PEOPLE

Shiota　The Shuseikan project began with the production of iron, based on a book by Huguenin that came from the West, but there are remains of iron manufacturing in Chiran as proof that there was actually an earlier stage. Unlike the Tatara ironworks in the town of Okuizumo-cho, I have heard that iron was made at a place where water flowed from a stream. First of all, the idea of making iron was born due to Kagoshima having an environment where there is iron sand in the Kawajiri Beach area, and that is where Huguenin’s book and local techniques for making Satsuma porcelain and bricks came together. That is how the Shuseikan project was started.

Kato　I see.

Shiota　After Lord Nariakira passed away, Takato Oshima built Japan's first Western-style blast furnace, the “Ohashi Blast Furnace,” in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, and succeeded in tapping molten pig iron by smelting iron ore, and the Yawata Steel Works was completed in the year of Takato Oshima's death.

Kato　In other words, you are saying iron did not start in Kamaishi, but in Kagoshima.

Shiota　In any case, the fact remains that Japan's industry achieved wonderful development at the end of the Edo period, and I, with my strong love for Kagoshima, would like to emphasize this point.

Kato　　When I read your column, which is full of love for Kagoshima, and learned that you are, in fact, from Kagoshima, I was convinced that you would understand the World Heritage registration of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.”

Shiota　I see.

Kato　The problem was that it was an unprecedented attempt in Japan to register serial nominations and scattered heritage sites as a World Heritage Site, which was difficult to understand. Then there is the fact that there is one World Heritage value for 23 properties in 8 prefectures and 11 cities, which is complicated for the people in each municipality. It is not possible to complete the project only in the area under your jurisdiction, and I think this was one of the reasons for the difficulties that came with it. I am very encouraged and sincerely grateful to Governor Shiota for his understanding.

The DNA of Vitality that Lives on in the People of Satsuma

Shiota　After serving as head of the Iron and Steel Division, he moved to the Chugoku Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, where he was assigned to Hiroshima Prefecture. During this time, I had the opportunity to meet the mayor of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture and other people from the areas nominated as component parts of the industrial heritage, and we sometimes talked about the registration of World Heritage.　　　　

Kato　In what year were you appointed Director for Regional Economic Policy of the Economic and Industrial Policy Bureau?

Shiota　It is 2013. From there, I had to deal with various issues as the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution” aim to be a World Heritage Site in a form unparalleled in Japan, which includes operating parts such as the 'Mitsubishi Nagasaki Shipyard', the ‘Imperial Steel Works, Japan' and the 'Miike Harbor.'

Kato　 Many things happened on the road to World Heritage listing, but the biggest obstacle that stood in the way was the issue of the Cultural Properties Protection Law. The Agency for Cultural Affairs refused to budge on the grounds that applying the law to operational assets would affect the economic activities of companies. On the contrary, it was pushed aside as out of the question. In the end, we were able to overcome the barriers by creating a new framework through regulatory reform, but how did Governor Shiota feel about the trend from regulatory reform to creating a new framework?

Shiota　I think it was a good decision in terms of making use of the value within such a framework rather than rigidly adhering to the Cultural Properties Protection Law.

Kato　It probably would not have reached the point of smooth registration if only the Agency for Cultural Affairs had recommended it. It was precisely due to the fact that a new framework was first created by the Secretariat that all ministries and agencies, as well as the private sector, participated in the process. Without that power, I do not think we would have been able to achieve World Heritage registration. Thank you very much, Governor Shiota, for playing a central role in the Cabinet Secretariat and backing us up.

Shiota　 No, no. I think we were able to pave the way thanks to how Ms. Kato never budged an inch and her tireless efforts.

Kato　 I am much obliged to you. But I still cannot help but be thankful that a secretariat to the Council of Kagoshima was able to pull together the various municipalities that had different ideas. I was also keenly aware that the people of Satsuma have boldness. The DNA of the people of the Meiji era, with their vitality, has been firmly inherited and is still firmly alive today.

Shiota　I believe that Mr. Ito, who was Governor of Kagoshima Prefecture at the time, was such a person.

Kato　 It is true that Mr. Ito also showed vitality, but at the same time, Governor Shiota and the people of Kagoshima had the patience to lead the other local authorities. It is not easy to combine boldness and fortitude. If you ask if the same could be done in any other region in Japan, I honestly think it would have been difficult. We were lucky to be able to work with the people of Satsuma, who have strong convictions and have protected the southern gateway to the city.

Shiota　I am glad to hear you say so.