History of Kobe

Kobe a Brief History Of Kobe

Kobe is one of the most popular cities in Japan. The name Kobe is widely known because of the popular Kobe beef. Although Kobe is famous around the world, it is still one of Japan’s underrated cities. As a cosmopolitan city, Kobe mixes the grandiose of traditional Japan with the dynamism of 21st century Japan in an inviting tapestry that made it one of the top cities that retirees and expatriates like to live in.

The larger urban area of Kobe is a flat land nestled between the coast and mountains. Kobe city has 9 wards or administrative districts. Kitaku, the largest ward in Kobe, contains the Rokko Mountain Range. Nishiku is the largest ward and the site of Kobe Gakiun University. Kobe extends to two artificial islands, called Port Island and Rokko Island. Mount Rokko is the largest physical feature in the city, overlooking Kobe at an elevation of over 3,000 feet.

History Of Kobe Before The Meiji Transformation

The history of Kobe starts with the Meiji Era. Evidence from stone tools and artifacts found within its natural boundaries demonstrates that Kobe was populated since the Jomon Period. The Jomon Period is the contemporary equivalent of ancient civilizations in the Middle East. Archeological evidence suggests a gradual rise in population of Jomon people in the islands of Japan from 14,000 BC to 400 BC.

Kobe’s greatest geographical advantage over other surrounding cities is its strategic port. The port has been the center of economic activity until today. Kobe also held the earliest written documents in Japan including the popular Nihon Shoki. This document describes the establishment of the Ikuta Shrine under the leadership of Empress Jingu in 201 A.D. The Ikuta Shrine became the symbol of the cultural power of Kobe. The Ikuta Shrine is believed to be one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The Ikuta Shrine was used for festivals that celebrate the return of warriors coming back from battles to invade Korea.

The port in present-day Kobe became known as Owada Anchorage during the Heian Period. The port received correspondence and emissaries from foreign dignitaries including a large contingent from China. The Chinese established their first imperial embassy in present-day Kobe. The port also became the capital of Japan for a brief period in 1180. The port was captured by Minamoto clans in 1184, pushing the rival Taira clan out of the port.

Kobe’s political importance in the 12th century was replaced by economic prominence in the 13th century. During this time, the city became known as the Hyogo Port. The port came under the jurisdiction of the Amagasaki in the east and the Akashi domain the west, while the central part was directly controlled by Tokugawa shogunate. In 1868, Hyogo port opened itself to international trade under the policy of Meiji Restoration. Foreign residents were allowed to settle in the port where they remain in present-day Kobe’s Kitano Area. The opening of the Hyogo port in 1868 also paved the transition from traditional Japan to the Modern Era.

History Of Kobe In The Modern Era

The history of Kobe took a sharp turn just like the rest of the cities in Japan as the country opened its doors to international trade. Kobe was officially established on June 9, 1869, barely a year after Hyogo Port opened to international trade. The origin of the name Kobe is derived from kanbe, a term attributed to the supporters of the Ikuta Shrine.

Japan entered World War II after bombing Pearl Harbor. During the tail end of the war, American forces ably launched bombing runs in Kobe and other Japanese cities. The first significant bombing attack on Kobe started on March 17, 1945. American B-29 bombers dropped fire bombs against key economic structures and civilian properties which led to the death of 8,841 citizens. The March 17 bombing run destroyed approximately 21% of Kobe. 650,000 people lost their homes, while another 1 million homes were damaged as a result of the bombing run. Kobe endured another major bombing attack on June 5, 1945 which destroyed most of the city. The bombing runs in Kobe marked the beginning of the end of Japanese military aggression.

Post War Kobe

With the memory of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, the Kobe city council passed an ordinance on March 18, 1975 banning ships that carry nuclear weapons from the Kobe port. This ordinance prevented U.S. warships from entering Kobe port.

Great Hanjin Earthquake

Kobe became the spotlight of international tragedy after the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995. On January 17, 1995, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.3 on the Richter Scale killed 4,600 people. The earthquake also left more than 200,000 people homeless. This earthquake is also known as Kobe Quake. It took ten years for the city and the Kobe port to completely recover. Before the quake, Kobe was one of the busiest ports in Asia and Japan’s busiest port. Kobe has dropped to the fourth busiest port in Japan since the Kobe quake.

Culture Of Kobe

Aside from the famous Kobe beef, the city is also famous for its series of hot springs called Arima Onsen. City residents and tourists bathe in these springs to relax. Ikuta Shrine still reigns as the most prominent ancient structure. The culture of Kobe is defined by it being a port city, which makes it unique compared to other Japanese cities. As a cosmopolitan city, Kobe is one of the centers of shopping and high fashion. Noh plays, which are traditional Japanese dramas, are also played near the Ikuta Shrine.

Kobe Today

Kobe is still in the process of reestablishing itself as one of the premier port cities in the world. The Kobe earthquake gave room for the city to take on a new image of a vibrant, young city, full of energy. Many residents opted to stay in the suburbs where it is quieter and where rent and home prices are cheaper. Since Kobe is in the middle of an earthquake zone, the city has replaced weak and old structures with modern engineering designs and architecture. Only time will tell if Kobe can withstand another tragedy. Although the modern history of Kobe is highlighted by the great earthquake, many residents still look back to the rich traditional history and culture of the city.

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Category: Kobe Japan