Important Cultural Properties of Japan
Within the grounds of Matsusaka Castle in the city of Matsusaka, the house where Motoori Norinaga lived from age 12 to age 72 is preserved as a memorial museum . The building, which was originally built as a retirement home for Norinaga's grandfather in 1693, was moved to its present location in 1909. It was proclaimed a Special National Monument by the Japanese government in 1953. An effort has been made to preserve the interior as closely as possible to the time when it was used by Norinaga, and his writing studio on the second floor contains some examples of original manuscripts. The museum houses many artifacts that are protected as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, of which only a small portion is on display at any time.