すみだを学ぶLearn about Sumida

Introduction

Let's learn about the industries of Sumida. The area where TOKYO SKYTREE stands was formerly known as Koume-Kawaramachi, within Honjo. It is said that it was called Kawaramachi because the production of roof tiles (kawara) was thriving there. In addition to tile makers, various other craftsmen lived there, and a Tradition of craftsmanship was nurtured. The history of Tobu Railway, the owner of TOKYO SKYTREE, began on April 1, 1902 (Meiji 35), when the Tobu Isesaki Line was extended from Kita-Senju and "Azuma-bashi Bridge Station (now TOKYO SKYTREE Station)" was opened. In 1904, with the opening of the Kameido Line (between Hikifune and Kameido), train service temporarily ceased. However, it reopened in 1908 as a freight station. In 1910, it was renamed "Asakusa Station" and reopened as a passenger station to transport people. At that time, freight transported by rail to Oshiage Station (now TOKYO SKYTREE Station) was transferred to boats here and then shipped widely throughout the country via the Kita-Jikken River, Sumida River River, and Nakagawa River. The current Asakusa Station opened in 1931. Until its name was changed to "Narihirabashi Station (now TOKYO SKYTREE Station)," it was used as the passenger terminal for the Tobu Isesaki Line, and thereafter, it played a long role as a logistics terminal until freight handling was discontinued in 1993. For over a century since its opening, "Narihirabashi Station (now TOKYO SKYTREE Station)" has played a historical role as a link between culture and industry, where people and goods are brought in and taken out. Now, let's take a look at the industries of Sumida, a region that continues to thrive in manufacturing.

During the Meiji era, numerous factories of various sizes were built along the Sumida River. This was because the Sumida River provided an excellent waterway for transporting goods. Additionally, industries such as leatherworking and dyeing had existed in the area since the Edo period, making it easier to attract workers. The area became a production center for many products, including knitwear, shoes, bags, celluloid, leather, glass, matches, soap, umbrellas, and Beer, and manufacturing continues there today. Here are some examples of manufacturing in the Sumida River basin during the Meiji era.

Ready-mix concrete

Standing in a corner of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN is the "Monument Commemorating the Origin of Ready-Mix Concrete Plants." This monument was erected in 1949 to commemorate Japan's first ready-mix concrete plant, established within the grounds of the former Oshiage Station (now TOKYO SKYTREE Station) of the Tobu Railway in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. Ready-mix concrete rapidly spread, mainly in road and railway construction, due to its simplicity and low construction costs compared to previous methods, and supported Japan's period of rapid economic growth. This monument serves as a reminder of the support that this place provided for Japanese industry.

Matches

Honjo, located south of TOKYO SKYTREE, is the site of Japan's first full-fledged match factory. After returning to Japan, Makoto Shimizu, who had studied match manufacturing in France, established a temporary factory in Shiba Mita Shikoku-cho, Tokyo (present-day Shiba, Minato-ku) in 1875 and began manufacturing matches.

soap

Thanks to the efforts of the Meiji government, soap production began in various regions, one of which was around Honjo and Mukojima. Kametaro Murata, a master soap maker, taught soap-making techniques to Kao (then Kao Soap) and Lion, and this tradition continues to this day.

Textile industry

The golden sculpture on the Skytree was originally inscribed with the characters for "Bell Abyss." This area has long been known for the sound of bells. It is said that these sounds were the whistles of ships traveling on the Sumida River and the bells of nearby temples.

Beer

The golden sculpture sits atop the headquarters of Asahi Group Holdings, which includes Asahi Beer, and represents Asahi Beer's burning spirit. Beer production in Japan began after the Meiji era. In 1897 (Meiji 30), Asahi Beer(then Osaka Beer), Kirin Beer(then Japan Brewery), Sapporo Beer(then Sapporo Beer), and Yebisu Beer(then Nippon Beer) began fierce competition in sales. Amidst this, Osaka Beer, Sapporo Beer, and Nippon Beer formed a single company called Dai Nippon Beer, built a factory around where the golden sculpture is now, and that is the origin of today's Asahi Beer.

clock

Do you know what manufacturer makes the clocks in school classrooms?
Many people would probably say, "SEIKO!" The Seikosha, the predecessor of the current Seiko, was located in Honjo, at the foot of the TOKYO SKYTREE. A factory that manufactured wall clocks was established there in 1892. The factory had a clock tower, which was a landmark of Kinshicho and was loved by many people until it was dismantled in 2002.

Tobacco

Currently, there is one company in Japan that is allowed to manufacture tobacco: JT (Japan Tobacco Inc.). In 1904, when tobacco became a government monopoly (where the government controlled production, distribution, and sales to increase its financial revenue), JT took over the manufacturing plants of companies such as Murai Brothers Trading Company and Otani Trading Company, which were producing tobacco in Tokyo at the time, and also built factories in Asakusa and Kuramae.

Old Kokugikan

The former Kokugikan (National Sumo Arena) was built on the grounds of Eko-in Temple in Ryogoku in 1909, as sumo tournaments had been held there since 1833. At the time, it was a dome-shaped building with a capacity of 13,000 people. After the war, it was requisitioned by the American occupation forces and called the Memorial Hall.

Other Information

The former Kokugikan (National Sumo Arena) was built on the grounds of Eko-in Temple in Ryogoku in 1909, as sumo tournaments had been held there since 1833. At the time, it was a dome-shaped building with a capacity of 13,000 people. After the war, it was requisitioned by the American occupation forces and called the Memorial Hall.