Rethinking Takasaki as a Cradle of Culture: Unravelling the Three Discriminations Surrounding Bruno Taut

文化の涵養地としての高崎を再考する―ブルーノ・タウトをめぐる3つの差別を紐解きながら―

Rethinking Takasaki as a Cradle of Culture: Unravelling the Three Discriminations Surrounding Bruno Taut

The world-renowned modern architect Bruno Taut (1880-1938) resided in Japan during the 1930s due to Nazi persecution. For a significant period, the people of Takasaki provided him with shelter and refuge.
The present study focuses on Takasaki, the city that welcomed Taut, and re-examines the reasons why this city was able to pursue policies centered on culture while sometimes resisting the wishes of the government of the time. In addition, it explores the necessary measures for the protection of such an intellectual figure.
In doing so, the author elucidated the reality of the three structures of discrimination that Taut confronted, and which had an impact on his life. Furthermore, the author analyzed how Taut managed to overcome this discrimination.
Specifically, the third theme, which focused on bamboo crafts and discriminated communities, highlighted the potential for a global exchange of knowledge regarding discrimination.
In conclusion, the following factors may be considered:
a) Takasaki was a city that was well-equipped to welcome cultural figures, and had a personal network that could actually handle the invitation, such as Taut's patron, Fusaichiro Inoue.
b) Taut, although initially unwilling, used "crafts" as a cultural catalyst, and built a solid relationship of trust with Takasaki's artisans, and furthermore, exhibited his works at the "Miratiss" store, making the results visible and easy to understand for everyone.
c) Takasaki's rich cultural and natural environment and the genuine warmth of its residents.
These factors interacted with each other, freeing Taut from the oppressive feelings of discrimination and helping to shape Takasaki into a more clearly cultural city.

Creators SAITO Tadashi

[EISSN]2189-4825