June 12, 2010
As a linked event to the Kyoto University Museum Spring 2010 Exhibition titled "Mysteries of Technology X - astrology, medicine, cultural assets: a closer look at the all-revealing X-ray," a trip titled "Let's visit the birthplace of Shimadzu Corporation in Kiyamachi-Nijo, where X-rays were first introduced to Kyoto!" was held, comprising a visit to the Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Hall.
The building which currently houses the Shimadzu Foundation Memorial Hall, exhibiting various historical science and technology material, was where Hanichi Muraoka (at the time, a professor of the Daisan High School under the old education system), Genzo Shimadzu the second, and others conducted experiments to generate X-rays in 1896.
Curator Shigeki Sakon spoke of the characters of the first and second Genzo Shimadzus as if he knew them personally, affording the approximately 20 participants a moment of time travel to the Meiji Era.
 The building where the first X-ray experiment in Kyoto was conducted |
 Curator Sakon introducing the character of Genzo Shimadzu |
 Participants showing interest in how Genzo Shimadzu and Hanichi Muraoka first met |
 Participants fascinated by the instruments that supported science and chemistry education in the Meiji and Taisho Era (late 19th century to early 20th century) |