The weight beyond words that the ‘original’ exudes
To mark Constitution Day (3 May), a special exhibition of the original ‘Constitution of Japan’ is currently being held at the National Archives of Japan. For a limited period from 29 April to 6 May, this is a rare opportunity to view this ‘original’ historical document—which is not usually on public display—up close.
I went to see it for myself yesterday.
Seeing the ‘original’ rather than a copy
Standing before the original, quietly enshrined in its display case, the first thing I felt was an overwhelming presence that was fundamentally different from that of a ‘copy’. What lies there is not merely a record of information. It is the texture of the paper, the way the ink has settled, and the resolve seemingly imbued in every single character – things that the people of that era must have faced.
I feel this is somehow deeply connected to the sensation one experiences when appreciating a work of art.
When faced with a fine work of art, we are not merely looking at a ‘form’; we intuitively sense the artist’s breath lying beneath it, and the accumulation of time spent grappling with the materials. It is a kind of ‘aura’ possessed only by the genuine article that speaks to the viewer’s heart across the ages.
The ‘ardour’ of the creative process
Furthermore, as I gazed at the original manuscript, I felt acutely the ‘ardour’ of the creative process—the immense trial and error that must have gone into compiling these vast volumes of text and bringing them to fruition as a single, complete work.
The power of an ‘authentic’ artefact born at a turning point in history.
Why not come and see it for yourselves during this long holiday weekend?
[Special Exhibition of the Original Japanese Constitution]
Venue: National Archives of Japan (Takebashi, Tokyo) Dates: Wednesday 29 April 2026 (public holiday) – Wednesday 6 May 2026 (public holiday) Exhibits: The original document created upon its promulgation on 3 November 1946
It promises to be a quiet yet profound experience, allowing you to touch upon the ‘origins’ of both history and creativity.
