National Showa Memorial Museum


The National Showa Memorial Museum is a national museum in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan, managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The museum is commonly referred to as the "Showakan" and primarily displays items illustrating the lifestyles of the Japanese people during and after World War II.
Originally to be named The War Victims Peace Commemoration Prayer Hall, the museum opened on 27 March 1999, partly in response to strong lobbying by the Japan War-Bereaved Families Association, whose headquarters are in the adjacent Kudan Hall. The museum building was designed by Japanese architect Kiyonori Kikutake.
The Museum is located next to Kudanshita Station and the northern entrance to Kitanomaru Park.