Cultural Japan

Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution

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Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution by Carlo Sarion
Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution by Carlo Sarion 2

The 'Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining' are industrial heritage sites that reflect Japan’s rapid industrialisation between 1853 and 1912.

The success in the field of heavy industry was based on the adaptation of Western technology and further local innovation to meet specific Japanese needs. The 23 locations, mostly in southwest Japan, include shipyards, mines, and furnaces, but also public and residential buildings in a mix of Japanese and European architectural styles.

Community Perspective: Glover House in Nagasaki is the easiest location to access, while Gunkanjima (a.k.a. Battleship Island) may be the strongest. Locations covered include Town of Hagi (Els), Shuseikan (Frederik), Gunkanjima (Frederik, Anthony, Michael, Daniel), and Nirayama Reverbatory Furnace (Alexander, Hubert).

Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining (ID: 1484)
Country
Japan
Status
Inscribed 2015 Site history
History of Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution
2015: Name change
From "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Kyushu-Yamaguchi and Related Areas" in nomination to ""Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining" at inscription
2015: Inscribed
Inscribed
Type
Cultural
Criteria
  • ii
  • iv
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
Official
Related
All Links
UNESCO.org
Official Website
Related Resources
News Article
  • 6 Jul 2025 english.kyodonews.net — Preservation woes hit Japan industrial revolution UNESCO site
  • 25 Jun 2020 koreaherald.com — S. Korea calls on UNESCO to mull canceling Japanese industrial sites' World Heritage designation
  • 3 Jul 2019 asahi.com — Rain-triggered landslide buries part of the Terayama Charcoal Kiln
  • 25 Jul 2017 koreatimes.co.kr — Japan refuses to address slave labor at UNESCO site
  • 20 Sep 2015 ajw.asahi.com — New Museum brings to life the heyday of Nagasaki’s 'Battleship Island'
  • 12 Jul 2015 japantimes.co.jp — Tourists flock to Japan’s new UNESCO heritage sites

Community Information

  • Community Category
  • Secular structure: Factories and industry
Travel Information
Tokyo Hotspot
Tokyo Hotspot
Mishima : 53m by train
Kagoshima Hotspot
Kagoshima Hotspot
Various components lie outside the Kagoshima city centre
Hiroshima Hotspot
Hiroshima Hotspot
Hagi - 2.5h by train and bus
Recent Connections
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Connections of Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution
News
english.kyodonews.net 06/07/2025
Preservation woes hit Japan indust…
koreaherald.com 25/06/2020
S. Korea calls on UNESCO to mull c…
asahi.com 03/07/2019
Rain-triggered landslide buries pa…

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