Inheritance of technology(9)
Technology Transfer that Helped Modernize Japan: Government-Managed Yawata Steel Works
Yawata Steel Works began operations in 1901, contributed to the modernization of Japanese industry and became the cornerstone of the development of the industrial city of Kitakyushu. When it was built, Japan invited engineers from Germany to serve as advisers, and they transferred technology to Japan and trained Japanese personnel.
Extant buildings from the time of its establishment — the Former First Head Office, the Former Forge Shop and the Steel-Framed Repair Workshops — are part of the UNESCO World Heritage “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution,” which was registered in 2015.
The Steel-Framed Repair Workshops, which are said to be the oldest steel-framed buildings in Japan, still have steel materials bearing the roll mark of a German iron-and-steel maker.
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Yawata Steel Works Former Office Viewing Space
Facilities related to Yawata Steel Works are not open to the public, but with its registration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a space was created where visitors can view the Former First Head Office.
A virtual reality guide system launched in 2018. You’ll be able to “tour” the inside of the head office with the sensation of actually walking through it and feel like you went back in time 100 years.
Location: 5 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi
PH: 093-582-2922 (Kitakyushu City World Heritage Division)
Website: Kitakyushu City (Japanese only)
http://www.city.kitakyushu.lg.jp/soumu/01901014.html
Closed: Mondays (on the following day if a public holiday)
Dec 29 to Jan 3
Admission: Free
Transportation: 10 min walk from JR Space World Station
Approx. 3 min from Kitakyushu Urban Expressway Edamitsu Exit
Parking: Available (free)