About

―The Industrial Revolution in the North "Coal and Iron Port" What is―

Vast land and rich nature. When you think of Hokkaido's industries, you probably think of agriculture, fishing, and forestry.
In the early Meiji period, Ezo was renamed and the newly named ""Hokkaido"" experienced rapid growth, with its population increasing 100-fold in the 100 years leading up to the high economic growth period of the Showa period.
In fact, the industry at the core of this growth was the energy resource called coal. The story of the Northern Industrial Revolution ""Coal, Steel, and Port"" is a history that unfolded around the ""coal mines"" of Sorachi, the ""steel"" of Muroran, the ""port"" of Otaru, and the ""railway"" that connects them.
Hokkaido has developed greatly, driven by these three cities (Sorachi, Muroran, and Otaru), which are located within a 100km radius and became the foundation for building modern Hokkaido. Coal mining heritage, factory landscapes, port and railway facilities still exist as cultural assets and heritage that trace the history, and tell visitors about the undiscovered charms of Hokkaido.