Yukan Chugai 6 November 1949

Sub-editorial: On Inside Troubles of the National Museum

It has been decided that Seiichiro Tahakashi will hold the presidency of the National Museum which has remained vacant for some time concurrently with his present post. President of the Japan Arts Academy. The Museum has come to be made available for the people in general under government management, but troubles are always breqing therein. Yoshishige Abe who was the first President of the museum frequently expressed his earnest desire to return to the presidency of the Peers' School from the uncosy post of President of the National Museum.
Mr. Naoaki Ueno, Director of the Art School, was mentioned as the second President, when troubles occured in connection with his appointment. Mr. Ueno, even though he had been persuaded to take the presidency, quite the post shortly. Even if true colors of inside troubles are brought to light, it is nothing less than an exposure of infamous struggle for power among white rats infesting the old-fashioned building of the Museum and is of little significance.

Only, the problem is that there are bosses reigning over ancient art circles and schoars who are playing the role of "Nodaiko" (flatterers) openly currying favor with them, and troubles of the Museum have originated therein. Also, conflict among sectarian groups headed by respective bosses of the staff of the Museum is responsible for inside troubles. The Museum has expenses for the purchase of ancient fine arts and for repairing temple or shrine buildings designated as national treasures. Reportedly, behind-the-scene manoeuvring is being plotted in connection with the foregoing. An exposure of such extra informous behind-the-scene picture of a cultural nation. Japan, is indeed disgrace itself. I cannot help but be anxious when this ghostlike museum where such an infamous conflict as to make one avert his eyes is being staged will be regenerated to a bright museum notwithstanding the line-up of the staff members of high reputation. Of course new President Takahashi must have more or less knowledge of the above mentioned, and I would like to have him make efforts in the revival of the Museum.