Unnan

Founding and Historical Roots

Although the city of Unnan was formed as an administrative unit relatively recently, on November 1, 2004, through the merger of several towns (Daito, Kamo, Kisuki, Mitoya, Yoshida, and Kakeya), the history of this area spans millennia. The lands of modern-day Unnan were an important part of the ancient province of Izumo, which is considered one of the cradles of Japanese civilization and mythology.

Key Factors of Development

The region's development was determined by a unique combination of natural resources and geographical location:

• Hii River (Hii-kawa): This waterway played a central role in the life of the settlements, providing water for agriculture and cargo transportation. In ancient times, the river was known for its wild nature, which was reflected in local folklore.
• Natural Resources: An abundance of high-quality iron sand in the local mountains and dense forests that served as a source of charcoal became the foundation for the area's early industrialization.

Early Culture and Economy: The Tatara Heritage

The economic heart of the region since ancient times has been traditional Japanese metallurgy — tatara. It was here, particularly in the Yoshida district, that high-quality "tamahagane" steel, essential for forging the finest samurai swords, was smelted for centuries. Iron smelting technologies contributed to the prosperity of local clans and the formation of a unique cultural landscape.

The spiritual life of early settlers was inextricably linked to Shinto myths. The area along the Hii River is considered the stage for the legendary battle between the god Susanoo and the eight-headed dragon Yamata-no-Orochi, giving the region a special historical and mystical status.

Timeline of Events

• Ancient Period — According to mythological chronicles, the Hii River valley becomes the site of the legendary battle between the god Susanoo and the eight-headed dragon Yamata-no-Orochi.
• 1751 — The Sugaya Tatara Takadono building is constructed in the Yoshida district; it remains the only preserved historical structure for traditional iron smelting in Japan today.
• 1889 — During the Meiji administrative reforms, the first municipal villages and towns are officially formed on the territory of the modern city.
• 1916 — Rail service opens on the Hinokawa Line (later becoming part of the Kisuki Line), boosting transport and trade in the region.
• 1937 — Construction of the JR Kisuki Line is completed, connecting the mountain regions with the Sea of Japan coast.
• 1955 — Residents of the Kisuki district begin a large-scale planting of cherry trees along the embankment, laying the foundation for one of the city's main modern attractions.
• 1990 — The famous cherry blossom alley along the Hii River is officially included in the national list of "100 Best Sakura Viewing Spots in Japan."
• November 1, 2004 — The modern city of Unnan is founded by merging six towns: Daito, Kamo, Kisuki, Mitoya, Yoshida, and Kakeya.
• 2013 — The Matsue Expressway is fully opened, significantly improving Unnan's accessibility for tourists from Hiroshima and other regions.
• 2016 — The region's historical legacy related to the ancient "tatara" steel smelting technology receives the prestigious "Japan Heritage" status.

Stages of Formation and Development

The development of modern-day Unnan can be divided into several key stages, each of which radically changed the region's economy and appearance. Here are the main milestones and their significance for the city:

• The Flourishing of "Tatara" Metallurgy (17th–19th Centuries)
  The Yoshida and Daito districts became centers for Japanese steel production. This formed the region's economic foundation and its unique landscape: deforestation for charcoal and iron sand mining led to the creation of vast terraced rice fields that are still in use today.
• Construction of the Kisuki Railway (1930s)
  The laying of the JR Kisuki Line brought the mountain regions out of isolation. This allowed for the mass export of timber and coal and connected local settlements with major coastal cities, stimulating trade.
• Transformation of the Hii Embankment (1950s–1990s)
  A large-scale planting of cherry trees along the river, initiated by local residents, turned a hydraulic structure (a dam) into a major tourism asset. Today, the "Sakura Tunnel" is the city's hallmark, attracting thousands of tourists annually.
• Administrative Merger (2004)
  The merger of six towns into the single city of Unnan allowed for centralized management and budgeting. This was a response to demographic challenges and helped maintain the quality of social services and infrastructure amidst an aging population.
• Opening of the Matsue Expressway (2013)
  The completion of the highway provided a direct link to Hiroshima. This turned Unnan into an important transit hub and significantly increased the flow of tourists from the Sanyo region, boosting the development of roadside services and "Michi-no-Eki" stations.
• Attaining "Japan Heritage" Status (2016)
  Recognition of the history of tatara metallurgy as a national treasure reoriented the city's strategy toward cultural tourism. This encouraged the restoration of historical buildings and brought attention to the region's intangible cultural heritage.

Urban Structure and Landscape

The architectural character of Unnan is unique due to its polycentric nature. Since the city was formed by the merger of several towns, there is no single urban center. For centuries, urban planning was dictated by the complex terrain and the course of the Hii River. Settlements formed linearly along river valleys and at the foot of mountains where iron sand was mined.

Architectural Eras and Styles

Western styles like Gothic or Baroque are virtually non-existent in Unnan. Here, architectural history is read through the lens of Japanese eras and the evolution of wooden craftsmanship, from industrial buildings of the Edo period to the functionalism of the Showa era.

Edo Period (1603–1868): Industrial and Vernacular Architecture

The region's golden age, linked to "tatara" metallurgy, left the most prominent legacy. Buildings from this period are characterized by their massiveness, the use of powerful wooden beams, and fire-resistant materials.

• Style: Traditional Japanese architecture (Minka, Kura-zukuri). Characteristic features include white plastered walls, black roof tiles, and latticed windows.
• Iconic Landmark: Sugaya Tatara Takadono (Yoshida district). This is the only surviving "tamahagane" steel smelting plant building in Japan. Built in 1751, it impresses with its sophisticated engineering design, featuring a high roof for smoke ventilation.
• Urban Environment: The streets of the Kakeya district have preserved the atmosphere of a post and merchant town, with merchant houses where influential metalworking families once lived.

Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868–1926): Early Modernization

During this time, new technologies began to penetrate architecture, but the appearance of buildings remained true to tradition. The focus shifted to civil engineering and schools.

• Style: Giyofu (pseudo-Western style) and traditional wooden framing.
• Features: The emergence of public buildings combining Japanese aesthetics with new functional requirements (hospitals, administrative offices), though many were rebuilt later.

Showa Period (1926–1989): Infrastructure Modernism and Retro

The development of rail transport and hydraulic engineering defined the look of central districts, especially Kisuki.

• Style: Wooden railway functionalism and early concrete modernism.
• Iconic Landmark: Kisuki Station. The old wooden station building and surrounding infrastructure create a nostalgic mid-20th-century atmosphere.
• Landscape Architecture: The Hii River embankment, with its famous "Sakura Tunnel," is an example of how an engineering structure (a dam) was transformed into a park area.

The Modern Era (Heisei to Present): Eco-Architecture and Heritage Preservation

Modern construction in Unnan focuses on harmony with nature. New community centers and museums are built using local wood and glass to avoid visually overwhelming the green landscape.

• Approach: Revitalization of old industrial zones and their conversion into tourist sites (iron museums, craft centers).

Notable Natives and Residents of Unnan

Despite its modest size, the city of Unnan has been the birthplace of several prominent figures who have significantly influenced Japan's politics, culture, and economy. Here is a list of key figures associated with this region:

• Noboru Takeshita (1924–2000)
  74th Prime Minister of Japan
  Born in the Kakeya district. He came from an old family of sake brewers. Takeshita was one of the most influential figures in Japanese politics in the late 20th century. As Prime Minister, he is remembered for introducing the consumption tax and the "Furusato Sosei" (Hometown Revitalization) program, which provided grants to municipalities to stimulate local economies.
• Takashi Nagai (1908–1951)
  Radiologist, Author, the "Saint of Unnan"
  Although born in neighboring Matsue, Dr. Nagai spent his childhood in the Mitoya district (now part of Unnan), which he considered his home. After surviving the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, while suffering from terminal leukemia, he dedicated the rest of his life to treating victims and writing books about peace and faith, the most famous of which is "The Bells of Nagasaki." A memorial museum in his honor is open in Unnan.
• The Tanabe Dynasty (Choemon Tanabe)
  Industrialists, "Iron Kings"
  The Tanabe family from the Yoshida district managed iron production using "tatara" technology for centuries, becoming some of Japan's wealthiest landowners. Choemon Tanabe XXIII (1906–1979) deserves special mention; he not only preserved metallurgy traditions but also served as the Governor of Shimane Prefecture, contributing to the region's post-war recovery.
• Banjiro Uemura (1929–2019)
  Media Mogul, Founder of Tohokushinsha Film
  Born in the Daito district. He founded one of Japan's largest film production and distribution companies, also specializing in dubbing foreign films. Uemura played a key role in popularizing Western pop culture in Japan, including the launch of Japanese versions of famous television channels.
• Wataru Takeshita (1946–2021)
  Politician, Minister for Reconstruction
  The younger brother of Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita, also born in Kakeya. He held important government positions, including Minister for Reconstruction after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and actively lobbied for the interests of his home prefecture, Shimane, at the national level.
• Isao Matsubayashi (born 1943)
  Businessman, former President of Ryohin Keikaku (MUJI)
  Born in the Kamo district. As President and Chairman of the world-famous MUJI brand (Ryohin Keikaku), he made significant contributions to the company's global expansion and the formation of its philosophy of "sufficiency" and minimalism.