Fukushima history

The history of the city of Fukushima, located in the Japanese prefecture of the same name in Japan, is deeply rooted in the distant past. Originally, this area was known as Shinobu-no-sato, which can be translated as "Shinobu Village". The modern name, meaning "Island of Good Fortune", appeared much later. The rise of Fukushima as a significant settlement is inextricably linked to the construction of a castle in the 12th century.

A key stage in the city's development was the Edo period (1603–1868), when Fukushima transformed into a prosperous castle town (jokamachi). In 1679, the Fukushima Domain was established here, securing the city's status as an important administrative and political centre. Its geographical position in the Abukuma River valley and at the intersection of trade routes fostered economic growth. The foundation of the early economy was agriculture, particularly sericulture (silk farming) and food production, which laid the groundwork for the region's future prosperity.

Throughout the Edo period, power in the domain passed from one samurai clan to another, including prominent families such as Honda, Hotta, and Itakura, the latter of whom ruled here from 1702 until the Meiji Restoration. This long period of stability allowed the city to strengthen its economic and cultural positions, evolving from a small village by the castle into one of the key centres of the Tohoku region.

12th Century — Construction of the castle begins, around which a settlement initially known as Shinobu-no-sato starts to form.

Late 16th Century — The influential Gamo clan renames the castle town to Fukushima, which means "Island of Good Fortune".

Edo Period (1603–1868) — The city prospers as an important post station on the Oshu Kaido highway and becomes a renowned centre for silk production.

1868 — Following the Meiji Restoration, Fukushima is established as the administrative centre of the prefecture of the same name.

April 1, 1907 — Fukushima is officially granted city status, providing impetus for its further development.

1960s — The development of nuclear energy begins in the prefecture to supply the capital region amidst the decline of the coal industry.

September 25, 2005 — Construction of the Surikamigawa Dam, an important modern infrastructure facility for the city, is completed.

March 11, 2011 — The Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent tsunami cause immense damage to the Tohoku region, including Fukushima Prefecture.

April 11, 2011 — A powerful aftershock with its epicentre within the prefecture causes additional destruction and landslides in the city area.

Post-2011 — A large-scale and long-term process of restoring the city and prefecture begins, aimed at revitalising the economy and infrastructure.

Key Milestones in the City's Transformation

• Formation of a Sericulture Centre (17th–19th Centuries)
  During the Edo period, Fukushima established itself as the primary market for raw silk in the northern region. This defined the city's economic profile for centuries to come, facilitated capital accumulation by the merchant class, and developed trade ties with Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.
• Integration into the Railway Network (1887)
  The opening of a station on the Tohoku Main Line was a turning point in urban planning. The railway connected the city with the capital and ports, turning it into a key logistics hub and accelerating the influx of industrial goods and new technologies.
• Gaining City Status (1907)
  The official assignment of the "shi" (city) status allowed for the launch of large-scale municipal projects. This event marked the transition from the feudal layout of a castle settlement to a modern urban structure with centralised utilities.
• Launch of the Tohoku Shinkansen (1982)
  The inclusion of Fukushima in the high-speed rail network radically changed the economic geography of the region. Reducing travel time to Tokyo to one and a half hours stimulated business activity, the development of business tourism, and the construction of modern commercial real estate around the station.
• Creation of the "Kingdom of Fruits" Brand (Second half of the 20th Century)
  In response to the decline of the silk industry, the agricultural sector successfully reoriented towards horticulture. The mass cultivation of peaches and pears not only supported the economy but also formed a unique cultural and tourism image of the city, known today throughout the country.
• Post-Crisis Revitalisation (Post-2011)
  After the earthquake, the city entered a phase of massive infrastructural restructuring. This stage is characterised by the implementation of higher seismic resistance standards in construction, the renovation of public spaces, and the creation of facilities symbolising the resilience and revival of the region.

The architectural appearance of Fukushima City presents a multi-layered canvas where traditional Japanese motifs harmoniously coexist with buildings from the era of Westernisation and modern structures. Urban development, initially focused around the castle, reflects the key historical stages of the region.

Traditional Architecture and the Edo Period (Pre-1868)

Historically, Fukushima developed as a jokamachi — a castle town. The central element was Fukushima Castle, built in the 12th century. Although mostly only stone foundations and moats remain today, its location determined the initial street grid and the layout of the city centre. Traditional architecture of this period is mainly represented in religious buildings and preserved old houses. An excellent example can be seen at the Minka-en open-air museum, which houses traditional homes (kominka) with characteristic thatched roofs, sliding partitions, and wooden structures built without a single nail. Also, on Mount Shinobu, there are the Iwaya Kannon Buddhist statues, carved into the rock about 300 years ago, serving as a fine example of religious art.

The Meiji Era and Western Influence (1868–1912)

With the onset of the Meiji era, Western styles began to penetrate Japanese architecture. In Fukushima, this manifested in the construction of public and administrative buildings made of brick and stone. Pure European styles, such as Gothic or Baroque, are not found here, but their elements were borrowed and reinterpreted within the framework of the so-called giyofu style (pseudo-Western style). Vivid examples of this era are former prefectural government buildings or banks, which combined European monumentality with Japanese construction techniques. One of the most spectacular examples of architecture from this period is an old theatre with a thatched roof, built in 1887, which is also located in the Minka-en museum.

Modernism and Contemporary Architecture (20th–21st Centuries)

The 20th century and post-war reconstruction brought modernist architecture to the city, characterised by functionality, simple geometric forms, and the use of concrete, glass, and steel. A landmark object of this period is the Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art (1984), distinguished by its concise design and thoughtful interaction with the surrounding landscape. Modern urban planning is associated with the development of transport infrastructure, such as the Shinkansen high-speed train station, and the erection of new community centres. Following the events of 2011, special attention in new construction is paid to seismic resistance and principles of sustainable development, which is reflected in projects such as the community centre in the city of Sukagawa. New buildings erected as part of the reconstruction symbolise not only revival but also a vision for the future.

Noguchi, Hideyo (1876–1928)

• Role/Profession: Bacteriologist and physician.
• Historical Significance: A world-renowned scientist who made significant contributions to the study of syphilis, yellow fever, and other infectious diseases. Born in the town of Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. Despite a severe hand injury in childhood, he dedicated his life to medicine and was nominated for the Nobel Prize three times. His portrait is depicted on the modern Japanese 1000 yen banknote.

Yamamoto, Yaeko (Niijima Yae) (1845–1932)

• Role/Profession: Warrior (onna-bugeisha), nurse, educator.
• Historical Significance: A native of the Aizu Domain (modern-day Fukushima Prefecture), she became famous for her participation in the defence of Tsuruga Castle during the Boshin War, where she skillfully wielded a rifle, which was modern for that time. After the war, she became a Christian and, together with her husband, founded Doshisha University, one of the first in Japan, where she promoted ideas of women's education. She also worked as a nurse during the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars, earning state awards.

Koseki, Yuji (1909–1989)

• Role/Profession: Composer.
• Historical Significance: A native of the city of Fukushima, Koseki is one of the most prolific composers of the Showa era, authoring over 5,000 works. He wrote music for numerous films and radio plays, as well as sports anthems, including the famous "Olympic March" for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His work became a symbol of Japan's post-war revival. In 1979, he was recognised as an honorary citizen of Fukushima.

Tsuburaya, Eiji (1901–1970)

• Role/Profession: Special effects director, producer.
• Historical Significance: Born in the city of Sukagawa (Fukushima Prefecture). Considered the "Father of Tokusatsu" (Japanese special effects) and is one of the creators of Godzilla and the Ultraman franchise. His innovative methods in filmmaking had a huge influence on world cinema and the genre of science fiction monster films. The Eiji Tsuburaya Museum is open in his hometown.

Nishida, Toshiyuki (1947–2024)

• Role/Profession: Actor, singer.
• Historical Significance: One of the most beloved and recognisable actors in modern Japanese cinema and television, born in the city of Koriyama (Fukushima Prefecture). He became famous for his leading role in the long-running film series "Tsuribaka Nisshi" ("The Fishing Fool's Diary"). Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including two Japan Academy Film Prizes for Best Actor. He actively participated in supporting his home prefecture after the events of 2011.