Miyako history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of settlement in the territory of the modern city of Miyako dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds from the Jomon period, including famous shell mounds. The name "Miyako" itself (which translates from Japanese as "capital") appears in historical records much later. According to local legends, the name arose because the rich catch and prosperity of the local port led residents to compare this place with the splendour of Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Miyako from a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by a combination of several strategic factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the Sanriku Coast, known for its deep bays and rias coastline. This created ideal conditions for establishing natural harbours protected from storms.
• Role of the Seaport: During the Edo period, the Kuwagasaki port area (now part of Miyako) became the most crucial maritime gateway for the Morioka Domain (Han), ruled by the Nambu clan.
• Trade Routes: Active maritime trade with Edo (present-day Tokyo) and other regions was conducted through the port, ensuring the influx of goods and capital.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Miyako relied entirely on the gifts of the sea. The region was famous for harvesting salmon, abalone, and seaweed, which were considered valuable commodities and supplied inland. Thanks to its status as the main port of the Nambu principality, a distinct port city culture formed here, open to the exchange of news and goods, distinguishing it from the more closed agricultural settlements of the inland areas of Iwate Prefecture.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1615 — Kuwagasaki Port (now part of the city) becomes the official maritime gateway of the Morioka Domain, beginning an era of active trade with Edo.
• 1869 — The famous Battle of Miyako Bay took place during the Boshin War, becoming one of the final battles of the samurai era.
• 1889 — The town of Miyako was officially formed during a nationwide administrative reform.
• 1896 — The coast was struck by the powerful Meiji-Sanriku Tsunami, which initiated the construction of large-scale defensive structures.
• 1923 — Construction of the railway line connecting Miyako to Japan's railway network was completed.
• 1941 — Miyako officially receives city status (shi) as a result of the merger of the town and neighbouring villages.
• 1964 — The picturesque Jodogahama Bay is recognised as a Place of National Scenic Beauty, securing the city's status as a tourism hub.
• 2005 — A major administrative merger occurred with the town of Taro and the village of Niisato, forming the modern boundaries of Miyako.
• 2011 — The city suffered severely from the Great East Japan Earthquake, after which massive reconstruction of embankments and infrastructure began.
• 2019 — Resumption and unification of operations on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line, which became a symbol of the region's revival.
• 2021 — Opening of new sections of the Sanriku Expressway, significantly simplifying access to the city's attractions for travellers.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The history of Miyako is a journey from a fishing harbour to a modern city, tempered by the elements and open to the world. Key development milestones have shaped its unique economic and architectural character.

• Formation of a Maritime Trade Hub (17th–19th Centuries)
  Significance: The establishment of Kuwagasaki Port as the main maritime gateway of the Morioka Domain turned the settlement into the economic centre of the coast. This ensured regular commodity exchange with Edo (Tokyo) and capital inflow, laying the foundation for the future city.
• The Railway Revolution (1920s–1930s)
  Significance: The construction of the Yamada Line broke the region's geographical isolation. The advent of rail transport allowed for the mass export of fresh seafood inland, giving a powerful boost to the fish processing industry.
• Administrative Consolidation (1941)
  Significance: Granting city status and merging with neighbouring villages allowed for centralised resource management. This was an important step for large-scale urban planning during the difficult war and post-war years.
• Development of the Tourism Brand (1960s)
  Significance: The official recognition of Jodogahama Bay as a place of special scenic beauty reoriented part of the city's economy from resource extraction to the service sector. Miyako became a key point on the tourist map of the Sanriku National Park.
• Coastal Engineering Defence (Second half of the 20th Century)
  Significance: In response to regular strikes by the elements, the city began massive construction of defensive structures, including the famous seawalls in the Taro area. This radically changed the coastline and landscape, making hydraulic structures an integral part of the urban environment.
• Territorial Expansion (2005)
  Significance: The merger with the town of Taro and the village of Niisato increased Miyako's area, combining marine, river, and mountain resources. This allowed for economic diversification, adding forestry and agriculture to fishing.
• Global Reconstruction (Post-2011)
  Significance: The consequences of the Great East Japan Earthquake led to a complete replanning of coastal zones. The recovery programme included relocating residential quarters to higher ground and creating memorial parks, forming a new, safer city profile.
• Transport Breakthrough (2019–2021)
  Significance: The restoration of the Sanriku railway line and the opening of the expressway finally solved the problem of transport accessibility. This event marked a new era of economic integration with the rest of the Tohoku region.

Urban Development and Landscape Influence

The architectural appearance of Miyako is dictated by the complex terrain of the Sanriku Coast and constant interaction with the ocean. Urban development historically formed in narrow valleys and around natural harbours. The main feature of modern urban planning has become the concept of "disaster resilience": following the 2011 tsunami, residential quarters are systematically being relocated to higher ground, while the coastal zone is designated for parks, industrial facilities, and defensive structures.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

Unlike European cities, in Miyako, the change of eras is reflected not in a change of decorative styles (Baroque or Classicism), but in the evolution of construction materials and building functionality.

• Traditional Japanese Architecture (Edo — Meiji Eras)
  Characterised by wooden structures with tiled roofs. Historical buildings have been preserved in fragments, mainly in the form of Buddhist temples and shrines located away from the coastline.
• Industrial Modernism (Showa Era, 1950s–1980s)
  A period of active concrete use. During this time, the functional look of the port was formed, and administrative buildings of strict geometric shapes and massive hydraulic structures (seawalls, sluices) were built, becoming dominant features of the landscape.
• Modern "Protective" Architecture (Heisei — Reiwa Eras, since 2011)
  The newest stage, combining functionalism and safety. Buildings are constructed with seismic resistance in mind, often on pilings or artificial embankments. The design of public spaces is dominated by minimalism, the use of glass, and natural materials (wood) for integration into the natural landscape.

Iconic Structures and Districts

The appearance of Miyako is shaped not by palaces, but by infrastructure facilities and natural-architectural complexes:

• Kuwagasaki Port and Fish Market — the heart of the city, representing a complex of functional industrial buildings where economic life bustles.
• Taro District — a world-famous example of modern defensive urbanism. Here one can see massive new seawalls and raised platforms for housing, neighbouring the ruins of the Taro Kanko Hotel, preserved as a memorial to the natural disaster.
• Jodogahama Rest House — an example of modern tourist architecture, organically blended into the landscape of the national park.
• Miyako-Ohashi Bridge — a modern engineering structure connecting the shores of the bay and symbolising the region's recovery.

Prominent Figures Associated with Miyako

The history of Miyako is intertwined with the fates of legendary samurai, cultural figures, and modern athletes. Some were born here, while others forever inscribed their names in the city's chronicles through historical events.

• Hijikata Toshizo (1835–1869)
  Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi, military leader
  One of the most iconic figures of the Bakumatsu period. His name is closely linked to the city due to the Battle of Miyako Bay (1869). Hijikata personally led a daring boarding attack on the state-of-the-art ironclad "Kotetsu", which became one of the most heroic episodes of the Boshin War. Memorial markers dedicated to this event have been installed in the city.
• Enomoto Takeaki (1836–1908)
  Admiral of the Fleet, President of the Republic of Ezo
  An outstanding naval commander who used Miyako harbour as a strategic base for the Shogunate fleet before the decisive battles in the north. It was here that he planned the naval operations that determined the course of the civil war.
• Miyazawa Kenji (1896–1933)
  Poet, children's author, agronomist
  Although Kenji was born in neighbouring Hanamaki, he was deeply attached to the Sanriku Coast. He frequently visited Miyako and dedicated several of his works (tanka) to the beauty of Jodogahama Bay. His creative work played an important role in popularising the region's natural beauty.
• Toshio Kurosawa (1914–1947)
  Professional Baseball Player
  A native of Miyako who became a star of Japanese baseball in the pre-war and post-war periods. He played for the "Yomiuri Giants". His successful career, cut short by an early death, inspired many locals to take up sports. A baseball stadium in the city is named in his honour.
• Yoshiaki Fujiwara (born 1949)
  Professional wrestler, actor, voice actor
  A famous native of the city, nicknamed the "Terrorist of Joints" for his mastery of submission holds. He not only achieved success in the ring but also became a well-known media personality, often mentioning his origins in the Iwate region.
• Kyosuke Sasaki (born 1949)
  Baseball Player, Manager
  A native of Miyako who had a brilliant career with the "Kintetsu Buffaloes". He became the first player in Japanese baseball history to win the batting title in his debut full season. He is an honorary citizen of the city.