Yonago history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Yonago as a significant settlement is inextricably linked to the Sengoku period (Warring States period). Although people have lived in this region since ancient times, the actual formation of the city began in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. A key moment was the construction of Yonago Castle on Mount Minatoyama. In 1601, the daimyo Nakamura Kazutada completed the erection of a powerful citadel, around which a castle town (jokamachi) began to expand, becoming the foundation of modern Yonago.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of Yonago into an important regional centre was driven by a combination of several strategic advantages:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in a unique location between the Sea of Japan and Lake Nakaumi, making it a natural hub for water transport and logistics.
• Political Role: As the residence of influential clans during the Edo period, Yonago served as an administrative and military stronghold in the San'in region.
• Transport Hub: Important land routes connecting provinces passed through the city, facilitating the influx of people and goods.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Unlike many other cities in the region where the samurai class dominated, a strong merchant class quickly formed in Yonago. Thanks to active maritime trade (the Kitamae-bune route) and its status as a commercial hub, the city flourished economically. Local merchants possessed significant influence, and the city eventually earned the nickname "Osaka of the San'in Region" for its bustling business activity and the enterprising spirit of its residents.

The Samurai Era and City Formation

• 1601 — Daimyo Nakamura Kazutada completes the construction of the five-story Yonago Castle on Mount Minatoyama, around which the castle town forms.
• 1632 — Power over the region passes to the Ikeda clan from Tottori, and the administration of Yonago is entrusted to their chief vassals, the Arao family.
• 1690s — Thanks to the development of sea routes and canals, the city secures its status as the main commercial centre of the San'in region, earning the nickname "Osaka of San'in".

Modernisation and Infrastructure Development

• 1879 — During the Meiji era reforms, the structures of Yonago Castle were sold and dismantled, leaving behind only the majestic stone walls.
• 1889 — A new system of municipalities is introduced, and Yonago officially receives the administrative status of a town (cho).
• 1902 — The opening of the region's first railway (Sakai Line) turns Yonago into a key transport hub.
• 1927 — Yonago receives city status (shi), merging several neighbouring villages under its administration.

Modern History

• 1964 — Civil operation of Yonago Airport begins, ensuring air connection between the prefecture and other parts of the country.
• 1989 — Construction of the Yonago Expressway is completed, significantly improving the city's logistical connections.
• 1998 — The large "Big Ship" convention centre opens, becoming a symbol of the city's modern business activity and cultural life.
• 2005 — The city expands its boundaries and population by merging with the neighbouring town of Yodoe.
• 2006 — The ruins of Yonago Castle receive the status of a National Historic Site of Japan.

Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Yonago is a journey from a feudal fortress to a modern commercial and tourist centre. Below are the key milestones that defined the city's appearance:

• Construction of the Castle and City Planning (1601)
  The erection of Yonago Castle and the formation of a street grid (jokamachi) around it laid the urban planning foundation that remains in the historic centre to this day. This turned the settlement into the administrative core of the region.
• Becoming the "Osaka of the San'in Region" (Edo Period)
  Thanks to its advantageous port location, Yonago became a centre for rice and iron trade. This formed a culture of entrepreneurship unique to the region and a strong merchant class, distinguishing the city from neighbouring samurai centres.
• Opening of Kaike Onsen Resort (1900)
  The discovery of hot springs in the sea by fishermen led to the creation of one of the largest resort areas on the Sea of Japan coast. This event opened a new economic niche for the city — wellness tourism.
• Transformation into a Railway Hub (1902)
  The launch of the region's first railway radically changed logistics. Yonago became a "City of Railways", where major lines (San'in and Sakai) intersect, cementing its status as the main transport gateway of Tottori Prefecture.
• Receiving City Status (1927)
  The merger with neighbouring villages and the official assignment of the "shi" (city) status allowed for centralised management and the start of large-scale modernisation of urban infrastructure, including water supply and electrification.
• Opening of Yonago Airport (1964)
  The commencement of civil aviation flights (now Yonago Kitaro Airport) ensured rapid connection with Tokyo and other metropolises, boosting investment appeal and tourist flow.
• Construction of the "Big Ship" Convention Centre (1998)
  The opening of this multi-functional complex marked the city's reorientation towards MICE tourism (business meetings and conferences). It became a symbol of modern urbanisation and cultural renewal of the coastal zone.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban fabric of Yonago represents a multi-layered canvas, where the ancient layout of the castle town (jokamachi) intertwines with the modern infrastructure of a major transport hub. The city developed from the foot of the castle mountain towards the coast and rivers, which defined its structure: a clear grid of streets in the historic centre and freer, functional development in new districts and near the port.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

In the appearance of Yonago, one can trace the evolution of Japanese architecture from feudal fortifications to bold modernist experiments. The main milestones of the city's architectural development include:

• Edo Period (17th–19th centuries) — Traditional Japanese Architecture
  The foundation of the old city consists of preserved elements from the samurai and merchant era.
  • Style: Castle defensive architecture and merchant houses (machiya).
  • Characteristic features: Massive stone walls (ishigaki) of the former citadel, wooden facades with lattices, white-walled storehouses (dozo), and black roof tiles.
  • Iconic sites: Ruins of Yonago Castle (stone masonry), old merchant districts along the Kamo River.
• Showa Period (1926–1989) — Modernism and Organic Architecture
  In the post-war era, Yonago became a platform for realising bold architectural ideas reflecting economic growth and cultural renewal.
  • Style: Japanese modernism with elements of expressionism.
  • Characteristic features: Use of concrete, plastic forms, rejection of rigid geometry in favour of "living" lines.
  • Iconic sites: Yonago City Public Hall. Designed by the famous architect Murano Togo in 1958, this building is considered a masterpiece of modernism. Its facade resembles a soaring bird or piano keys, and the reddish hue of the brick makes it a bright accent in the urban environment.
• Heisei Period (1989–2019) — High-tech and Postmodernism
  The end of the 20th century was marked by the construction of massive glass and metal structures, symbolising the city's openness to the world and its role as a centre for convention tourism.
  • Style: High-tech, structural expressionism.
  • Characteristic features: Abundance of glass, steel frames, marine themes in design, integration with transport infrastructure.
  • Iconic sites: "Big Ship" Convention Centre. The building is styled as a huge ship ready to set sail, emphasizing the city's seaside status. It has become a symbol of modern Yonago.

Resort Architecture

The Kaike Onsen district stands apart. Here, the architecture of traditional inns (ryokans) prevails, adapted to modern comfort requirements. Multi-storey hotels combine reinforced concrete structures with elements of traditional Japanese decor (entrance groups, rock gardens), creating a unique resort landscape on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Distinguished Personalities of Yonago

The city of Yonago takes pride in its natives and figures who have made a significant contribution to the history, culture, and sports of Japan. Below are key figures whose names are inextricably linked to this region.

• Nakamura Kazutada
  Daimyo, founder of the castle town (17th century)
  Played a key role in the formation of Yonago. In 1601, he completed the construction of the five-story Yonago Castle on Mount Minatoyama and laid the foundation for the castle town (jokamachi). It was his urban planning decisions that defined the historic street layout preserved to this day.
• Kihachi Okamoto
  Film Director (1924–2005)
  A native of Yonago who became a classic of Japanese cinema. Known for his dynamic films in the jidaigeki genre (samurai dramas) and war films combining action with dark humour. Among his masterpieces are "The Sword of Doom" and "Japan's Longest Day".
• Nobuko Otowa
  Actress (1924–1994)
  A famous actress born in Yonago. She gained international fame thanks to roles in films by director Kaneto Shindo, such as "The Naked Island" (Moscow International Film Festival prize winner) and "Onibaba". During her career, she appeared in more than 130 films, becoming a symbol of Japanese post-war cinema.
• Takeji Iwamiya
  Photographer (1920–1989)
  A master of artistic photography born in Yonago. He became famous for his works capturing the aesthetics of Japanese gardens, architecture, and traditional crafts. His albums dedicated to Kyoto and Japanese forms are considered a benchmark of the country's visual culture.
• Kazuki Sakuraba
  Writer (born 1971)
  A contemporary novelist originally from Yonago and a laureate of the prestigious Naoki Prize. Author of the popular mystery series "Gosick" and the novel "My Man" (Watashi no Otoko). Her work is widely known outside Japan thanks to screen adaptations and anime.
• Sena Irie
  Athlete, Boxer (born 2000)
  A native of Yonago who has written her name into sports history. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, she became the first Japanese woman to win a gold medal in women's boxing (featherweight category), bringing fame to her hometown on the international stage.