view the exhibits thoroughly.

The building features four distinctive towers designed by the architecture firm Nikken Sekkei that define its appearance. Positioned at the structure's peak is the Lamp of Freedom, a symbolic element visible from a distance.

Location: Kochi

Architects: Nikken Sekkei

Official opening: April 1, 1990

Website: https://i-minken.jp

GPS coordinates: 33.54311,133.55025

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:40