Ogimachi: Industrial History and Remembrance

Ogimachi can be explored through two distinct stories: the architectural and engineering history of an active industrial facility, and the remembrance at the Ogimachi Substitute Jizo. The opportunities to visit also differ: the head office is not generally open to the public, while the Jizo can be reached by bus from two stations. If you are planning a stay, this distinction can help you choose between an interest in industrial history and a specific destination to visit.

Industrial history: architecture and technical milestones

The head office of Showa Denko’s Kawasaki plant was built in 1931 as the head office of the then Showa Fertilizer Co., Ltd., a predecessor of Showa Denko. Today, the Kawasaki operation of Resonac Corporation uses the building. Because of the period in which it was built, its interior, and the involvement of a renowned construction contractor, it is considered one of the representative early Shōwa-era factory buildings in Kawasaki’s coastal industrial area.

Despite postwar renovations, stained glass, stair railings, and decorations on the wall parapet in the entrance area recall the original design. These features make the interior’s character tangible: its architectural significance lies not only in its age and former use as a head office, but also in the preserved design elements of the entrance area.

The technical history spans neighboring years. In 1930, a pioneering 1,250-horsepower compressor based on domestic technology was installed at Showa Denko’s Kawasaki plant (then Showa Fertilizer); it is still in operation but is not open to the public. In April 1931, Japan’s first factory for domestically produced ammonium sulfate was built in Ogimachi. In the same month, ammonia was synthesized for the first time using domestic technology. Access to the industrial facility is limited to organized tours. Thus, a piece of technical equipment from 1930 and two industrial milestones from the following year stand side by side.

Remembrance at the Ogimachi Substitute Jizo

The Ogimachi Substitute Jizo was erected in memory of the victims of the 1945 Kawasaki air raid, after the remains of eight victims were discovered in 1970. A memorial ceremony is held there every year on July 25; its specific features and proceedings may vary. The history of remembrance thus runs from a historical event, through the later discovery of the remains, to an annually recurring date.

The Jizo is located at 12 Ogimachi, Kawasaki-ku. From Shōwa Station on the JR Tsurumi Line or JR Kawasaki Station, you can reach it by bus, getting off at the Shōwa-ekimae or Shōwa-Denkō-mae stop. Before traveling, check current bus connections and, if you plan to attend the memorial ceremony, the specific date and proceedings.

The timelines differ markedly: the industrial history milestones mentioned here are close together, in 1930 and 1931, while the 1945 air raid and the discovery in 1970 led to an annual day of remembrance at the Jizo. For planning your trip, this contrast can help you choose between an interest in industrial development and a visit centered on local remembrance. If children are traveling with you, the two topics can prompt different conversations about engineering history and remembrance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Miura, Kamakura, Hiratsuka, Ashigarashimo District, Isehara, Zushi, Kawasaki, Yokohama

For the higher-level travel overview: Kanagawa Prefecture.