We've been waiting for these museum goods! "Bulk purchases are inevitable" at the 20th anniversary of the Kyushu National Museum

The Kyushu National Museum in Dazaifu City is located next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, and many people have probably visited it at least once.

The museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October 2025, and merchandise to commemorate this occasion will be available!

Kyushu National Museum (Dazaifu City) celebrates its 20th anniversary in October 2025! Commemorative goods that will make you want to buy in bulk are now available!

Currently, "Kyushu National Museum 20th Anniversary Goods" are on sale at the "Kyushu National Museum Museum Shop." They can also be purchased at the online shop.

Image: PR TIMES

Tote bags and pouches have been released with motifs of the collections and exhibits unique to the Kyushu National Museum, such as ancient tombs, haniwa clay figures, onigawara tiles, sarasa silk, and Japanese envoy ships. There are so many unique goods that you'll want to buy in bulk!

Image: PR TIMES

Mari Hashimoto, a curatorial producer who writes for Kyushu National Museum's quarterly magazine, Asiage, participated in the product development of five items. With her deep knowledge of art galleries, museums, and museum goods, Hashimoto's unique perspective led to the creation of unique goods never before seen.

Be sure to check out Hashimoto's product commentary for each item!

Unique 20th anniversary merchandise!

Embrace it! Haniwa deer tote bag (3,300 yen)

The highly popular "Haniwa Deer" from the Kyushu National Museum's collection has been transformed into a tote bag. It is said to depict a deer looking back cautiously at its surroundings, but it also looks as if someone is calling out to it from behind and it's turning around to ask, "What's this?" - it's adorable, isn't it?

Image: PR TIMES

The back is printed on the back, so you can show off the haniwa from either side!

Image: PR TIMES

The key feature is the recess at the bottom, and the shape was decided after receiving various opinions from the people involved. It's an unusual shape, but the recess is perfect for a personal bottle or notebook! It's large enough to hold A4-sized documents, so it can be used in a variety of situations, from everyday life to exploring ruins.

Image: PR TIMES

In order to recreate the color of the unglazed haniwa, we carefully selected from six sample patterns. This is a one-of-a-kind tote bag that you won't find anywhere else.

Image: PR TIMES

Motif: Haniwa deer excavated from the Tenjinyama Tomb (Important Cultural Property) / Kyushu National Museum Collection
Size: Longest part [Main body] Approx. 40cm long x 38cm wide x 9cm deep [Handle] Approx. 58cm

<Product explanation by Mr. Hashimoto>

Introducing a tote bag that lets you go out with a cute haniwa under your arm, and even fit your belongings in it! The "Haniwa Deer," one of the most popular figures in the Kyushu National Museum's collection, has been recreated in approximately 3/4 scale to make it easy to carry around. Not only is the front with its charming, playful expression printed, but the back, which is difficult to see in the exhibit, is also dutifully printed, making for a perfect 360-degree view. More convenient than a stuffed animal and cuter than a bag, this haniwa deer tote bag is sure to make your museum visits even more enjoyable. It also comes with a convenient inner pocket for storing valuables.

Taste the culture that transcends the seas with this Japanese black tea set (1,900 yen)

This is a "Japanese Black Tea Set to Experience a Culture that Transcends the Seas" that combines "Sarasa," a patterned cotton fabric that originated in India, with black tea, which has the same history of having spread throughout the world and then crossed the sea to reach Japan.

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The Kyushu National Museum has been actively collecting vibrantly colored chintz that will make your heart flutter just by looking at it. Its roots lie in India, and it spread to Southeast Asia, Persia, and Europe before finally arriving in Japan.

The individually wrapped bags feature seven varieties selected from the Kyushu National Museum's vast collection of chintz. The selection was made through careful collaboration between the museum's curators and product planners to convey the beauty, vividness, and variety of the fabrics, and the balance of production areas, eras, patterns, and colors was also taken into consideration. An explanatory pamphlet is included, so you can deepen your knowledge of chintz!

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Inside is Yame Wakocha (Japanese Black Tea) from Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture. Made from Benifuuki, a rare variety said to be ideal for black tea, it is fermented twice and aged for 90 days, resulting in a deep flavor with little astringency, making it easy to drink.

Of all the 20th anniversary merchandise, the outer box was the most difficult to create, and from over 10 different designs, they decided on a glossy design that featured just one pattern. They were particular about reproducing the colors, and even searched for a printing company that could print beautifully.

Image: PR TIMES

Motif: 15th to 20th century chintz from India, France, and Indonesia / Kyushu National Museum collection
Contents: 21g (3g x 7 bags)

<Product explanation by Mr. Hashimoto>

Black tea is colored deep red on a chintz cloth, known as "flower cloth," brought from far across the sea. Though it has a foreign feel, it has taken root in the Japanese climate and cultivated its own unique beauty. Japanese black tea, which once fell into disuse and has been revitalized, is carefully wrapped in chintz cloth to add a touch of elegance. This cup will be the perfect accompaniment to a moment when you are thinking about the tales woven by history and people.

Ozuka Kofun-shaped decorative burial mound pouch (2,000 yen)

This pouch was made with a lot of attention to detail, with a lot of trial and error. In order to fully convey the charm of Japan's most famous decorated tombs, from the embroidery on the outside to the vibrantly colored interior fabric, the designers spoke to people involved, read through documents, and made numerous prototypes before arriving at the final design.

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The pouch's shape is die-cut based on the existing part of the burial mound, resulting in a slightly distorted shape. This distorted shape is one of the key features. The lush grass growing on the mound is recreated using Sagara embroidery, giving it a cute, fluffy feel.

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The lining is based on the latest color research into the stone chamber murals of the Ozuka Tomb, and the placement of the patterns, colors, and the size and balance of the motifs have been carefully considered. Although it is rare to have the opportunity to see these paintings, the design is such that every time you open the pouch, you will be reminded of the excitement of seeing the colorful stone chamber murals.

Why not take a moment to think back to ancient times and imagine what the people of that time were thinking as they painted the murals using the colors red, black, green, white, yellow, and gray (blue)?

Image: PR TIMES

Supervised by: Ozuka Decorative Burial Mound Museum
Motif: Ozuka Kofun burial mound, decorative patterns of the stone chamber
Size: Approx. 14cm long x 14.5cm wide x 6cm deep (longest part)
Material: [Outside] Canvas fabric (100% cotton)

<Product explanation by Mr. Hashimoto>

Ozuka Tomb (6th century, Katsuragawa Town, Fukuoka Prefecture) is known as one of Japan's most well-known decorated burial mounds, but opportunities to see the murals adorning its stone chamber are limited. That's why we've created a decorative burial mound (pouch) that lets you enjoy excavation anytime! The grass-covered burial mound is embroidered on cotton fabric, and opening the zipper reveals the hidden, vibrantly colored stone chamber. This pouch can be opened and closed as much as you like every day, and you can store whatever you like inside the stone chamber, from lip balm to USB flash drive. It's like a small burial mound that fits in the palm of your hand.

Cinnamon-scented spice cookies (1,200 yen) brought by Japanese envoys to Tang China!

From the Asuka period to the Nara period, Japan sent envoys to Tang China 15 times from 630 until their abolition in 894.

The many monks and students who traveled to Tang China with the envoys learned about culture, law, religion, art, and technology before returning home, bringing great benefits and inspiration to Japanese politics, society, and culture. Many of these things have taken root in Japan, one of which is spices. The Kyushu National Museum's Cultural Exchange Exhibition Room displays a model of a Japanese envoy ship, and there is also a corner in the exhibition room depicting the interior of the ship where you can enjoy the aroma of spices.

Image: PR TIMES

Taking inspiration from this, they created cinnamon-flavored spice cookies in a box modeled after a Japanese envoy ship sent to the Tang Dynasty. The box design was supervised by the Kyushu National Museum and, based on the latest research, reflects the appearance of a Japanese envoy ship from the 8th to 9th centuries. The retro touches make it appear as if the printing is off at first glance, with the hidden letters "989 (Kyuhaku)" on the clouds and the side colored in the same color as the Kyushu National Museum logo.

Image: PR TIMES

The cookies have a moderate flavor without being too spicy. They are the perfect accompaniment to learning, bringing you closer to the era when the Japanese envoys were active and cultivating a perspective of Japan within East Asia.

Image: PR TIMES

Supervised by: Kyushu National Museum (Hako)
Motif: Japanese envoy ship
Contents: 10 sheets

<Product explanation by Mr. Hashimoto>

Nothing can make the museum experience more profound than food. After all, you don't just "see" it, you actually take it into your body! The "Cinnamon-Scented Spice Cookies" spotlight cinnamon, a spice brought back by Japanese envoys to Tang China as medicine and still preserved in the Shosoin Repository. The cute, retro packaging, featuring a model of the Japanese envoy ship on display at the Kyushu National Museum, makes the perfect souvenir. Enjoy them as you reminisce over teatime about the magnificent journey where goods and cultures intersected.

Onigawara reflective tote bag (1,800 yen)

As the Kyushu National Museum is located in Dazaifu, it also houses a demon tile that was used to cover the roof of the Dazaifu Government Office. It is about 50cm tall and realistically depicts the movement of the facial muscles and skin. Even though some parts are missing, it still gives off a sense of dynamism and strength, making it an Important Cultural Property that is packed with the power to ward off evil.

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They searched for a product that could embody the onigawara's meaning of "warding off evil" and "frightening away evil spirits" in a modern way, and came across reflective printing. By expressing the onigawara with dots rather than solid paint, the design is not too noticeable and is easy to use on a daily basis. The size of the dots has also been adjusted so as not to disrupt the atmosphere of the document.

Image: PR TIMES

Apparently, key chains and other items were also considered, but to convey the true size of the bag, they decided on a tote bag that would show off its larger surface. This is the coolest bag, shining brightly to protect you even in dangerous situations on the road at night.

Image: PR TIMES

Motif: Onigawara
Size: [Main body] 37cm x 36cm x 11cm [Handle] 54cm
Material: 100% cotton
Printed part: Reflective printing (retroreflective printing)

<Product explanation by Mr. Hashimoto>

A magical defensive system on the roof, Kyushu National Museum's strongest onigawara tile provides complete protection for those walking alone at night! The face of the onigawara tile that has been carving out faces on the roof of the Dazaifu Government Office for 1,300 years has been transplanted onto a tote bag. The silver reflective print reflects the light of headlights and other light sources, making its owner's presence known even at night, and its evil-repelling eyes glare at anyone who approaches carelessly. These 20th anniversary commemorative goods are themed around "protection," combining the role of onigawara tile in protecting roofs and building materials from wind and rain and preventing evil things and people from entering from the outside, with the museum's mission of protecting and passing on these onigawara tile.

Ball chain mascot Haniwa horse (1,000 yen)

The adorable haniwa horse mascots quickly sold out of the initial 600 rods after they went on sale in June 2025. They were made into merchandise at the request of shop staff and are being overseen by museum researchers.

Image: PR TIMES

The fine details of the horse's harness are recreated using embroidery and felt, including the "F-shaped mirror plate" of the bridle metal fittings next to the mouth, the topknot where the mane is tied, and even the anus! These are cute yet eccentric haniwa goods that can only be found at the Kyushu National Museum.

Supervised by: Researcher at Kyushu National Museum
Motif: Haniwa horse, said to be excavated from the Manabe Kofun Group in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture
Size: Height about 10cm

Deer Haniwa earrings, necklaces, and pin brooches (from 3,500 yen)

The popular Jomon accessory shop "Do-goods" also has popular deer haniwa accessories.

The motif is the "Haniwa Deer," an Important Cultural Property excavated from the Dengoushi Tenjinyama Kofun, just like the tote bag. Initially thought to be a dog, it is now believed to be a deer after comparative studies with dog and deer haniwa excavated from other locations.

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The items available are "Deer Haniwa Stud Earrings" (6,800 yen), "Deer Haniwa Hook Earrings" (6,300 yen), "Deer Haniwa & Magatama Hook Earrings" (4,000 yen), "Deer Haniwa Necklace" (3,600 yen), and "Deer Haniwa Pin Brooch" (3,500 yen), and as they are small, you can casually incorporate haniwa into your fashion.

Supervised by: Researcher at Kyushu National Museum
Motif: Haniwa deer excavated from the Tenjinyama Tomb (Important Cultural Property), owned by Kyushu National Museum
Material: Deer part = copper, earrings = stainless steel, necklace chain = brass with pink gold coating

Hashimoto commented, "These goods allow you to bring the museum experience home and transcend temporal and physical distances as a 'playback device'. I was thrilled to be asked to work on planning such museum goods, taking advantage of the 20th anniversary of the Kyushu National Museum, with which I have a deep connection. I wanted to emphasize the individuality of the Kyushu National Museum, and for the goods themselves to be in sync with the museum's function (to protect and communicate). With this concept in mind, I shared my opinions with the production team and hoped that the completed products would be loved by many people."

There are so many adorable goods! Come enjoy shopping and the exhibits at the Kyushu National Museum, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary! (Text by ARNE Editorial Department)

<Store Information>
■ Kyushu National Museum Museum Shop
Address: 1F, 4-7-2 Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:30), until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays during special exhibitions (last entry at 19:30)
Closed: Every Monday and during exhibition preparation periods (same as museum closing days)
Online Shop:https://kyuhaku-museum.shop

*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax. *Source: PR TIMES (Oak Corporation)
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