In commemoration of the late author Ryotaro Shiba, a memorial hall designed by architect Tadao Ando will be built adjacent to the noted history writer's house in Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, according to a foundation established in his honor.
A two-story, arch-shaped building will display Shiba's hand-written scripts, drawings as well as a number of his works. The hall is expected to open in spring 2001, the Ryotaro Shiba Memorial Foundation said.
Shiba was a highly popular writer, portraying historical figures from Japan's civil war years in the 16th century to the Meiji Era (1868-1912). After his death in 1996, the Shiba Ryotaro Memorial Foundation was set up later that year to manage his works and keep his will. It also sponsors symposiums and presents the Shiba Ryotaro Award for nonfiction writing.