Sendai history

The city of Sendai, known today as the largest metropolis in the Tohoku region, possesses a rich history closely tied to one of Japan's most powerful daimyo (feudal lords).

Although settlements on the territory of modern Sendai existed more than 20,000 years ago, the history of the city in its current form began in 1600. The founder of Sendai is considered to be the famous daimyo Date Masamune, also known as the "One-Eyed Dragon". After receiving permission from Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu following the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, Masamune began the construction of Aoba Castle on a hill in December 1600, and in 1601 commenced the planning and development of the castle town. This moment marked the official birth of Sendai.

The city's development was driven by several strategic reasons. Firstly, Sendai was located in the centre of the vast domains of the Date clan, on the main road connecting the northern lands with Edo (modern Tokyo), and had access to the sea, which facilitated trade. Secondly, the city became the capital of the Sendai Domain, one of the wealthiest and most influential in the country. Date Masamune transformed it into a powerful administrative and military centre, consolidating his power in the region. Finally, a solid economic foundation for prosperity was created by fertile plains, which provided a rich harvest of rice, and proximity to the ocean, giving access to abundant fish resources.

From its very foundation, Sendai acquired unique features. Date Masamune encouraged culture and crafts, which was reflected in the magnificent decoration of shrines, such as Osaki Hachimangu, built in 1607 and recognized as a National Treasure of Japan. The city also became famous as the "City of Trees" (Mori no Miyako), as the Date clan obliged residents to plant trees on their estates, creating a unique green landscape. In the early Edo period, Sendai was so lively that, according to a Spanish ambassador, it surpassed even Edo in terms of the flow of people. This speaks to its high economic and cultural significance already in the first decades of its existence.

Foundation and Samurai Era

• 1600 — Daimyo Date Masamune, known as the "One-Eyed Dragon", founds the city and begins the construction of Aoba Castle.
• 1601 — Date Masamune approves the development plan for the castle town, laying the foundation for Sendai's modern street network.
• 1607 — Construction is completed on the magnificent Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, which is today recognized as a National Treasure of Japan.
• 1613 — A diplomatic mission led by Hasekura Tsunenaga departs from the Sendai region to Europe to establish trade relations.
• 1636 — Date Masamune passes away and is buried in the Zuihoden Mausoleum, which becomes one of the clan's main sanctuaries.

Modernization and the 20th Century

• 1887 — Railway service to Tokyo opens, significantly accelerating the city's development and its integration into the national economy.
• 1889 — Sendai officially receives city status under the new system of municipalities.
• 1907 — Tohoku Imperial University is founded, becoming one of Japan's leading educational centres.
• 1913 — Tohoku University becomes the first in Japan to admit women, marking an important step in the development of women's education.
• 1945 — On July 10, the city is subjected to massive bombing by the US Air Force, resulting in the destruction of a significant part of the historical centre.

Modern History

• 1978 — A powerful earthquake in Miyagi Prefecture prompts Japan to develop advanced standards for earthquake-resistant construction.
• 1989 — Sendai becomes a designated city by government ordinance, confirming its status as a major regional centre.
• 1999 — The city's population exceeds one million people, cementing Sendai's title as the largest metropolis in the Tohoku region.
• 2011 — On March 11, the city and its surroundings suffer severely from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent devastating tsunami.

Urban Development Milestones

• Foundation as a castle town (Early 17th century): The city was laid out by daimyo Date Masamune, who from the very beginning implemented a thoughtful grid layout of streets, which still lies at the heart of central Sendai. This decision turned the settlement into a thriving administrative and economic centre for the entire region, laying the foundation for its future growth.
• Transformation into a scientific capital (1907): The founding of Tohoku Imperial University was a turning point that transformed Sendai into one of Japan's leading educational and research hubs. The university was the first in the country to admit women, which strengthened the city's reputation as a progressive centre and earned it the nickname "City of Science" (Gakuto).
• Post-war recovery and the "City of Trees" (Post-1945): After significant destruction during World War II, Sendai was rebuilt on a massive scale. During the reconstruction, wide, tree-lined avenues were created, which not only formed the modern look of the metropolis but also reinforced its historical image as the "City of Trees" (Mori no Miyako).
• Development of transport infrastructure (Late 20th century): The opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen high-speed rail line connecting Sendai to Tokyo, and the launch of the city subway, significantly increased transport accessibility and mobility. This strengthened Sendai's status as a key transport and logistics hub for the entire Tohoku region.
• Obtaining designated city status (1989): This high administrative status officially secured Sendai's role as the political, economic, and cultural core of northeastern Japan. The city received greater autonomy, which facilitated the implementation of major urban planning and social projects.
• Recovery after the 2011 earthquake: The Great East Japan Earthquake was a tragic trial, but at the same time served as a powerful impetus for innovation. The city implemented advanced technologies in the field of earthquake-resistant construction and disaster protection, becoming a global example in risk management and sustainable development.

The architectural appearance of Sendai is a unique combination of samurai era heritage, large-scale post-war reconstruction, and bold modern solutions. The city, founded in 1600, has gone through several stages of transformation, each of which has left its mark on its urban structure and the appearance of its buildings.

Edo Period (1600–1868): Samurai Capital

The city's founder, Date Masamune, laid it out according to a grid layout principle, characteristic of many castle towns in Japan. This structure is still visible in the centre of Sendai. The architecture of this period was predominantly wooden. The brightest examples are:

• Osaki Hachimangu Shrine: Built in 1607, it represents a magnificent example of the Azuchi-Momoyama style, distinguished by rich decoration, black lacquer, and gilding. This building is recognized as a National Treasure of Japan.
• Zuihoden Mausoleum: The burial place of Date Masamune and his heirs is also executed in the lavish Momoyama style, with intricate wood carving and bright colours, demonstrating the power and wealth of the Date clan.

Post-war Recovery and Modernism (Post-1945)

The massive bombing of 1945 destroyed most of the city's historical centre. The post-war reconstruction plan, developed in 1946, radically changed the face of Sendai. Instead of narrow streets, wide, green avenues were laid, such as Aoba-dori and Jozenji-dori. This not only solved transport problems but also strengthened Sendai's image as the "City of Trees" (Mori no Miyako). The architecture of this period was predominantly functional, in the style of modernism, using concrete and steel.

Modern and Post-modern Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Centuries)

Modern Sendai is known for its innovative architectural projects. A key object of this era is:

• Sendai Mediatheque: Completed in 2001 according to the design of the world-famous architect Toyo Ito, this building is an icon of modern architecture. Its transparent facade and unique structure of 13 tubular columns piercing through seven floors create a feeling of lightness and openness. The building has become a symbol of a new, technological, and cultural era for the city.
• Sendai Daikannon: A 100-metre statue of the Goddess Kannon, built in 1991, is one of the tallest statues in the world and a striking example of monumental architecture of the late 20th century.

Furthermore, after the devastating earthquake of 2011, the city became a world leader in implementing earthquake-resistant technologies in construction, which is reflected in the appearance of all new buildings.

Historical Figures

• Date Masamune (1567–1636) — Daimyo and founder of Sendai. Known as the "One-Eyed Dragon", he laid the foundation of the modern city in 1600 by building Aoba Castle and planning the street network. Masamune was not only an outstanding tactician but also a patron of culture, transforming Sendai into a thriving political and economic centre of the Tohoku region.
• Hasekura Tsunenaga (1571–1622) — Samurai and diplomat in the service of Date Masamune. He led one of the first Japanese diplomatic missions to Europe (the Keicho Embassy), travelling to the Vatican and Spain to establish trade and political ties. His journey became an important page in the history of Japan's international relations.
• Lu Xun (1881–1936) — An outstanding Chinese writer, thinker, and founder of modern Chinese literature. He studied at the Sendai Medical Academy (the predecessor of Tohoku University) from 1904 to 1906. It was in Sendai that he made the decision to leave medicine and dedicate himself to literature to "heal the souls" of his people. His stay in the city left a deep mark on the history of Japanese-Chinese cultural relations.
• Doi Bansui (1871–1952) — A poet and translator of the Meiji era. A native of Sendai, he became famous for his translations of European classics, in particular Homer's "Odyssey", and for creating lyrics for many school and military songs that became part of Japanese culture.
• Honda Kotaro (1870–1954) — A distinguished physicist and metallurgist. While serving as a professor and later president of Tohoku Imperial University in Sendai, he became famous for the invention of KS steel — an extremely strong magnetic alloy. His research made a huge contribution to the development of Japanese industry and science.

Modern Figures

• Hirohiko Araki (born 1960) — A world-famous manga artist born in Sendai. He is the author of the cult manga series "JoJo's Bizarre Adventure", which has been published since 1987 and enjoys immense popularity both in Japan and abroad.
• Shunji Iwai (born 1963) — Film director, screenwriter, and writer, a native of Sendai. He gained international recognition thanks to his unique visual style and films such as "Love Letter" and "All About Lily Chou-Chou".
• Yuzuru Hanyu (born 1994) — A legendary figure skater, born and raised in Sendai. A two-time Olympic champion, he is considered one of the greatest figure skaters in history. Hanyu actively participates in the life of his hometown, especially after the 2011 earthquake, and serves as its tourism ambassador.
• Ai Fukuhara (born 1988) — A famous athlete and table tennis player. Born in Sendai, she was considered a prodigy from a young age and became one of Japan's most popular and successful table tennis players, a multiple medalist at the Olympic Games and World Championships.