Although the modern city of Saku as an administrative unit appeared on the map of Japan relatively recently, in 1961 (as a result of the merger of several towns), the history of human settlement in the area dates back to ancient times. Archaeological finds indicate that the fertile valley of the Chikuma River was inhabited as far back as the Jomon period.
The first significant mentions of the region in historical chronicles are associated with the Heian period, when the local lands were famous as a center for horse breeding, supplying steeds for the Imperial Court.
Key Factors of Formation
The transformation of scattered settlements into an important regional hub was driven by several strategic factors:
Nakasendo Transport Artery: During the Edo period, one of Japan's five main routes—the Nakasendo road, connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto—passed through the territory of the modern city. This stimulated the development of trade and the service sector.
Post Station System: Important post stations (shukuba), such as Iwamurada and Mochizuki, were located here. They served as rest stops for daimyo and travelers, growing into hubs for inns and markets.
Geographical Location: Its position on the Saku Plateau, surrounded by mountains, and the availability of water resources from the Chikuma River created ideal conditions for agriculture and defense.
Early Culture and Economy
The region's economic structure was shaped by its geography and transit status:
Horse Breeding Culture: The Mochizuki area was historically called "Koma-no-sato" (Village of Horses), which left an imprint on local folklore and traditions.
Carp Breeding: During the Edo period, a unique tradition of breeding carp in rice fields emerged in Saku. The local carp (Saku-goi) became an important source of protein for residents of this inland region and subsequently evolved into the city's gastronomic brand.
Trade Exchange: Thanks to the Nakasendo route, local residents had access to goods and cultural trends from both the Shogunate capital and Imperial Kyoto.
Timeline
Era of Formation and Development
Heian Period (794–1185): The lands of present-day Saku, especially the Mochizuki area, become known as imperial pastures for horse breeding.
1602: The Tokugawa Shogunate officially establishes the Nakasendo route, leading to the prosperity of post stations such as Iwamurada, Shionada, and others within the territory of the future city.
Late 18th Century: Local residents begin to actively implement a unique method of raising carp in rice fields to provide food for the region.
1915: Launch of the private Saku Railway, which later became part of the JR Koumi Line, opening the era of rail transport in the valley.
Modern History
April 1, 1961: Official founding date of the city of Saku following the administrative merger of the towns of Nozawa and Asama, and the villages of Toga and Mita.
1993: The city hosts its first Balloon Festival, which quickly becomes the region's main tourist event and one of the largest in Asia.
October 1, 1997: Opening of Sakudaira Station as part of the launch of the Nagano Shinkansen line (now Hokuriku), providing a high-speed link to Tokyo.
April 1, 2005: The city significantly expands its boundaries and tourism potential by annexing the neighboring municipalities of Usuda, Mochizuki, and Asashina.
Milestones
Key Milestones of Development and Transformation
Saku's development is a journey from scattered post stations and agricultural lands to a modern city that combines high technology, advanced medicine, and tourism. Below are the key stages that defined the city's modern character:
Establishment of the Rural Healthcare Model (from the 1940s):
Thanks to the work of Saku Central Hospital and Dr. Toshikazu Wakatsuki, the city became a pioneer in preventive rural medicine. This movement led Saku to achieve one of the highest life expectancy rates in Japan, establishing its image as a "city of health and longevity."
Opening of the Usuda Deep Space Center (1984):
The construction of a massive 64-meter parabolic antenna (in the former town of Usuda, now part of the city) linked the agricultural region with JAXA's advanced technologies. This event laid the foundation for positioning Saku as a "city of stars," attracting astronomy and science enthusiasts.
Launch of the Balloon Festival (1993):
The organization of the Saku Balloon Festival was a turning point in the city's tourism strategy. Utilizing the unique geographical features of the Saku Plateau allowed for the creation of an international-scale event, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually and stimulating the local economy during "Golden Week."
Urban Shift and the Opening of Sakudaira Station (1997):
The launch of the Shinkansen high-speed line fundamentally changed the urban structure. The center of business activity shifted from the historical districts (Iwamurada and Nozawa) to the new Sakudaira Station. This transformed Saku into a convenient suburb for those working in Tokyo (about 75 minutes away) and spurred the construction of major shopping centers and hotels.
Administrative Consolidation (2005):
The merger with the town of Usuda, the town of Mochizuki, and the village of Asashina not only increased the territory but also enriched Saku's cultural code. The city combined the historical heritage of the Nakasendo route, space technology, and rich natural resources into a single tourism and economic cluster.
Branding of Highland Agriculture:
Infrastructure development allowed for rapid logistics for local agricultural products. Saku established itself as a major supplier of highland vegetables (especially lettuce) and flowers to Tokyo markets, forming the backbone of the region's agrarian economy.
Architecture
Architectural Landscape and Eras
Saku's urban development is non-linear: the city is a mosaic of historic post stations, rural settlements, and ultra-modern districts. The city's architecture vividly demonstrates the transition from traditional Japanese craftsmanship to the bold experiments of the modernization era and the functionalism of the present day.
Edo Period: Legacy of the Nakasendo Route
The city's historical framework was formed along the old Nakasendo route. The atmosphere of feudal Japan, characteristic of the 17th–19th centuries, has been preserved here.
Style: Traditional wooden architecture (machiya).
Key Features: Two-story wooden buildings with latticed facades (koshi), tiled roofs, and narrow frontages facing the street.
Landmarks:
Mochizuki-shuku Post Station: Retains its historical layout and several buildings that recall the days when daimyo processions would stop here.
Shionada-shuku District: An example of well-preserved construction featuring massive beams and plastered walls designed to protect against fires.
Meiji Era: Pseudo-Western Style (Giyofu)
With Japan's opening to the Western world in the second half of the 19th century, unique architectural monuments appeared in Saku, blending Japanese construction techniques with Western design.
Style: Giyofu (pseudo-Western style).
Key Features: Use of traditional wooden structures to imitate European stone buildings, featuring towers, arched windows, and stained glass.
Landmark:
Former Nakagomi School: Built in 1875, this is one of the oldest Western-style schools in Japan. The building is known for its white plastered walls, an octagonal drum tower, and the use of colored glass, which was a rarity at the time. Locals called it "Giyaman" (from the Dutch word for diamond or glass).
Modern Era: Urbanism and Technological Aesthetics
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Saku's appearance changed dramatically under the influence of transport and scientific development. The city became polycentric, with a new core emerging around a major railway hub.
Style: Modern functionalism and high-tech.
Key Features: Spacious layouts, use of steel, concrete, and glass, and an emphasis on infrastructural accessibility.
Landmarks:
Sakudaira Station Area: An example of modern transit-oriented development. This area is dominated by large shopping complexes, hotels, and wide avenues, contrasting with the narrow streets of the historical districts.
Usuda Deep Space Center: The giant 64-meter parabolic antenna has become an architectural landmark in the mountain landscape, symbolizing the connection between this agricultural region and space technology.
Notable People
Notable People of Saku
The city of Saku has been the birthplace or workplace of many talented individuals who have left a significant mark on Japanese culture, medicine, and history. Below are the key figures associated with this region.
Culture and Art
Buronson — Manga Writer
Real name Yoshiyuki Okamura. The world-famous creator of the story for the cult manga "Fist of the North Star," which has sold over 100 million copies. A native of Saku, he actively supports his hometown: he established a scholarship fund and opened a free school for aspiring manga artists, the "Buronson 100-Hour Manga Academy."
Kōsei Matsui — Ceramicist, "Living National Treasure"
A prominent master of pottery born in the Motomaki district (now part of Saku). He became famous for reviving and perfecting the ancient "neri-age" technique (creating patterns by mixing different colored clays). In 1993, he was designated a "Living National Treasure" of Japan for his contribution to preserving traditional crafts.
Makoto Shinkai — Animation Director
The creator of global hits "Your Name" and "Weathering with You." Although the director was born in the neighboring town of Koumi, he graduated from Nozawa Kita High School in Saku. The region's landscapes and the atmosphere of the Saku Valley are often reflected in the visual style of his work, attracting anime fans from around the world.
Yui Koike — Actress and Idol
A popular actress who gained widespread fame for her role as Ahim de Famille (Gokai Pink) in the series "Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger" from the famous Super Sentai franchise. Born and raised in Saku.
Medicine, Sports, and Society
Toshikazu Wakatsuki — Doctor, Pioneer of Rural Medicine
Although Dr. Wakatsuki was born in Tokyo, his professional life was inextricably linked with Saku. As head of Saku Central Hospital, he created a unique system of preventive medicine for farmers, turning the city into a healthcare model for rural areas. Recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award (often called Asia's Nobel Peace Prize).
Seishiro Endo — Martial Arts Master
A world-renowned Aikido master (8th dan Aikikai). A native of Saku, he has dedicated his life to teaching and spreading Aikido outside Japan, training numerous students in Europe and America.
Jiro Okabe — Politician of the Meiji and Taisho Eras
A prominent political figure of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and a member of the House of Representatives. He played an important role in modernizing the region and advocating for the interests of local residents at the national level during the formation of modern Japan.