An Imperial Company named the Yawata Steel Works became a World Heritage Site from a Single Old Photo!
The Former Employee of Nippon Steel Corporation
The Achievements of Dr. Steuart Smith, who Encouraged the Idea that “Yawata is Important.”
－－By the way, this is a customary question, but when did Mr. Minakuchi first meet Director Kato?
Minakuchi In 2007, the old facilities of Yawata Steel Works were designated by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as a National Heritage of Industrial Modernization, and since then, many people including the media have come to visit the Center through the Board of Education. I have a vague recollection, but I believe Ms. Kato visited the site with a member of the JTB Foundation (Japan Travel Bureau Foundation). I think that was the first time. I happened to read her book "Industrial Heritage" (published by Nikkei, Inc.) and was impressed by the fact that there was such an amazing woman in the world, so I was happy to meet her (laughs).
Kato That was on a tour to attend a symposium organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. That was when I took Dr. Smith and Mr. Barry Gamble to the site.
Minakuchi Dr. Smith made a lot of effort, but he passed away later on, did he not?
Kato Yes, unfortunately, shortly prior to the realization of it becoming inscribed... he was not able to see the day it came to reality.
Minakuchi Dr. Smith visited Yawata many times, but I still strongly remember how he always puffed on a cigarette.
Kato Dr. Smith was a very heavy smoker. In addition, he did not like Japanese food, so he always had a ham sandwich in his pocket to chew on. He did not mind eating old ham sandwiches, so I was always worried that he might get food poisoning (laughs).
Dr. Smith was the biggest supporter of the steel mill. When it became difficult to register the site of Higashida No. 1 Blast Furnace, Dr. Smith alone insisted that "Yawata is absolutely important," and he persuaded other overseas experts who were opposed to the idea that "a steel mill without a blast furnace cannot be recognized as a component part."
－－What was the decisive factor that allowed you to overcome such a difficult challenge?
Kato It was the fact that we still had a number of operating assets. Overseas experts recognized the great value within this fact. The existence of the operating assets proved the development process of modern iron and steel manufacturing technology, which was transferred from the West to Japan, and gradually became domestically produced and established as a self-sustaining technology.
If it had not been for the discovery of that single old photograph and the presentation of the existence of operational assets, such as the Onga River Pumping Station and the repair shop, at the very last-minute right before the application for inscription, the inscription would not have been possible. That is why I asked Mr. Minakuchi to talk about what happened at that time, and why I thought it necessary to record and preserve it in this interview.
Minakuchi To add to what you have just said, for example, the repair shop was designed by a German steel company when it was first established, and their steel products were used for the building. Later, in the second expansion in 1908, the design was done by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (currently known as IHI Corporation), and steel products from another German company were used. Then, in the third expansion in 1917, the steelwork designed and manufactured the steel for the building on its own. This historical development process can be seen in the carved seal (roll mark) engraved on the steel in the building. In this respect, the building has been highly evaluated by overseas experts as a symbol of the "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution."
Vol.59
～The Appeal of Cultural Heritage as the Chief Researcher of the Industrial Heritage Information Centre～
Senior Researcher, Industrial Heritage Information Centre
Honorary Advisor, Nippon Mining Co., Ltd.
The Ambassador of Supporting Kamaishi Hometown
Vol.58
What is the value of World Heritage? - The viewpoint necessary to protect World Heritage sites is not to overlook what is essential.
Former Director of Nagasaki City World Heritage Office
Vol.57
Living now for the future of Japan: The mission of the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution is to raise awareness and courage that "Japan can be saved if we make use of the spirit of our predecessors."
Former General Manager, Nagasaki Shipyard and Machinery Works, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
Vol.56
Japan's Meiji Industrial Heritage is the Pride of Japan - Knowing the Steps of Our Predecessors is the Key to Reconsidering Japanese Education
Chairman, Fujisankei Group
Executive Managing Advisor, Fuji Television Network, Inc.
Executive Managing Advisor, Fuji Media Holdings, Inc.
Vol.55
The Road to World Heritage Registration was Full of its Ups and Downs ～Blessed, Saved and Paved by the Luck of Human Fate～
Advisor, Federation of Japan Port and Airport Construction Association
(Ex. Chairman of Specialists Center of Port and Airport Engineering)
Vol.54
The historical flow of change from "Samurai to the Company" is the pride of Japan - Nagasaki, the center of Japan's Meiji Industrial Heritage Sites, will lead the way to connect to the next generation.
Vol.53
The Saga Clan Built Japan's First Reverberatory Furnace, and the "Mietsu Naval Station" was the Base of the Western-style Navy: Passing on the Passion That Went Into Registering the Site as a World Heritage Site to the Next Generation
Former Director of the Sano Tsunetami Memorial Museum (currently known as Sano Tsunetami and the Mietsu Naval Dock History Museum)
Vol.52
The Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution is a "World Cultural Heritage" and a "World Evolutionary Heritage
Director of NPO Association for Thinking about Satoyama
Director of National Congress of the Industrial Heritage
Vol.51
Shoin Shrine has a mission to convey the history leading up to the Meiji Restoration properly
Honorary Chief Priest Toshinari Ueda
Vol.50
What is the secret plan to make the Port of Miike, an operational asset of a World Heritage site?
Former Mayor of Omuta City
Vol. 49
Why Conservation Management of Japan's Meiji Industrial Sites is needed?
Archaeologist and Heritage Conservation Specialist
Vol.48
The Truth of Industrial History Unraveled from the Perspective of Metallurgy: the Mission of the Heritage of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution is to Pass on the Intelligence, Diligence, and Fortitude of the Japanese People to Future Generations
A fellow of the Japan Federation of Engineering Societies
Professor Tadahiro Inazumi
Vol.47
The Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution is a Great Teaching Aid, and Various World Revealed by Looking Into It
Team Member of the Industrial Project Team Office for the Promotion of World Heritage Listing under Cabinet Secretariat
Vol.46
The History of Iron that Began in Kagoshima has Dramatically Advanced Japan's Modernization～I Want to Pass on the Vitality of the People of Satsuma to the Younger Generations Whom Will Live in the Future～
Governor of Kagoshima Prefecture
Vol.45
Yoshida Shoin preached the Theory of Engineering Education and produced the Choshu Five who risked their lives to go to England--to pass on the proud Hagi spirit to future generations
Vol.44
I wish to pass on to my children's generation the wisdom, technology, and energy of our ancestors who built Misumi West Port - I will do my very best to do what I can at this moment by looking ahead to the future that will surely come after COVID-19.
Mayor of Uki City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Vol. 43
An Imperial Company named the Yawata Steel Works became a World Heritage Site from a Single Old Photo!
The Former Employee of Nippon Steel Corporation
Vol.42
We would like to Establish a "New Local Studies" that will be transmitted to the Outside World.
An Associate Professor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering in Iwate University
Vol.41
18 Years History of a Tourist Guide Business and an Outpouring of "Love for Misumi West Port." ～"Registration for World Heritage is Not Simply a Goal, but a New Starting Point."～
Chairman of the Tourist Guide Association of Misumi West Port
Vol.40
To Mark the Passage of "Time" Together with Nirayama Reverberatory Furnace ～To increase the attractiveness of "reverberatory furnace tourism" through the use of commercial museum and restaurant business～
President of Kuraya Narusawa Co., Ltd.
Chairman of Izunokuni City Tourism Association
Vol.39
The Establishment of the Gunkanjima Digital Museum Were Led by Fate: I want to start, continue, and finish what I can do to convey the value of the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution to a wide audience
Director and General Manager of Gunkanjima Concierge
Producer of the Gunkanjima Digital Museum
Vol.38
In Industrial Heritage, It's the "People" Who Play the Central Role: How World Heritage Inscription Casts a Fresh Light on Hometown Splendors
Vol.37
Everything is for the Economic Development of Nagasaki--Expanding Beyond the Shipping Business to Pass on Nagasaki's Culture and Industrial Heritage
Chairman: Mr. Hidenori Date
President: Mr. Masahiro Date
No.36
Kamaishi's "Miracles" and Overcoming Disaster: The Huge Opportunity Provided by World Heritage Site Inscription
Proprietor, Houraikan Inn
Vol.35
"850 years of historical records" along with Nirayama reverberatory furnace that ought to be passed down to future generations. ~The long-awaited new storage warehouse is completed and it has encouraged preservation, restoration, and utilization~
Representative Director of Egawa Bunko non-profit incorporated foundation
The 42nd head of the Egawa Family
Vol.34
The History of an Era Opened by an Indomitable Pioneering Spirit and the Power of Our Forefathers
Democratic Party for the People (DPP) Representative for Nagasaki Prefecture
Vol.33
Gunkanjima Is a Warning Message for the Future of Earth and Humanity ～The Thoughts and Pleas of a Guide and Former Resident～
President of the NPO, Way to World Heritage Gunkanjima
Vol.32
Synchronicity Yields the Miracle of World Heritage Site Inscription: Strong Aspirations Inspire Support among Like-Minded Individuals
Representative Director
MI Consulting Group
Vol.31
Power to the People of Japan The Mission of Meiji Japan's Industrial Revolutionary Heritage
President of Watanabe Production Group and Honorary Chair of Watanabe Productions Co., Ltd.
Vol.30
Turning Our Industrial Heritage into Hope for Those 100 Years From Now
Member of the House of Councillors
Vol.29
Calling on 21st Century Satsuma Students to Build the Future! Shuseikan Serves as a Source of Information about Sightseeing in Kagoshima
Governor
Kagoshima Prefecture
Vol.28
Awareness of "Stories with Connections" is steadily spreading throughout each region～There are also challenges for conservation management and interpretation～
World Heritage Consultant
Vol.27
Where There Is a Will, There Is a Way: Connecting with People Takes Courage and Initiative
Director and Dean, The Kyushu-Asia Institute of Leadership
Representative Director, SUMIDA, Inc.
Vol.26
Taking Pride in Japan's Latest World Heritage Sites~A Journalist's Perspective~
Journalist, founder of the Shimomura Mitsuko Ikikata Juku School
Vol.25
Classic Cars and the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution~Rally Nippon 2019 in Kyushu~
Representative, Rally Nippon
Vol.24
Preparations Proceed for the Development of Exciting Touring Routes to See the World Heritage Sites - The Promotion Council Conveys their Attractions to the World through Various Promotions!
Chairman, Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution World Heritage Route Promotion Council Director, National Congress of Industrial Heritage
Vol.23
Giving Greater Force to the Preparation of Routes toward Promoting "Heritage Tourism" - Recollections of the Unforgettable Bombing of Hometown Kure City and the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb
Representative Director, General Incorporated Foundation National Congress of Industrial Heritage (Advisor, Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Capital Markets Research Institute）
Vol.22
The City Connected to the World: Making the "Treasure of Nagasaki" the "Treasure of the World"
Vol.21
"The World's Experimental Facility" that Questions of the True Value of the "ICOMOS-TICCIH Cooperative Principles" New Conservation Challenges Promoted by the Japanese Government
Policy Director at Heritage Montreal
Vol.20
Days of Heated Argument with the Unforgettable Stuart Smith～A Cross-Cultural Encounter with Familiar 19th-Century Industrial Heritage～
World Heritage Consultant
Vol.19
The next generation of technological innovation is born from carrying forward history and culture. - Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution open the way to "conserving while using"
Executive Director of Kogakuin University
Vol.18
Blazing a New Trail for Serial Inscription-Format Conservation and Management with the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Training Personnel to Pass on Memory and Understanding as a Major Challenge in the Future
Heritage Architect and International Consultant
Vol.17
3D Digital Documentation of the Giant Cantilever Crane and Kosuge Dock
Head of Data Acquisition at The Glasgow School of Art’s School of Simulation and Visualisation
Vol.16
Japan's Uplifting Industrial Heritage
Head of Industrial Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh
Vol.15
The Scottish Ten Project
Scottish Ten Project Manager, Historic Environment Scotland, Edinburgh
Vol.14
The Tea Plantation Hill Where You Can See Two World Heritage Sites at Once, Mt. Fuji and the Nirayama Reverberatory Furnaces--The Next Dream Is a "Mini Reverberatory Furnace for Children" to Provide Experiential Learning
Mayor of Izunokuni City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Vol.13
Path to becoming a World Heritage Site
Pro-Provost and Chairman of Council of the Royal College of Art. Heritage advisor of Canal & River Trust for England and Wales.
Vol.12
In the midst of accurate information dissemination, it created a chance to truly look at history
Dean of Tokyo Rissho Junior College
Professor emeritus of Keio University
No.11
World Heritage Inscription Spurs Renewed Civic Pride in Kitakyushu's Industrial Heritage
Vol.10
World Heritage Inscription: Report on the 2015 Celebratory Party Held in Bonn, Germany
At the 39th session of the World Heritage Committee convened in Bonn, Germany, from June 28 to July 8, 2015, the decision was approved to inscribe the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution on the World Heritage list.
At a celebratory party held to mark the occasion, some of the primary promoters of the project spoke of their joy in achieving their goal and of the trials and tribulations to getting there.
Background of World Heritage Inscription
Vol.9
Conserve and Use: Pioneering New Approaches for Operational Heritage Assets
Director and Managing Executive Officer, Hanshin Expressway Company Limited
Member, Board of Directors, National Congress of Industrial Heritage
Vol.8
Applying Port and Harbor Act Provisions to Conserve Operating World Heritage Sites
Vice-Governor of Shizuoka Prefecture
Vol.7
The Choshu Five: Pioneers of Modernization and Hagi's Heritage of Trial and Error
Vol.6
The Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: The Roots of Japanese Craftsmanship and Industry
Chairman, Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd.
Vol.5
The Miike Area: How Coal Contributed to Japan's Modern Industrialization
Vol.4
The Meiji Industrial Revolution: A Story of Broad Vision and a Strong Sense of Mission to Undertake New Challenges for the Good of the Nation and its People
Deputy Director-General, Lifelong Learning Policy Bureau, MEXT
Former Counsellor, Cabinet Secretariat
Vol.3
From Kamaishi to Yawata: The Proud Heritage of Japan's Modern Iron Industry
Vol.2
Lord Nariakira Shimadzu's Shuseikan and the Efforts to Build a Strong and Affluent Nation
Member, Board of Directors, National Congress of Industrial Heritage Counselor, Shimadzu Limited
Vol.1
The Genesis of Japan's Rise as an Industrial Nation: Preserving the Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution for Future Generations
Chairman of the Consortium for the World Heritage Inscription of Modern Industrial Heritage (Kyushu-Yamaguchi) and governor of Kagoshima Prefecture (as of 2015)
