Biei

Origins and Foundation of the Town

The history of Biei, like many settlements on the island of Hokkaido, began relatively recently, during the Meiji era. The town's name is rooted in the language of the indigenous Ainu people: the word "piye" translates to "oily" or "greasy river." This name is likely associated with the cloudy, whitish color of the water in the Biei River, which is saturated with sulfur deposits from the nearby volcano.

A formal milestone in its history is considered to be 1899, when Biei village was administratively separated from neighboring Furano. The first Japanese settlers, arriving from Honshu, began actively developing these wild lands, laying the foundations for the future town.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Biei was determined by a unique combination of natural conditions and human perseverance:

• Geography and Relief: The famous rolling hills, which are the region's hallmark today, were originally dense forests that had to be cleared by hand.
• Volcanic Influence: Proximity to the active Mount Tokachi played a dual role. Volcanic ash enriched the soil, but eruptions posed a constant threat. The catastrophic mudflow of 1926 was a turning point that united residents to restore the land.
• Agricultural Specialization: The lack of major trade routes was compensated for by the fertility of the land, which predetermined Biei's development as an agricultural center.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

At the beginning of the 20th century, Biei's economy depended entirely on farming. Pioneers grew oats, potatoes, and legumes, adapting farming methods to Hokkaido's harsh climate. The lives of the first generations were defined by hard physical labor and the struggle against the elements.

The town's cultural code was formed under the influence of the pioneering spirit (the so-called "frontier spirit"): communities were strong and tight-knit, as survival in conditions of snowy winters and volcanic activity required constant mutual aid and collective work on irrigation and field protection.

Key Milestones in Biei's History

• 1894 — The first settlers from Hyogo Prefecture arrived in the area, beginning to clear forests for farmland.
• 1899 — Biei officially separated from Furano village and gained status as an independent administrative village.
• 1899 — The opening of Biei Railway Station on the Furano Line connected the settlement to the major city of Asahikawa.
• 1926 — An eruption of Mount Tokachi caused a devastating mudflow, becoming the largest disaster in the town's history.
• 1940 — Due to population growth and economic development, the village was granted town status.
• 1971 — Renowned landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda discovered the Biei hills, beginning to popularize their beauty through his work.
• 1987 — The "Takushinkan" photo gallery opened in a former school building, giving a powerful boost to tourism development.
• 1988 — Following another volcanic eruption, the construction of protective dams began, which subsequently led to the formation of the famous Blue Pond.
• 2005 — Biei became one of the founders of "The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan" association, confirming the uniqueness of its landscapes.
• 2012 — A photograph of the Blue Pond taken in Biei was used by Apple as a wallpaper for its devices, bringing the location worldwide fame.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

Biei's evolution is a journey from a purely agrarian settlement to a world-renowned travel brand. Each event has contributed not only to the infrastructure but also to the philosophy of a town where nature and people have learned to coexist in harmony.

• Construction of the Railway (1899): The launch of the Furano Line became a powerful economic driver. It allowed farmers to quickly deliver perishable products to Asahikawa and other regions, transforming an isolated village into an important logistical and agricultural hub for Hokkaido.
• Administrative Establishment (1940): Gaining town status (cho) marked a growth in population and the increasing complexity of the urban structure. This gave local authorities more power to develop social infrastructure, schools, and medical facilities necessary for the growing community.
• Visual "Discovery" of the Region (1970s): The work of photographer Shinzo Maeda fundamentally changed the town's destiny. His photographs demonstrated that ordinary farmland possesses high aesthetic value, laying the foundation for a new industry: contemplative and landscape tourism.
• Cultural Revitalization (1987): The opening of the "Takushinkan" gallery in a closed elementary school building became an example of the clever use of vacant facilities. This created a cultural center of attraction and proved that art can be an effective tool for rural development.
• Engineering Landscape Transformation (1988): The construction of a dam system on the Biei River to protect against volcanic mudflows led to an unexpected urban planning effect—the creation of the Blue Pond. What began as a technical protection site turned into a major tourist magnet, shifting tourism flows in the region.
• Identity Preservation Strategy (2005): Joining "The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan" association defined modern urban policy. Authorities prioritized the conservation of authentic landscapes and strict control over building aesthetics over urbanization, aiming to preserve the unique "patchwork" appearance of the hills.

Urban Structure and Development

The urban development of Biei is inextricably linked to the settlement of Hokkaido in the late 19th century. Unlike older Japanese cities with more chaotic layouts, Biei's center was designed on a regular grid pattern (the "Jo-bo" system), borrowed from American urban planning and adapted for Japan's northern territories. However, beyond the compact center, the layout follows the natural contours of the hilly terrain, creating a unique symbiosis between urban planning and the agrarian landscape.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The town's architectural appearance is modest and functional, reflecting the harsh climate and the region's agricultural purpose. You won't find classical Gothic or Baroque here; Biei's style is a blend of Hokkaido's colonial architecture and modern "northern" design.

• Settlement Era (Meiji — Taisho): A dominance of wooden functionalism. The first buildings were simple and utilitarian, featuring elements of Western architecture (such as steep gabled roofs for snow runoff), which distinguished them from traditional Japanese houses.
• Agrarian Modernism (Showa): A period of active construction of agricultural infrastructure. Characteristic features of the landscape include pointed barn roofs and cylindrical silos, giving the area a resemblance to the rural landscapes of Northern Europe.
• Modern Regionalism (Heisei — present): An emphasis on using local materials and harmony with nature. "Biei soft stone" (volcanic tuff), quarried in the area, is widely used in the construction of public buildings. Structures are designed to avoid disrupting the visual line of the hills.

Iconic Structures Shaping the Town's Identity

Despite its small size, Biei has several landmarks that define its architectural identity:

• Biei Railway Station: Built from local Biei stone, the station is the town's primary symbol. Its massive stonework and austere forms reference European architecture, underscoring the town's status as "one of the most beautiful in Japan."
• Takushinkan Gallery: An example of successful revitalization (adaptive reuse). The building of the former Chiyoda Elementary School was converted into a photography gallery. Preserving the wooden frame and the classic school silhouette with its tower allowed the historical memory of the site to be saved.
• Hokusei-no-oka Park Observation Deck: A pyramid-shaped structure that serves as an example of landscape architecture created specifically for tourists. It acts as a visual landmark against the backdrop of the rolling fields.
• Biei Town Hall Tower: An administrative building topped with a clock tower styled after old European town halls, supporting the overall "garden city" concept with a Western flair.

Figures in Art and Culture

• Shinzo Maeda — Landscape Photographer (1922–1998)
  A key figure in Biei's modern history. It was his photographs, taken starting in 1971, that revealed the beauty of the local hills to the world. He founded the famous "Takushinkan" photo gallery in a former school building, transforming an agricultural area into a world-class travel brand.
• Akira Maeda — Photographer, Curator
  The son of Shinzo Maeda, who continued his father's work. He is the director of the Takushinkan gallery and the author of numerous photo albums about Hokkaido's nature. His work helps preserve the town's cultural heritage and attract new generations of visitors.
• Haruo Kikuchi — Photographer
  A renowned Japanese photographer who moved to Biei in 1995, inspired by the local landscapes. He opened his own gallery near Hokusei-no-oka Park. His works, captured with high-resolution cameras, popularize the beauty of the "town of hills" in the digital age.
• Shunichi Abe — Nature Photographer
  Moved to Biei in 2001, dedicating his art to capturing the local landscapes. He is an active participant in community life, teaching tourists and locals alike to see beauty in the changing seasons and the play of light on the fields.

Pop Culture and Historical Figures

• Jimmy Zinnai — Actor
  Played the role of Ken in the cult series of commercials for the Nissan Skyline in 1972. The filming took place against the backdrop of a tall poplar tree in Biei, which has since been known as the "Ken and Mary Tree" and is one of the town's main attractions.
• Diane Krey-Wesley — Actress
  Played the role of Mary in the same famous 1970s commercials. Her image is inextricably linked to the romantic perception of Biei's landscapes by tourists who come to see the legendary tree.
• Seiji Hamada — Political Figure, Mayor
  The head of the town who initiated Biei's entry into "The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan" association. It was through his efforts and support for the concept of sustainable tourism that the town learned to balance infrastructure development with the preservation of its unique agrarian landscape.