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Hashima Island, located in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, is a small island that once flourished as a coal mine. Its unique appearance has earned it the nickname “Gunkanjima” (Battleship Island). Now uninhabited, the decaying buildings exude a unique beauty. This article delves into the depths of Hashima, exploring its history and the beauty of its ruins.
The history of Hashima began in 1810 with the discovery of coal. When Mitsubishi acquired the island in 1890 and began full-scale coal mining development, the population soared. At its peak, more than 5,000 people lived on the small island. High-rise apartments were built, and facilities such as schools, hospitals, and shops were established, making it look like a city floating on the sea. In the 1960s, Hashima became the most densely populated place in the world, with living conditions that were astounding.
However, in the 1970s, as energy sources shifted from coal to oil, the coal mining industry began to decline. Hashima’s coal mines were closed in 1974, and all residents were evacuated. The island then became uninhabited, and the buildings gradually fell into ruin. However, it is this very state of decay that now attracts tourists to Hashima.
One of the most compelling aspects of Hashima is its seascape. A 30-40 minute boat ride from Nagasaki Port brings you closer to the island, where its distinctive silhouette comes into view.
From the outside, Hashima looks like a battleship floating on the sea, hence the name “Gunkanjima.” As you approach, the concrete buildings become evident, and their overwhelming presence is striking.
The entire island is covered in concrete, resembling a fortress.
The sight of high-rise apartments with crumbling exteriors and broken windows evokes the passage of time and the beauty of ruins.
Especially the central area, where high-rise apartments are densely packed, speaks to the island’s former prosperity. The sight of these buildings lined up is a miniature cityscape, leaving a powerful impression on visitors.
One of the most striking buildings on Hashima is the Hashima Elementary and Junior High School. Completed in 1958, this school was a place of learning for the children living on the island. Although it is no longer accessible, its exterior still hints at its past.
Hashima Elementary and Junior High School was established for the children of coal miners. Opened in 1927, it became an important educational facility for the island’s residents. The school grew with the prosperity of the coal mine, and at its peak, hundreds of students attended. It was not only a place of learning but also a central part of the community.
When the coal mine closed in 1974 and the island was abandoned, the school was also shut down. Today, the school building is exposed to the elements and has become a ruin. Broken windows and overgrown classrooms tell of a time long gone, yet there is a certain beauty in the decay.
The Executive Staff Building 3, completed in 1916, was Japan’s first reinforced concrete high-rise residence. Built by Mitsubishi, it was used as housing for the senior staff of the Mitsubishi Takashima Coal Mine.
As housing for the senior staff, it was the only apartment on the island with private baths (miners’ apartments had no baths, and all residents used public baths). Located at the highest point in the center of the island, it was considered the most luxurious property at the time.
Today, Building 3 has become a ruin after many years of abandonment. The exterior walls, exposed to the elements, have crumbled, and the interior is in disrepair. However, its decayed state exudes a beauty that speaks of the passage of time.
The Second Shaft, a central facility that supported Hashima’s industry, was dug in 1925 and is located in the southwest of the island. With a depth reaching 400 meters underground, it was used for coal mining for many years.
The Second Shaft was the primary entrance for coal miners to access the underground mines. Completed in 1916, it was constructed using the latest technology of the time. The shaft reached a depth of 400 meters, connecting to the extensive underground coal mines. Every day, many workers descended into the mines through this shaft to extract coal.
The underground mines accessed through the Second Shaft were known to be extremely harsh environments. The high-temperature, high-humidity conditions made the work physically and mentally challenging. Workers risked their lives navigating the narrow tunnels to extract coal, supporting their daily lives. This shaft is a symbol of their hardships and efforts.
Around the shaft, the remains of the resting place for miners can still be seen. These buildings were used for breaks and work meetings during coal mining. The breaths of the miners can still be felt today.
The Hashima Coal Mine General Office was a facility for the efficient operation and management of the island’s coal industry. This office handled various tasks necessary for coal mine operations, including managing workers, ensuring safety, and procuring supplies.
The General Office housed executives and technicians who carried out daily operations. They worked closely with field workers to maximize production efficiency. Meetings on management strategies and labor conditions were held in the conference rooms, where many decisions were made. The presence of the office was a significant factor directly affecting the lives and working conditions of the workers.
Crumbling bricks evoke the passage of time. This is the only colored ruin on the island, standing out in the gray world and evoking a sense of melancholy.
Building 30, completed in 1916, is a reinforced concrete apartment building. This 14-story high-rise residence was constructed to house the increasing number of coal miners and their families. The apartments were equipped with the latest facilities, including electricity and running water, providing a comfortable living environment for residents.
Now uninhabited, Building 30 has become a ruin. Its exterior, exposed to the elements, is dilapidated, but its grand structure still exudes an overwhelming presence, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
Hashima can be seen as a place that encapsulates the history of Japan’s modernization. It was a site that supported Japan’s industrial revolution through coal mining and a living space for workers. The remaining buildings on the island demonstrate the high level of technology of the time and remind us of the people who worked in harsh conditions.
Hashima’s history is like a mirror reflecting the light and shadows of Japan’s modernization. While there is the light of industrial development and technological innovation, there is also the shadow of the workers’ hardships and the decline of the industry due to the emergence of oil as a new resource. By looking at both aspects, we can understand the path of Japan’s modernization.
Today, Hashima is a popular tourist destination. The ruins on this now-uninhabited island exude a unique beauty that evokes the passage of time and the power of nature. Visitors can find traces of the life and industry that once thrived here within the decayed landscape.
Hashima is an important heritage site that tells the story of Japan’s modernization. We must pass on the historical value and beauty of this island to future generations. Nagasaki City is working to register Hashima as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, striving to preserve and protect it. Visitors are encouraged to learn about the history, understand its value, and cooperate in preservation efforts.
Visiting Hashima and understanding its existence helps us comprehend Japan’s history and contemplate the future. While feeling the weight of time etched on the island, why not experience the charm of Hashima?
