Greeting

Gion grew from the teahouse district (chayagai) close to the gate to Yasaka Shrine, and eventually went on to gain fame as a leading entertainment quarter (hanamachi) in Kyoto, and throughout Japan, thanks to the Minami-za kabuki theater and other theaters in the area. Since its founding during the Kyoho Period (1716-1736), Kagizen Yoshifusa has enjoyed the patronage of the people of the area, and been frequented by writers, artists, and others with discerning tastes. Kagizen is now opening a small art museum called ZENBI (Kagizen Art Museum) in Gion. The aim of the museum is to share in some small way the blessings we have received from the refined culture of Gion and to continue Kagizen’s role as a local focus where people of culture can gather.