Watanabe Junichi was a Japanese writer, known for his portrayal of the extra-marital affairs of middle aged people. His 1997 novel A Lost Paradise became a bestseller in Japan and all over Asia, and was later made into a film and TV miniseries. Watanabe has written more than 50 novels in total.

Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature, previously owned by Daio Paper Corporation, introduces visitors to the literary works and creative activities of Watanabe.

The permanent exhibition room on the second floor of the museum showcases private items from his childhood, handwritten manuscripts, and personal photographs.

The special exhibition room on the same floor presents items organized into different themes to explore Watanabe's literary works in-depth. His literary output ranges from his early works set in the medical world to romantic novels, biographical works, and essays. There is also a library and café on the first floor.

The audio guide, in which Watanabe reveals how he made his debut as an author, is not to be missed.

Cheng Yonghua, Chinese ambassador to Japan, expresses his congratulations to Meng Mingfei, president of the Qingdao Publishing Group. [Photo/qdpub.com]

Some 100 respected figures attended the ceremony held to mark the transfer of ownership of the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature to the Qingdao Publishing Group, Sept 20, Tokyo. [Photo/qdpub.com]

Meng Mingfei, president of the Qingdao Publishing Group, delivers a speech at the ceremony held to mark the transfer of ownership of the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature to the company, Sept 20, Tokyo. [Photo/qdpub.com]

The exterior of the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature. [Photo/qdpub.com]