Ogimachi: Industrial History and Remembrance

Ogimachi can be explored through two distinct themes: the history of the Kawasaki Works and remembrance at the Ogimachi Substitute Jizo. This distinction is useful when planning a stay: the history of the works focuses on industrial development and architecture, while the Jizo is a place of remembrance for the victims of the air raid on Kawasaki.

Industrial History and Architecture

The main office of the Kawasaki Works of Showa Denko was built in 1931 as the main office of the then Showa Fertilizer Co., Ltd., the predecessor of Showa Denko. In April 1931, the first factory in Japan to produce domestically made ammonium sulfate was built in Ōgimachi; in the same month, ammonia was synthesized for the first time using domestic technology. Another milestone dates back a year earlier: the 1,250-horsepower compressor was installed at the Kawasaki Works of Showa Denko, then Showa Fertilizer, in 1930. This pioneering device, based on domestic technology, is still in operation there, but is not open to the public. These milestones represent different aspects of industrial history: the company headquarters, the production of ammonium sulfate, and the first synthesis of ammonia using domestic technology. The chronology is precise: 1930 marks the installation of the compressor; 1931 marks the construction of the office and the developments noted in April.

The main office is considered one of the representative factory buildings of the early Shōwa era in Kawasaki's coastal industrial area, due to its period of construction, interior features, and the involvement of a prominent building contractor. Despite postwar renovations, the stained glass, stair railing, and decorations on the wall balustrade in the entrance area recall the design of the time. The interior features provide a concrete link between the architectural assessment and the preserved details. At the same time, the main office is still used by Resonac Corporation's Kawasaki plant. It is located on an active factory site and is not generally open to the public.

Remembrance at the Ogimachi Substitute Jizo

The Ogimachi Substitute Jizo is located at 12 Ōgimachi, Kawasaki-ku. It was erected to commemorate the victims of the 1945 air raid on Kawasaki, after the remains of eight victims were discovered in 1970. The two years have different roles: 1945 marks the air raid, while 1970 marks the discovery that led to the Jizo's erection. This places the memorial's historical context in time without conflating the event with the reason for its erection.

A memorial service is held at the Jizo every year on July 25. If you would like to plan your stay around this date, check the dates and arrangements for the current year in advance, as the specific arrangements may vary.

Getting to the Jizo

You can reach the Ogimachi Substitute Jizo from Shōwa Station on the JR Tsurumi Line or JR Kawasaki Station by bus, getting off at either Shōwa-ekimae or Shōwa-Denkō-mae. Which starting point is right for you depends on which station you are departing from. Check the latest bus service before you travel, especially if you plan to combine your visit with the memorial service.

Discover more destinations: Hiratsuka, Miura, Hayama, Yokohama, Naka District, Iwa, Isehara, Hadano

For the wider travel overview: Kanagawa Prefecture.