Kujukuri

Origin of the Name and First Settlements

The history of the area where the modern town of Kujukuri is located is inextricably linked to the beach of the same name, one of the longest in Japan. The name "Kujukuri" translates as "ninety-nine ri" (an ancient measure of length). According to a popular legend, it originated during the Kamakura period when, by order of the general Minamoto no Yoritomo, the length of the coastline was measured: an arrow was placed at every ri, resulting in a total of 99.

As an administrative unit, the modern town was formed on March 31, 1955, through the merger of several ancient villages (Katakai, Toyoumi, and Naruhama), though fishing settlements had existed on these shores for centuries.

Key Factors of Formation

The region's development was determined by a unique combination of geographical conditions and the specifics of the local industry:

• Geography: The town is situated on the Kujukuri Plain, facing the Pacific Ocean. The long sandy shore, lacking natural bays or reefs, made the construction of deep-water ports impossible in the past, but it was perfectly suited for beach fishing.
• Economic Specialization: Fishing became the foundation of life, particularly the harvesting of sardines, which arrived in massive quantities near the shore thanks to the Kuroshio Current.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

During the Edo period (1603–1868), the area of present-day Kujukuri gained national importance. Local residents specialized in the production of hoshika—dried processed sardines.

This product was highly valued as an effective fertilizer for growing cotton and indigo in other provinces of Japan. The thriving fertilizer trade fostered the development of a unique local culture based on the jibiki-ami technique (traditional beach seining), which required well-coordinated collective work from the entire community.

The history of Kujukuri is a journey of transformation from scattered fishing settlements to a popular seaside resort and center of surfing culture. The town's development is closely tied to the sea, which fed the locals for centuries before becoming a major attraction for tourists.

• Edo Period (1603–1868) — A time of economic prosperity for the region due to large-scale sardine fishing. The coast became the primary supplier of hoshika (dried fish fertilizer) for agriculture throughout Japan.
• 1889 — During the Meiji administrative reforms, the boundaries of the villages that would later form the basis of the modern town were officially established.
• 1935 — The Kujukuri Prefectural Natural Park was founded. This event officially recognized the area's status as a valuable natural site with unique dunes and flora.
• March 31, 1955 — The official date Kujukuri was established as a town through the merger of Katakai town and the villages of Toyoumi and Naruhama.
• 1961 — The closure of the Kujukuri railway line marked the region's final transition to automotive transportation.
• 1972 — The opening of the scenic Kujukuri Toll Road (Beach Line). This new highway significantly simplified the journey to the ocean for travelers from Tokyo and surrounding areas, boosting tourism development.
• 1982 — The opening of the Kujukuri Sardine Museum, designed to preserve the memory of unique fishing methods and ancestral cultural heritage.
• Present Day — Kujukuri maintains its status as one of the key beach holiday centers in the Kanto region, attracting surfers and ocean lovers year-round.

Development Milestones and Their Local Significance

Kujukuri's transformation from a strictly fishing region into a popular tourist destination passed through several key stages. Each of these events significantly influenced the economy, urban landscape, and cultural identity of the area.

• The "Golden Sardine" Era (Edo Period — Early 20th Century)
  Significance: Establishing the economic foundation. Large-scale harvesting and processing of sardines into fertilizer (hoshika) turned the coast into an important industrial hub supplying agriculture throughout Japan. This encouraged population growth and the development of a unique community culture.
• Construction and Closure of the Kujukuri Railway (1926–1961)
  Significance: A shift in the transport paradigm. Originally, the line connected the coast to the interior of the prefecture, facilitating fish transport. Its closure in 1961 marked the town's final transition to motor transport, requiring a complete overhaul of the road infrastructure.
• Administrative Merger (1955)
  Significance: Managerial centralization. The merger of Katakai town with the villages of Toyoumi and Naruhama allowed for a consolidated budget and directed resources toward the infrastructure modernization needed for a growing town.
• Opening of the Togane-Kujukuri Toll Road (1972)
  Significance: Integration with the metropolis. The launch of this highway (known as the "Wave Road") drastically improved beach accessibility for Tokyo residents. This was a turning point that reoriented the economy from fishing to mass weekend tourism.
• Opening of the Sardine Museum (1982)
  Significance: Cultural reflection. Creating the world's only museum dedicated to a single fish was an important step in preserving historical memory. The town anchored its identity to ensure it would not fade into modern resort life.
• Rise as a Surfing Culture Hub (1990s — Present)
  Significance: A change in image and demographics. Thanks to the consistent Pacific waves, Kujukuri became a mecca for surfers. This led to the opening of many specialty shops, surf schools, and Western-style cafes, rejuvenating the town's appearance and attracting an international audience.

Urban Structure and Development

Kujukuri's architectural character differs drastically from classic Japanese metropolises or castle towns. It is a linear settlement shaped by the Pacific coastline. Historically, development did not center on a feudal castle or temple, but rather along the beach; residential areas were carefully set back inland, behind a belt of pine forests that protected homes from sandstorms and salt winds.

The urban fabric is a blend of traditional rural buildings, functional fishing port infrastructure, and modern resort facilities that emerged in the second half of the 20th century.

Architectural Styles and Eras

It is difficult to find European styles like Baroque or Gothic in Kujukuri. Instead, the landscape is dominated by a dialogue between traditional Japanese folk architecture and the functional modernism of the Showa era.

• Traditional Folk Architecture (Edo — Meiji Periods)
  The older residential sections feature wooden houses in the minka style. A distinctive feature of local buildings is the low-pitched roofs covered with heavy black tiles, designed to withstand typhoons. Homes are often surrounded by living hedges (makigaki) or stone walls for wind protection.
• Post-war Modernism and Brutalism (Showa Period, 1950s–1980s)
  With the development of tourism and the reinforcement of the coastline, concrete structures appeared in the town. Public buildings and coastal defense elements serve as striking examples. This style is characterized by utilitarianism, the use of raw concrete, and simple geometric shapes designed to resist the harsh marine environment.
• Modern Resort Style (Heisei Period — Present)
  In recent decades, with the rising popularity of surfing, the architectural landscape has been joined by light commercial buildings: surf shops, cafes with open terraces, and guest houses. The design is dominated by the use of wood, glass, and light colors, creating a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

Landmark Buildings

Despite the town's modest size, several structures define its visual identity:

• Kujukuri Beach Tower — The most recognizable structure on the coast. It is a concrete spiral construction approximately 22 meters high. Architecturally, it references modernism and brutalism: a lack of unnecessary decoration and an emphasis on form and function (an observation deck). The tower symbolizes a coiled turban shell, highlighting the town's connection to the sea.
• Sea Station Kujukuri (Umi-no-Eki) — A modern complex opened in 2015. The building is designed in a contemporary style with industrial elements. It houses the Sardine Museum (successor to the old museum) and a giant blue mailbox—a popular photo spot symbolizing the color of the ocean.
• Shinzan Shrine — An example of traditional religious architecture located on an elevation. It maintains classic proportions of Shinto shrines, creating a contrast with the modern resort developments.

Historical and Cultural Figures of Kujukuri

• Ino Tadataka (1745–1818)
  Cartographer and Surveyor
  The most significant figure in the town's history. Born in Koseki village (now part of Kujukuri), he became famous for creating the first complete and accurate map of Japan using modern measurement techniques. A memorial monument stands at his birthplace.
• Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199)
  Shogun, Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate
  According to legend, he gave the area its name. After the defeat at the Battle of Ishibashiyama, he retreated to this shore and ordered its length to be measured with arrows. Counting 99 ri (an ancient unit of length), he named the beach "Kujukuri," which defined the name of the future town.
• Takamura Chieko (1886–1938)
  Artist and Poet
  In 1934, she spent six months in the town of Katakai (the center of modern Kujukuri) for medical treatment and mental recovery. The coastal landscapes and the sound of the ocean served as the backdrop for her final creative inspirations. A memorial stone engraved with her poems is located in the town.
• Takamura Kotaro (1883–1956)
  Poet and Sculptor
  Chieko's husband, who frequently visited her in Kujukuri. It was here that lines for his famous collection "Chieko-sho" ("Poems about Chieko") were born. His poem "Chieko Playing with Plovers" (Chidori to Asobu Chieko) immortalized Kujukuri Beach in Japanese literature.
• Takehisa Yumeji (1884–1934)
  Artist and Poet
  A prominent representative of Taisho-era Romanticism. He visited the Kujukuri coast many times, drawing inspiration from the local scenery. A literary monument was erected in the town in 1971 to commemorate his visits and his connection to the area.
• Awazu Kiyoshi (1929–2009)
  Graphic Designer
  During a visit to Kujukuri in 1955, he witnessed local fishermen's struggle for their rights against restrictions imposed by military bases in the area. Moved by what he saw, he created the famous poster "Give Us Back the Sea!" (Umi o Kaese), which became a classic of Japanese social design.