Naruto German House, Museum and cultural center in Ōasa-chō Hinoki, Japan
The Naruto German House is a museum and cultural center in Ōasa-chō displaying artifacts, photographs, and models from the lives of German prisoners during World War I at Bando Camp. The exhibits document the community that prisoners built with shops, restaurants, and cultural facilities.
The building stands on the site of a detention camp from 1917 where German soldiers were held during the war. The camp became a place where prisoners and local residents interacted and lived in close proximity.
The house preserves memories of how German prisoners introduced European traditions to local residents through bread making and musical performances. These cultural connections left traces that remain visible in the region today.
The museum is open daily and visitors should wear sturdy shoes since paths around the grounds are made of gravel and unpaved areas. It is best visited on sunny days to fully explore the outdoor spaces and garden.
Inside the museum, a detailed doll reproduction shows the first performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in Japan from 1918. This concert happened when German prisoners performed alongside local musicians, creating a remarkable moment in music history.
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