Middle Eastern Culture Center in Japan

The Middle Eastern Culture Center in Ōsawa is a research and cultural museum combining exhibition spaces, work areas for scholars, and a specialized library with materials on Middle Eastern studies. The collection includes books, manuscripts, and audiovisual media supporting comprehensive regional research.

The institution was founded in October 1979 and was the first of its kind in Japan dedicated to preserving and studying Middle Eastern cultural heritage. Since then it has become a leading center for academic examination of the region.

The center displays ongoing exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and literary works from Middle Eastern countries, allowing Japanese visitors to experience regional artistic expression directly. These shows create bridges between local and international creative traditions.

The center welcomes visitors during weekday hours when researchers and students can access the extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and audiovisual materials. Some parts of the collection require prior permission to view.

The building itself integrates architectural elements from the Middle East, creating a visual connection to the theme of its collections. This design choice transforms the space into more than just a research facility and gives visitors a spatial experience of the region.

Location: Ōsawa

Inception: October 1979

Official opening: October 1979

Industry: research

Address: 東京都三鷹市大沢三丁目10番31号

Website: http://meccj.or.jp

GPS coordinates: 35.68978,139.56373

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:01