[Akita Prefecture] Kosaka Town: A town that takes you back to the Meiji era. Cultural heritage left behind by the Kosaka Mine

Kosaka Townis located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Aomori Prefecture. The Tohoku Expressway and National Route 282 run through the center of the town.

National Route 282 was formerlythe Tsugaru Road(a different road from the one mentioned in the song),the Nanbu Road,the Kazuno Road,the Nigorigawa Road, and was an important route connecting the Oshu Road and the Hirosaki Domain (Mutsu Province/Tsugaru Domain/Aomori Prefecture). It is also a mountainous town where about a quarter of Lake Towada's shoreline is located.

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Kosaka, which developed greatly with the discovery of the Kosaka Mine

Promising mines have been discovered near Kosaka Town since around the Edo period, and there seem to have been constant disputes over the borders with the neighboring domains of Nanbu Domain (Mutsu Province, Fukushima Prefecture, Aomori Prefecture, Miyagi Prefecture), Kubota Domain (Dewa Province/Akita Domain/Akita Prefecture), and Hirosaki Domain

Kosaka belonged to the Nanbu domain, andthe Kosaka Minethe town developed significantly thanks to

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In the Meiji era, it was incorporated into Akita Prefecture

During the Boshin War (1868-1869), which broke out as the Edo period gave way to the Meiji era, the Nanbu clan, which was on the side of the former shogunate, attacked the Kubota clan, which had defected to the new government. Both clans suffered heavy casualties in this battle. The Boshin War ended with a victory for the new government forces, and Kazuno County, including Kosaka, was incorporated into Akita Prefecture

Kosaka Mine was also taken away from the management of the Nanbu clan and came under the direct control of the Meiji government. In 1884 (Meiji 17), it was sold to a private company and continued to develop

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Kosaka Mine, which grew into one of Japan's leading copper mines under the Fujita Group

which was entrusted with the management, the Fujita Group (now DOWA Holdings/formerly Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.)of the mine by the Meiji government, modernized the mine and introduced the latest smelting technology. By 1907 (Meiji 40), it had become the mine with the highest production volume in Japan. It is said that the amount produced was more than eight times the total revenue of Akita Prefecture at the time.

The Fujita family, the founding family of Fujitagumi, were businessmen who moved from Hagi in the Choshu domain (Yamaguchi Prefecture) to Osaka at the end of the Edo period, and were involved in mining management in Ehime, Shimane, Iwate, Okayama, and other areas, including Kosaka Mine

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Fusanosuke Kuhara, who laid the foundation for the modernization of Kosaka Mine

The Fujita Group had two outstanding managers. One wasFusanosuke Kuhara (1869-1965), a relative of the Fujita family, who joined the Fujita Group in 1891. To revive the Kosaka Mine, which was in financial trouble when he joined the company, Kuhara dedicated himself to developing new smelting technology for black ore (a complex ore containing copper and lead). In 1900 (Meiji 33), at the age of 31, he became the mine manager and, with the success of his new technology, brought a new light to the Kosaka Mine.

Fusanosuke prioritized not only technology but also employee welfare and contributions to the local community. He established a post office and fire brigade within the mine and built a power plant for the mine. In addition, the"Kosaka Library,", and a scholarship foundation was also created at the mine.

In 1905 (Meiji 38), a three-story wooden Renaissance-style mine office (Kosaka Mine Office/Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property) was completed as a symbol of the Kosaka Mine

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After leaving Fujitagumi, Kuhara Fusanosuke became active as a member of parliament

In 1905 (Meiji 38), Fusanosuke left the Fujita Group due to a family succession dispute within the Fujita family, and the position of director of the Kosaka Mine was taken over byFujita Denzaburo (1841-1912),.

After leaving Fujitagumi, Kuhara Fusanosuke purchased a mine in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and founded Hitachi Mining. Fusanosuke was well-liked, and many talented people from Kosaka Mine followed him. Among them was electrical engineer Odaira Namihei (1874-1951), who 15 years later founded Hitachi, Ltd. After World War I, Fusanosuke entered politics, becoming a member of the House of Representatives and serving as president of the Rikken Seiyukai party. After World War II, he continued to serve as a member of the House of Representatives, working hard to restore relations between Japan, China, and the Soviet Union (see: Portraits of Modern Japanese People, National Diet Library)

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Denzaburo Fujita, who established welfare programs, education, infrastructure, and even urban planning

Denzaburo Fujita, who took full responsibility for the management of Kosaka Mine, not only inherited the philosophy of Fusanosuke Kuhara and expanded the mine, but also developed Kosaka into the second most populous town in Akita Prefecture. Denzaburo's reforms covered a wide range of issues, from improving employee treatment and hygiene to issues within the mine itself, including expanding the elementary school, opening a kindergarten called "Miso Mariaen," and donating educational supplies. He also focused on improving the town's infrastructure, building a shopping district and entertainment district through urban planning, laying a water supply, improving roads, laying a railway between Odate and Kosaka, and opening a general hospital that was said to be the best in Akita Prefecture at the time

The company also focused on employee welfare,the Korakukan theater (a nationally designated important cultural property). The Korakukan hosted Kabuki, plays, and concerts, becoming a source of great enjoyment for employees, their families, and local residents. (Reference: Mining Management and Management Principles - The Case of the Kosaka Mine at Fujita-gumi (1884-1925), by Kiyomi Takahashi, Management Essays)

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Closure of Kosaka Mine and abolition of Kosaka Railway

Due to the depletion of ore, Kosaka Mine was closed in 1990. Furthermore, passenger service on the Kosaka Railway was suspended in 1994, and the Kosaka Railway was abolished in 2009

Although mining of minerals is no longer carried out at Kosaka Mine, the company continues to exist under the name Kosaka Smelting Co., Ltd. Recently, it has expanded its activities as the world's largest recycling smelter, extracting around 20 types of metals, including gold, silver, copper, and lead, from home appliances and other items

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Kosaka Town has made a comeback as a tourist destination with the development of Meiji Centennial Street

Kosaka Town had become quite deserted, but a plan was launched to use the remaining heritage of the Kosaka Mine to develop the town. The first step was a large-scale renovation of the Korakukan theater in 1985 (Showa 60). The following year, the Korakukan, which had been closed, was reopened

From 1990 (Heisei 2), over a period of five years, the road in front of the "Korakukan" was renovated into a street with cobblestones, brickwork, and gas lamp-style streetlights, creating a street that exudes the atmosphere of the Meiji era. This streetMeiji Hyakunen-doriStreet). In 2001 (Heisei 13), the former Kosaka Mine Office was relocated and restored along Meiji Hyakunen-dori.

Meiji Centennial Street <Information>

• Name: Meiji Centennial Street
• Location: Kosaka Mine, Kosaka Town, Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture
• access:
  • By train: Take the Shuhoku Bus from Odate Station on the JR Ou Main Line, or take the Shuhoku Bus bound for Kosakamachi from Kazuno Hanawa Station or Towada Minami Station on the JR Hanawa Line
  • By car: Approximately 4 minutes from Kosaka IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Google Map

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Korakukan, a playhouse that has been in operation since the Meiji era

Korakukan is a wooden playhouse that was built in 1910 (Meiji 43) as a welfare facility for the Kosaka Mine, and in 1986 (Showa 61) it resumed hosting public performances after a temporary halt

As the central facility of Meiji Centennial Street, it hosts regular plays, revue performances, and Shochiku Grand Kabuki performances from late April to early November. You can tour the interior of the building. The building has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan

Korakukan＜Information＞

• Facility name: Meiji Era Playhouse Korakukan
• Location: Meiji Centennial Street
• Phone number: 0186-29-3732 (Korakukan)
• Admission fee:
• Regular play (including facility tour) / Adults (high school students and above) 2,500 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students) 1,250 yen
• Shochiku Grand Kabuki: Separate fee (please inquire for dates and fees)
• Tour fee (guided): 700 yen per person
• Tour hours: 9:00-17:00
• Closed: New Year's holidays
• URL:Korakukan

Google Map

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Kosaka Mine Office, a nationally designated important cultural property

The Kosaka Mine Office was built in 1905 (Meiji 38) and moved from the Kosaka Mine site to Meiji Centennial Street and restored in 2001 (Heisei 13). The building is a large, three-story wooden structure with rooms continuing to the back, and its gorgeous European Renaissance-style exterior gives an idea of ​​the prosperity of the Kosaka Mine

The building is open to the public, and the third floor is a museum showcasing the Kosaka Mine facilities from the Meiji period. The building is a nationally designated important cultural property and a heritage site for modern industrial development

Kosaka Mine Office <Information>

• Facility name: Kosaka Mine Office
• Location: Meiji Centennial Street
• Phone number: 0186-29-5522 (Kosaka Mine Office)
• Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
• Admission fee: Adults 380 yen, Children 200 yen
• Closed: New Year's holidays
• URL:Kosaka Mine Office

Google Map

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"Miyazono Maria Garden," an early childhood education facility established by Kosaka Mine

Maria Garden is a Catholic early childhood education facility established in 1932 (Showa 7) for Kosaka Mine employees, and is located along Meiji Centennial Street. The building has now been restored to its original state and is used as the "Angel Hall" for local meetings and exchanges. It is open to the public and is a nationally registered tangible cultural property

Maria Garden <Information>

• Facility name: Multipurpose hall "Tenshikan" (Miyazono Maria Garden)
• Location: Meiji Centennial Street
• Phone number: 0186-29-5522 (Kosaka Mine Office)
• Free admission

Google Map

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The Red Brick Club was originally the Kosaka Mine power distribution station

The Red Brick Club was originally built in 1904 (Meiji 37) as a power distribution station (formerly the power station of the Kosaka Mine Engineering Department) that supplied electricity, and was relocated and restored to the International Exchange Plaza between the Kosaka Mine Office and Korakukan on Meiji Centennial Street. The building has a distinctive timber-framed brick structure with a wooden frame and brick walls, similar to the Tomioka Silk Mill (a World Heritage Site and National Treasure in Tomioka City, Gunma Prefecture). It is currently used as a cafe. The Red Brick Club is a nationally registered tangible cultural property

Akarenga Club <Information>

• Facility name: Kosakamachi Red Brick Lively Hall "Red Brick Club"
• Location: Meiji Centennial Street
• Phone number: 0186-25-8225 (Red Brick Club)
• Business hours: 10:00-16:00
• Closed: Thursdays, closed during winter
• URL:Red Brick Club

Google Map

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Kosaka Railway Rail Park: A railway world built on the abandoned tracks of the former Kosaka Railway

Kosaka Railway Rail Park is a railway theme park built on the site of the former Kosaka Railway's Kosaka Station. It features the original station building (former Kosaka Railway main building) and platform (both nationally registered tangible cultural properties) from when the line first opened in 1909, as well as existing facilities such as a locomotive shed (nationally registered tangible cultural property) and siding built in 1962 (Showa 37). The park exhibits include the DD130 diesel locomotive, Blue Train Akebono, a snowplow, and the No. 11 steam locomotive, all of which were active on the Kosaka Railway. Experiences like rail bikes and a sightseeing trolley ride along the abandoned railway line are also popular with families and railway enthusiasts

As of 2023, accommodation on the Blue Train Akebono is suspended due to vehicle maintenance. Preparations are underway for reopening in the spring of 2024. Crowdfunding is also planned using the hometown tax system (please inquire for details)

Kosaka Railway Rail Park <Information>

• Facility name: Kosaka Railway Rail Park
• Address: 20-9 Kosaka Mine, Kosaka Town, Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture
• Phone number: 0186-25-8890
• Opening period: April 1st to November 23rd
• Business hours: 9:00-17:00 (last entrance 16:30)
• Ride suspension days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays (excluding public holidays)
• Admission fee: Adults 600 yen, children 300 yen, infants free (only when accompanied by a parent)
• Please refer to the official website or inquire for details regarding experience fees, opening days, and ride suspension days
• URL:Kosaka Railway Rail Park

Google Map

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The remains of the Kosaka Mine Hospital, which was the largest general hospital in Akita Prefecture at the time of its construction

The Former Kosaka Mine Hospital Memorial Building is the only remaining structure of the Kosaka Mine Hospital, a general hospital that opened in 1908 (Meiji 41). The hospital was destroyed by fire in 1949 (Showa 24) and was later rebuilt, but this memorial building remains intact. It is a nationally registered tangible cultural property

Former Kosaka Mine Hospital Memorial Building <Information>

• Facility name: Former Kosaka Mine Hospital Memorial Building
• Address: 48-2 Kosaka Mine Furutate, Kosaka Town, Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture
• Phone number: 0186-29-5522 (Kosaka Mine Office)

Google Map

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