Gifu

The history of the city of Gifu is closely intertwined with one of the most vibrant periods in Japan's history—the Sengoku period ("Warring States period"). It was then, in the 16th century, that the city became a key point on the country's map and played a vital role in its unification.

Founding and Name Change

Initially, this area was known as Inokuchi. The city received its current name in 1567 from one of the most prominent figures in Japanese history—the warlord Oda Nobunaga. After capturing Inabayama Castle, he moved his residence here and renamed the settlement Gifu. It is believed that the name was inspired by Mount Qishan ("Gi-zan" in Japanese) in China, from where a legendary ruler began his campaign to unify China. Thus, Nobunaga declared his own ambitions to unify all of Japan.

Strategic Center and Trade Hub

A key factor in the city's rise was its central location within the country. During the Sengoku period, Gifu served as the military and political capital for Oda Nobunaga, from where he directed his campaigns. After the center of political power shifted, the city did not lose its importance, evolving into a major post town (shukuba) on the Nakasendo trail, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto. This contributed to the development of trade and crafts.

Cultural and Craft Heritage

Since ancient times, Gifu has been famous for its unique traditions. One of the most famous is ukai—night fishing with cormorants on the Nagara River, a practice dating back over 1,300 years. This industry was under the patronage of powerful rulers, including Oda Nobunaga. Additionally, during the Edo period, the city became a production center for washi paper products, such as traditional umbrellas (wagasa) and paper lanterns (Gifu Chochin), which remain symbols of local craftsmanship today.

Chronology of Gifu's History

• 1201 — Construction begins on the castle on Mount Kinka, originally known as Inabayama Castle.
• 1567 — Warlord Oda Nobunaga captures Inabayama Castle, renames it and the surrounding settlement Gifu, making the city his primary base for unifying the country.
• 1600 — The Battle of Gifu Castle, which served as a prelude to the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, results in heavy damage to the castle.
• 1601 — By order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Gifu Castle is partially dismantled to reduce its strategic importance.
• Edo Period (1603–1868) — Gifu develops as an important post town (shukuba) on the route connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, flourishing as a commercial center.
• 1889 — Gifu officially receives city status.
• October 28, 1891 — The devastating Mino-Owari earthquake causes immense damage to the city and surroundings, claiming thousands of lives.
• July 9, 1945 — The city is subjected to a massive bombing during World War II, leading to significant destruction.
• 1956 — Gifu Castle is rebuilt from reinforced concrete, becoming a symbol of the city's rebirth.
• 1996 — Gifu is granted "Core City" status in Japan, confirming its important regional role.

Key Milestones in the City's Development

The history of Gifu is a journey from a strategic military base to a modern center of culture and industry. Each era has left its mark on the city's economy and layout, shaping its current identity.

• 1567: Introduction of Free Markets. Upon seizing power, Oda Nobunaga implemented the revolutionary "Rakuichi Rakuza" policy. The abolition of guild monopolies and the reduction of taxes transformed the castle town into a bustling commercial center, attracting merchants from all over Japan.
• 17th–19th Centuries: Prosperity on the Nakasendo Trail. During the Edo period, the city became a major transportation hub thanks to the Kano-juku post station. The constant flow of travelers between Edo and Kyoto stimulated the development of the service sector, hospitality, and crafts.
• Establishment of the Craft Economy. During this same period, the region's unique industrial specialization took shape. The production of lanterns (Gifu Chochin) and umbrellas (wagasa) made from local paper and bamboo became the backbone of the city's economy, providing employment for centuries to come.
• 1889: Official City Status. Gifu was proclaimed a city (shi) among the country's first municipalities. This administrative transformation allowed for the beginning of centralized infrastructure modernization and the creation of modern governance institutions.
• 1891: Urban Transformation After Disaster. The Great Mino-Owari earthquake destroyed the old city but provided the impetus for its complete renewal. Reconstruction was carried out with new seismic and fire safety requirements in mind, which permanently changed the street grid and architectural appearance.
• Mid-20th Century: Textile Boom. In the post-war years, Gifu established itself as the "apparel capital." The Yanagase district turned into one of the country's largest wholesale and retail textile centers, becoming a symbol of the city's economic rebirth.
• 21st Century: Renovation and Cultural Shift. The modern stage of development is marked by a large-scale reconstruction of the station square and the opening of the "Minna no Mori" complex. The city has shifted its focus from industry to creating comfortable public spaces and developing the knowledge economy.

The architectural landscape of Gifu is a multi-layered canvas where traditional Japanese motifs intertwine with modern solutions, reflecting the city's evolution through its buildings. Each stage, from a feudal center to a modern metropolis, has left its unique mark.

Traditional Architecture and Edo Period Influence

Historically, Gifu's urban planning was centered around the castle on Mount Kinka. At its foot lay the castle town (jokamachi), whose layout was dictated by military and commercial needs. In the Kawara-machi district along the Nagara River, traditional wooden townhouses (machiya) with latticed facades still remain. These structures, characteristic of the Edo period, reflect the city's prosperity as an important river port and trading hub. Gifu Castle itself, though a modern reconstruction, symbolizes the pinnacle of Japanese castle architecture from the Sengoku period.

Modernization After Natural Disasters and Wars

Two events fundamentally changed the face of Gifu. The Mino-Owari earthquake of 1891, one of the most destructive in Japan's history, virtually wiped most of the old buildings off the face of the earth. The subsequent restoration stimulated the introduction of more durable materials, including brick and early reinforced concrete, marking a departure from purely wooden architecture. The city suffered a second blow during the bombings of 1945, which necessitated another large-scale reconstruction. This led to the emergence of functional modernist architecture in the mid-20th century. A striking example of this era is the current reinforced concrete Gifu Castle, rebuilt in 1956 as a symbol of revival, but utilizing the technologies of its time.

Modern Appearance and Postmodernism

Modern Gifu is a city where historical heritage harmoniously coexists with innovative architecture. A landmark of the 21st century is the cultural complex "Minna no Mori Gifu Media Cosmos," designed by the world-renowned architect Toyo Ito. Opened in 2015, this building, with its undulating wooden roof and enormous "funnel" light fixtures, is a prime example of organic architecture that strives for unity with nature and the creation of a comfortable public space. This and other contemporary projects demonstrate Gifu's ambition to be not only a guardian of tradition but also a center of cutting-edge architectural thought.

Notable People Associated with Gifu

The city of Gifu and its surroundings have been the birthplace or an important stage in the lives of many iconic figures in Japan's history and culture. From ruthless warlords of the Sengoku period to 20th-century heroes and modern stars—here are just a few of them.

• Saito Dosan (1494–1556) — A Sengoku period daimyo known as the "Viper of Mino." He was a cunning strategist who seized power in Mino Province (modern-day Gifu Prefecture) and made Inabayama Castle his stronghold. His story is foundational to the region's history.
• Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582) — One of Japan's greatest unifiers. After capturing the castle from Saito Dosan, he renamed the city Gifu and made it his capital. It was from here that he began his ambitious campaign to unify the country under the motto "Tenka Fubu" (The realm under one military rule).
• Akechi Mitsuhide (1528–1582) — A talented general in the service of Oda Nobunaga who later betrayed and killed his lord at Honno-ji Temple. Prior to this, he held lands in the region and was a key figure in Nobunaga's circle; his fate is inextricably linked to the history of Gifu.
• Chiune Sugihara (1900–1986) — A Japanese diplomat born in Gifu Prefecture. During World War II, while serving as consul in Lithuania, he saved thousands of Jewish refugees by issuing them transit visas against his government's orders. For his heroism, he was named "Righteous Among the Nations."
• Naoko Takahashi (born 1972) — A celebrated marathon runner born in Gifu City. She made history as the first Japanese woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the women's marathon at the 2000 Sydney Games.
• Junji Ito (born 1963) — A world-renowned manga artist and master of the horror genre, born in Gifu Prefecture. His unique style and terrifying stories, such as "Uzumaki" and "Tomie," have earned him cult status among horror fans.
• Go Ayano (born 1982) — A popular Japanese actor born in Gifu. He is known for his diverse career in film and television, starring in both blockbusters and independent films.