Mokichi Okada, known as Meishu-sama, embraced art and advocated that “Art expresses beauty. It is art that enables us to be inspired, make our life more enjoyable and more worthwhile”.
Such strong belief led the openings of Hakone Art Museum in 1952 and MOA Museum in 1982. Meishu-sama also enjoyed and loved arranging flowers himself, and the Sangetsu Schools of flower arrangement was established in 1972 after the manner of his arrangements.
There is Noh Theater at MOA Museum. Besides the regular play at the theater, “Takigi Noh” is performed in the garden of MOA Museum in every August to the public's great delight. “Takigi Noh” is performed in many Shrines and other places in Japan in summer as this is the best season for outdoor stage with only by the light of Takigi (firewood). National Treasure “Red and White Plum Blossoms” by Korin Ogata (1658-1716, Japanese painter and lacquerer) is being displayed every February when plum blossoms are at their best, and the tea ceremony “Korin Cha Kai” named after the artist is being held during the same period.