Wajima history

Historical Roots of Wajima

Wajima is a city whose history is inextricably linked to the sea and unique craftsmanship. Unlike many castle towns in Japan, Wajima developed organically as a natural centre of trade and culture at the northern tip of the Noto Peninsula.

Foundation and First Mentions

The exact date of the settlement's founding is lost in the depths of time, although archaeological evidence confirms that people have inhabited this coastal zone since ancient times. A significant historical milestone is considered to be the emergence of the famous Morning Market (Asaichi). Its history spans over 1,000 years, rooting back to the Heian period. Initially, these were spontaneous gatherings for barter exchange during temple festivals, which over time transformed the settlement into a key trading hub of the region.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small fishing village into a significant city was driven by several factors:

• Advantageous Geography: Its location on the shores of the Sea of Japan with a natural harbour made Wajima an important port. The city became a key stopover point for merchant ships travelling between the northern and central provinces (especially during the heyday of the Kitamaebune shipping route).
• Religious Significance: Proximity to the historical location of Soji-ji Temple (one of the head temples of the Soto Zen school) attracted pilgrims and monks, facilitating cultural and informational exchange with other regions of the country.
• Isolation of the Peninsula: The difficult mountainous terrain hindered overland communication, which paradoxically stimulated the development of maritime trade and the preservation of unique local traditions.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Wajima's economic identity was formed in the Middle Ages and was based on two pillars:

• Wajima-nuri (Lacquer Art): According to legend, lacquering techniques took root here during the Muromachi period (14th–16th centuries). The discovery of deposits of a special diatomaceous earth (jinoko), which craftsmen began mixing with lacquer to give the items exceptional durability, became a turning point in the city's economy.
• Maritime Industry and Trade: Fishing and seaweed harvesting not only fed the local population but also served as the main currency in the early stages of the market, where goods were exchanged on the principle of "sea for mountains" (fish for vegetables and grain).

Timeline of Wajima's Development

• Heian Period (794–1185): The inception of the Morning Market (Asaichi) tradition, which initially arose as a place for the natural exchange of goods during temple festivals.
• 1321: Founding of Soji-ji Temple in the Monzen district, which became one of the main spiritual centres of the Soto Zen school and attracted pilgrims to the peninsula.
• Muromachi Period (1336–1573): Introduction of the technique using jinoko powder (burnt diatomaceous earth), making local lacquerware incredibly durable.
• Edo Period (1603–1868): Wajima becomes an important port of call for Kitamaebune merchant ships, facilitating the spread of the local lacquer's fame throughout Japan.
• 1871: During the administrative reforms of the Meiji era, the territory of the current city becomes part of Ishikawa Prefecture.
• 1954: Official designation of city status (shi) following the merger of Wajima town with six neighbouring villages.
• 1977: The unique production technology of Wajima-nuri lacquer is recognised by the country's government as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.
• 1991: Opening of the Wajima Museum of Urushi (Lacquer) Art — the only museum in the world fully dedicated to this exquisite craft.
• 2003: Opening of Noto Airport (Noto Satoyama Airport), which significantly improved transport accessibility to the region for tourists from Tokyo.
• 2006: Administrative merger of Wajima City with the historic town of Monzen, forming the modern boundaries of the municipality.
• 2011: The Noto Peninsula, including the lands of Wajima, became the first in Japan to receive the status of a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) for the harmony between humans and nature.
• 2015: The release of the popular NHK TV series "Mare", set in Wajima, sparked a new wave of tourist interest in the city and the region's salt works.

Major Milestones in Wajima's Development and Transformation

The history of Wajima is a journey from an isolated fishing settlement to a world-renowned centre of craftsmanship. Key stages in the city's development have defined its modern economic and cultural appearance.

• The Era of the Kitamaebune Trade Route (17th–19th centuries).
  In the Edo period, Wajima became an important port on the route of trading ships circumnavigating the Japanese archipelago.
  Significance: This transformed the city from a local fishing centre into a trading hub. Access to maritime logistics allowed lacquerware to be exported to Osaka and Edo (Tokyo), laying the foundation for the region's economic prosperity.
• Systematisation of Lacquer Production (Meiji Period).
  Transition from solitary artisanal production to a complex system of division of labour, where different highly specialised experts work sequentially on a single item.
  Significance: Such organisation of labour allowed for an increase in the quality and volume of products, cementing the "Wajima-nuri" brand's status as a benchmark of durability and elegance throughout Japan.
• Administrative Unification (1954 and 2006).
  The merger of Wajima town with surrounding villages, and later with the town of Monzen.
  Significance: This urban planning decision united the two main tourist and cultural forces of the peninsula: the commercial centre with the morning market and the spiritual centre with the ancient Soji-ji Temple, creating a unified tourism space.
• Opening of Noto Airport (2003).
  Launch of air services linking the peninsula directly with Tokyo.
  Significance: Breaking transport isolation. The previously hard-to-reach region became open for mass weekend tourism, which stimulated the development of the hotel business and service sector.
• Awarding of GIAHS Status (2011).
  Inclusion of the region in the list of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
  Significance: This event shifted the focus of the city's development towards eco-tourism. Wajima began to position itself not only as a city of artisans but also as a place where unique "Satoyama" agricultural landscapes and "Satoumi" maritime traditions are preserved, attracting international attention.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning of Wajima

The urban development of Wajima is dictated by its geographical position between the mountains and the Sea of Japan, as well as the harsh climate of the Noto Peninsula. Unlike strict castle towns with a clear grid of streets, Wajima formed organically, following the curves of the coastline and the terrain. The city represents an intertwining of the port zone (Minato-machi) and trading quarters that emerged around temples and market squares.

Eras and Architectural Styles

Wajima's architecture reflects the adaptation of Japanese traditions to local conditions. It is difficult to identify Western styles like Baroque or Gothic in their pure form here; instead, the city's history is read through the evolution of Japanese architecture.

• Edo and Meiji Periods (Traditional Vernacular Architecture):
  The basis of the historical buildings consists of merchant houses known as machiya. A special style formed in Wajima, resistant to strong winds and snowfalls.
  • Characteristic features: low eaves, sturdy wooden lattices, and the use of black glazed tiles, which absorb solar heat and facilitate the rapid melting of snow.
• Religious Architecture (Zen and Wayo Styles):
  Represented by temple complexes preserving elements of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, although many buildings were reconstructed in the Edo era. These are austere wooden structures with powerful curved roofs and minimalist decor, characteristic of the Soto Zen school.
• Modernism and Postmodernism (Showa and Heisei):
  In the second half of the 20th century, with the development of Wajima as a tourist centre, public buildings made of concrete and glass appeared. However, local architects often resort to regionalism — a style that interprets traditional forms (for example, azekura warehouse structures) using modern materials.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

The city's appearance is shaped by several key locations demonstrating the contrast between history and modernity:

• Asaichi-dori Street (Morning Market District):
  The historic heart of the city. The street is lined with dense rows of two-storey wooden houses, where shops and workshops are located on the ground floors. This is a living example of a traditional shopping street preserving the atmosphere of old Japan.
• Wajima Museum of Urushi (Lacquer) Art:
  A vivid example of modern architecture inspired by traditions. The building is stylised as a Meiji-era school structure but executed on a monumental scale. Its construction uses a unique interpretation of log masonry (Shoginden style), emphasising the connection with the ancient craft.
• Residence of the Kami-Tokikuni Family:
  Located in the outskirts of the city, this estate is a masterpiece of residential architecture from the Edo period. The building is distinguished by a massive thatched roof and grand proportions, indicating the high status of the owners who managed maritime shipping.
• Monzen District (Former Temple Town):
  Although the main Soji-ji Temple moved to Yokohama after a fire, the district has retained the structure of a classic temple town with historical gates and a layout oriented towards receiving pilgrims.

Notable Figures of Wajima

The cultural and historical heritage of Wajima has been shaped by the work of talented individuals: from religious figures of the Middle Ages to modern masters of the arts, whose names are known far beyond Japan.

• Keizan Jokin (1268–1325)
  Buddhist monk, religious reformer
  Founder of Soji-ji Temple (1321), which was originally located on the lands of the modern city of Wajima (Monzen district). Thanks to his efforts, the temple became one of the two head centres of the Soto Zen school. Keizan played a key role in spreading Zen Buddhism among common people, making the region an important spiritual centre of the country.
• Go Nagai (born 1945)
  Mangaka, artist
  Legendary manga and anime author, a native of Wajima. Creator of such cult works as "Mazinger Z", "Devilman", and "Cutie Honey". He is considered a pioneer of the "mecha" genre (giant robots). In honour of the famous countryman, the Go Nagai Wonderland museum was opened in the city, displaying his manuscripts and character figures.
• Mae Taiho (born 1937)
  Master of Lacquer Art (Wajima-nuri)
  An outstanding craftsman awarded the title "Living National Treasure of Japan". He specialises in the highly complex chinkin technique — engraving patterns on a lacquered surface followed by rubbing in gold leaf. His works are the benchmark of quality and artistic value for the local craft.
• Tsuneo Yamashita (born 1944)
  Judoka
  A renowned athlete hailing from Wajima. He became an Olympic champion in judo in the open weight category, as well as a multiple world champion. His sporting achievements have become a source of pride for the residents of the Noto Peninsula.
• Komori Kunie (born 1945)
  Master of Lacquer Art
  Another representative of the elite craftsmen of Wajima, holder of the "Living National Treasure" status. Komori became famous for the kyushitsu technique (the art of applying lacquer), creating items of impeccable form and depth of colour. He is actively involved in training successors, preserving the city's centuries-old traditions.