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Visit NTT History Center of Technology, Tokyo
投稿日: 3月 2, 2020 作成者: kunioigusa
― Looking for the roots of Japanese telecommunication and its technology development
Having keen interest to the recent development of information network , I
visited the "NTT History Center of Technology" (Museum) recently in Mitaka, Tokyo last month. The museum was established in 2000 aiming to show the current technology an its development process in Japan. Now it displays a number of historical materials and equipment related to the telecommunication services and technology.
The exhibition consists of "Tracing Development History" and "Searching Technology" corner, and the both are explaining how Japan has developed telecommunications, telephone services, and information equipment from the initial period until now. In particular, it focuses on the social impact in early days of telegraph and telephone systems, along with describing tele-graph/-phone mechanisms, technical background and functions of electronic
devices. The museum is proud of quite rich treasury collection and sophisticated explanation on the technology background. The following is my visit record at that time. However, due to the time constrain and my limited knowledge, I couldn't look much in the technology detail and mainly focused on the social background occurred in the historic process of Japan's telecommunications .
♣ Outline of the composition and contents of the NTT Museum
The visit course of the Museum could roughly divides into two parts. One is for " History" matter and the other is
"Technology" issues. The "History" course begins with anecdotes during the early days of telegraph and telephone development. It shows how they were initially introduced and how they could progress to the next stage of full-scale use of them since 1950s after the War period. Then the exhibition indicates the circumstances of technological innovation and diversification from the 1970s, and how the development has shifted to the digital technology from the 1980s and it describes
today's multimedia, mobile and internationalization of telecommunication. These series of contents provide the recognition of the fact how telecommunication technology made change the way of social life and business world in Japan.
"Technology" section involves lots of exhibits in it to indicate the technological evolution of switching equipment, transmission tools, computer related telemachines, communication infrastructure, optical transmission, mobile tools, image processing technology, and others. New products and equipment that marked a new stage of communication are abundantly lined up
in the exhibition, so you can really feel the social changes caused by telecommunication and the development of technology.
It is also fascinating we can see the mural paintings that depicts the many scenes
during the introduction of telegraph and telephone during the late Edo and Meiji periods at the special exhibition hall. It would be great that several functional models of communication machine are provided at the first floor as well so that beginner visitors are able to testify the principles of telecommunications and the basics of technology.
♣ Telecommunications development and society in the exhibition
Exhibits highlights the telecommunications technology and its impact on society through kind commentary on the devices that had emerged in the each era.
It has passed 150 years after the primitive telecommunication's equipment was first introduced to Japan in the middle of 19th century. , The advancement of telecommunication and its technologies are remarkable during this time. Their evolution can observe well by seeing the communication devices in the exhibition, such as from
simple telegraph tools to extensive telephone services, from manual switch devices to automated exchange machines, from analogue to digitization of communication machines, and advancing microwaves and optical fibers technology, spread of multimedia devices, and so on. This time, I mainly look at the exhibits from the historical perspectives of development in the Meiji era to the present days and try to focus it on the impact to society during this period.
First, let's introduce from the early stories and the appearance of the first equipment
♣ The exhibition of Japan's first telegraph and telephone
Large illustrations are decorated the wall of the basement floor which depicts the memorable scenes when telecommunication
equipment was first introduced in Japan and the situations that the technology was quickly disseminated in the Japanese society. The first picture is illustrating the scene of Edo government officials surrounding a new telegraph device that was brought by American Admiral Perry in 1854. This is the first critical moment when Japanese knew telegraph machine in history. It is said that from that period the newly born Meiji government became recognized the importance of telecommunications. And it was in 1868 when the
government took measures to establish telegraph system as an urgent matter. Then immediately the construction began between Tokyo and Yokohama, and the telegraph service was started in 1880. The museum exhibits a lot of photographs showing the early stage of devices like Morse Telegraph brought by Perry and the Breguet finger-type telegraph and others that were used in Japan in the initial stage.
As time passed, the telegraph systems had become to be greatly contributing to the modernization of Japanese society and industries as important tools seen in the railway development, shipment management, military operation, administrative and corporate communications. In addition, submarine cables made possible to begin overseas communication in the coming years.
On the other hand, telephone machine was invented in 1876 by an American engineer Graham Bell. But it was 1890 when first telephone service started between Tokyo and Yokohama in the Meiji period in Japan. It was said that the service charge was quite expensive at that time. In addition, the procedures of telephone exchanges were performed by the manual
switching system by telephone operator. However, the telephone service that allowed direct voice communication with remote locations was extremely valuable and it was said the applicants had flooded soon. At the museum, the actual "Material No. 1 telephone" and "Magnetic manual exchange board" are on display. It is quite interesting to see the wall illustration that is depicting the spread of telephone networks at the time.
♣ Toward the Japan's own technology in telecommunications
Since the Meiji era, telephone and telecommunication service were rapidly expanded in the Japan, but the technology dependence to foreign countries continued for quite long time. However, a number of challenges to seek
independent technologies were being underway even under his circumstances. In this period, some notable advancing results were achieved while digesting technology from foreign countries. For example, the development of unloaded transport systems, the improvement of advanced loading cables and loading coils
(1920), the development of photographic transmission equipment, T-type automatic exchanges, and the radars for military purpose. At the NTT museum, numerous products are displayed as typical exhibits. You can see there sophisticated loading cables, Fleming's two-pole vacuum tube, de Forest's three-pole vacuum tube, and many other examples of telephones.
♣ Telecommunications in the postwar growth period
It was the time in 1950s that real challenge of telecommunication businesses has started in the consumer market . First, "Denden Public Corporation" (1950), a NTT's predecessor, took initiatives in this movement. It focused on
expansion of the telephone network and improving services responding strong public demand at that time in Japan. Among them, the development of domestically produced "No. 4 telephone" device was noticeable. Until that time, from Kawabell type to the No. 3 type phones, all phone devices were just imitations of foreign products. But according to the explanation of the museum, the high-quality telephone products called No.4 NTT phone were first developed by Japanese hands at that time.
♣ Diversification of telecommunication since 1960
After the postwar economic growth period, Japan's telecommunication system and technology have entered a new development phase
along with changing economic situation and quality of social life. It has brought the broad range of changes in society, such as, the wide distribution of telephones, the evolution of switchboard from mechanical to electronic exchanges, the start of data communication services through computer networks, the emergence of automobiles and mobile phones, the development of various communication technologies, and such.
At the museum, many photographs and real goods are displayed showing the spread of public telephones, image transmission and facsimile, as well as indicating the start of mobile communication and electronic telephone exchange machines. All of them became essential tools for social life at that time. For example, D10 type automatic exchanges, various
function of telephones like push phones, data communication tools, early stage of phones, facsimile machines, etc. These items are illustrating the environment that the telecommunications network has deeply penetrated into the social and business world. It also can detect the fact that technology was rapidly progressing during this period both in world and Japan.
♣ The digital technology and multimedia (since the mid-1980s)
Looking at the history of the telecommunications business since the mid-1980s, the technology and service have been further revolutionized and deeply rooted in the society. The communication tools have also made a major shift from
the analog to the digital technology. As a result, various sound, video, and data was possible to transmit simultaneously through various telecommunication networks. Also, with the fast evolving mobile communications and spread of the Internet, the telecommunication went advancing to the new networking society. For example, the privatized NTT Co. (since in 1985) has introduced "Optical
transmission" method for aiming at dramatic increase of transmission capacity. Mobile communications that started with automobile phones, have significantly expanded during short time. And, the growing communication wireless networks have brought high speed and huge capacity of telecommunication being comparable to fixed-line networks. In addition, while the miniaturization of mobile
devices, the radio wave efficiency are remarkably advanced and the Internet communication network is expanding. It is during this period that satellite communication has become active.
At the museum, various optical electronics devices and equipment, multi-functional fixed phones and mobile phones, digital terminals compatible with ISDN, videophones, intranets, user equipment supporting multimedia environments, and engineering
test satellite ETS -Experimental models of VI are extensively displayed. In the business field, the machines from telex to computer communications, Japanese language OCR, voice synthesis technology, image communication and image information providing system are also exhibited in the museum.
♣ Today's Internet environment and communication world
With the spread of the Internet, the new communication system is now looked becoming reality in the broader world. Unfortunately exhibits in the museum didn't much refer to the recent advancement seemingly due to the nature of the historical
museum. Nevertheless, we can detect many achievement and directions that the Japanese telecommunication businesses are engaging in this field. For example, the introduction and development of OCN, voice communication and video distribution system using the Internet, "i-mode devices" that had previously marked a new era in telecommunication world, and several challenging activities
such as the operation of the IPv6 Internet networks and others. In terms of communication software, you can observe some facilities reflecting current changes in the telecommunication world, like developments of various system control programs, unique hierarchical architecture of information system, large-scale database, software on the production technology, etc.
Currently major
communication services have shifted from fixed-line telephone networks to wireless communication services, and even the basic platform of mobile communication have shifted from 3G or 4G to the 5G generation. In this situation, we are curious how NTT will cultivate the future telecommunications business by taking advantage of the vast technological assets that have been accumulated until now.
After visit
The telecommunications industry has now entered a new era of intense global competitions and changes. In the world of mobile devices, overseas manufacturers are leading the way in this field. Europe and the United States are now
increasingly dominant in international communication businesses. Many countries are also intensifying competition in satellite communications too. Under these circumstances, it is very much interesting what direction of development will go in the telecommunication business in Japan in terms of the business and technology. The NTT Museum has clarified the history of technological developments in Japan and visualized the implication regarding communication
technology in our social daily life. Although some difficulties to understand the technology background of machines and devices, but I could recognize to some extent about social significance of telecommunication world through observing the exhibition .
In the era of advancing mobile and Internet today, I felt that "History Museum"' gave me a precious chance to adventure into the telecommunication world and was possible to acknowledge the NTT's previous technology development footsteps.
NTT技術史料館HP: http://www.hct.ecl.ntt.co.jp/
NTT技術史料館 技術史のラウンジ hct.ecl.ntt.co.jp/floorguide/history_05.html
NTT技術史料館紹介: https://electrelic.com/electrelic/node/897
「ビジュアル版 日本の技術100年」(5) 通信・放送 (筑摩書房)
「通信の世紀」大野哲弥 (新潮選書)
「電気通信物語」城水基次郎 (オーム社)
電話機の歩み https://www.ntt-east.co.jp/databook/pdf/denwakinoayumi
固定電話の歴史: kogures.com/hitoshi/history/tushin-denwa/index.html
日本の電信の幕開けー江戸から明治― ITUジャーナル 46 No. 7(2016, 7)
プラットフォームサービスを巡る現状と課題(プラットフォームサービスに関する研究会 2018 Oct.18)
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Visit Tokyo Metro's Subway Museum
— Amazing subway network in Metropolitan Tokyo and its development
Tokyo's subway passengers are now swelling to more than 10 million a
day that is almost the same with the population of Tokyo. And the routes count over 13 lines with more than 130 stations. This might be noted for unprecedented scale in the world. The subway now became an indispensable commuting means and crucial public transportation for the people in Tokyo area. How these scales of subway network has been created and formed in history? With
this question, I visited Tokyo Metro's "Subway Museum" in Tokyo this month.
The museum is located just adjacent place to Kasai Station on the Tozai Subway Line. The museum which was founded in 1994 to introduce the development history of subway system in Japan, especially in Tokyo region. Now there now many real trains and railway equipment are exhibited aiming to publicize the activities of subway
network of past and present. For example, the technology advancement of railway vehicle and drive systems, excavation technology in the underground construction work, and railway running operation and management. In the exhibition, real vehicles, moving devices, interactive models and various diorama are abundantly used. New subway operation and equipment methods, as well as previous history on the subway can be learned through the direct observation there. The following is a rough introduction to the museum and development process subway network in Tokyo.
♣ The history of the subway that started in Tokyo
The plan of Subway construction in Tokyo was started in 1910s. It was said to begin as Tokutsugu Hayakawa, a businessman, realized the need to
provide of subway system in Tokyo as an essential urban transport after observing London's highly developed subway system. Afterward, he established "Tokyo Light Subway Co." in 1917 to move forward the beginning subway construction with his initiative under this thought. The plan had to inevitably face uncountable severe problems like financial and technology difficulties at the time of beginning. However, the construction itself could has been completed as the original plan after his tireless
endeavor. It was the first subway line constructed in Tokyo of operating in the route of 2.2km between Asakusa and Ueno in December 1927. Later, it was extended to Kanda and Ginza, and then to Shimbashi in 1939. This is the origin of the current Ginza Line. The real subway vehicle of being first operated in Tokyo is on display in the museum as a precious memorial asset, which is now designated as a "Japan's
Modernization Technology Heritage". The second subway in Tokyo was the Marunouchi Line, but the completion of it had to wait till the post-War period. This line was opened in 1954 between Ikebukuro and Ochanomizu of 6.4 km and eventually reached 27.4 km to Ogikubo station later. These two lines became the most convenient transport and
popular means for urban people in Tokyo until the 1960s in paralleled with the other ground railway networks. The museum exhibits the real vehicles of Ginza and Marunouchi lines side by side as memorial objects.
<Subway advancement after the postwar rapid economic growth>
Rapid economic growth in 1960s has vigorously promoted the movement of further expansion and improvements of subway network in Tokyo in order to respond strong demand for convenient urban transport, particularly in the wake of the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. The two operation bodies, "Eidan Subway Network" (now Tokyo Metro) and Tokyo Govt's "Toei Subway Network" have been responsible for this requirement at that time.
First, Eidan Subway Network constructed the following lines, such as the Hidaniya Line in 1961 (between Minamisenju and Okachimachi, later extended Kitasenju and Nakameguro), the Tozai Line in 1964 (originally Takadanobaba and Kudanshita, later between Nakano and Nishifunabashi), and the Chiyoda Line in 1969 (Initially Kitasenju-Otemachi, later Ayase-Yoyogi-Uehara), 1974 Yurakucho Line (between Ikebukuro and Ginza, later Wako-shi and
Shinkiba), 1977 Hanzomon Line (initial Shibuya-Futakotamagawa, later Shibuya-Oshiage) can be noticed.Toei subway Network has constructed several subway lines during this period, including the Asakusa Line (opened in 1960), the Mita Line (opened in 1968), the Shinjuku Line (opened in 1980), and the O-edo Line (opened in 1991).
The features of the newly constructed lines during this period were the actively create beneficial mutual service cooperation with
other ground lines (mutual entry line management) and facilitation of innovative vehicles in new designs and devices. They have also initiated further expansion of operation of railway lines. From the 1990s inward, the subway network was more expanded with opening new routes between the Namboku Line (opened between Komagome and Akabane in 1991) and the Fukutoshin Line between Ikebukuro and Shibuya in 2008.
At present, the Tokyo subway lines have reached a total length of 304 km and has 13 and 130 lines with marking the largest scale in the world. It would be amazing achievement that such bountiful subways lines
have been constructed during 90 years since the first subway was born in Tokyo. In addition, it has gained a great reputation that each of the lines work precisely in tandem and operates accurately in the designated time schedule. At the museum hall, a bronze statue of a pioneer Hayakawa is placed in commemoration and beside it a panel board describing history of development since the first challenge is on display there
♣ Evolution and transition of subway cars seen in the exhibition
In the museum, several representative subway vehicles are displayed in real figures or by models. The type of subway vehicles being operated in Tokyo was usually classified by digit numbers to identify
their style and features. The first subway Ginza line vehicle was named "1000 gata" type. This first vehicle of this Ginza line is exhibited in the museum using reproduction motif scene of Ueno Station. Visitors can examine this first type of vehicle with their own eyes there. This yellow body vehicle has characterized the rugged metal body, flame-retardant flooring, hanging drive system (spray type), automatic air brake, automatic door, punch type ATS
(Automatic stop). It is significant in terms of design and facility even it was the first challenging product of subway in Tokyo.
Next to it, the second Marunouchi line, 300 series 301 is also seen in the display. We can see the appearance of the vehicle being precisely the same figure at the time of
opening. In addition, the other 1938 Ginza Line 100 (No. 129) vehicle is provided at different corner to invite visitors to inspect the inside appearance, driving structure, pantograph movement, and control unit by their own eyes. The exhibit also shows the evolution of the structure and function of vehicles among the different types of cars used to work in the previous subway lines. According to the explanation, the carrying equipment was changing from the original bogie type to the steering bogies, the material was shifting from stainless steel to aluminum alloy, the driving method was also advanced from WN
coupling type to the direct drive motor, the control device was transformed to the electromagnetic chopper and VVVF converter, in addition, the current collecting method was also shifted to advanced pantographs. All these processes can be acknowledged in the technology information chart displayed in the exhibition hall with photographs and pictures. The recent development trend in linear motor was also introduced in the explanation board there.
♣ Underground excavation and its technology seen in the exhibition
The most essential technology in subway construction would be how successfully build underground tunnels in the safe and efficient manner.
The advancement of drilling methods and technologies are shown in detail in the exhibits. The excavation method is usually classified into two types. One is "opening ground method"' which excavates and constructs tunnel from the surface of the ground. The other type is the "shield underground method" which constructs underground tunnel by special drill
machines like ship-worms move. The opening excavation method is relatively low cost, but it is difficult when there are structures on the surface. On the other hand, the shield method is less constrained by the ground and soil conditions despite technically difficult and expensive.
In urban area, the deep excavation measures like shield method are essential because buildings are densely constructed, and many underground structures are busily intersected.
The shield method is that special machines
consecutively excavate tunnel by soil crashing cutters while the "shield (or box)" supporting the tunnel's wall in the rear side already drilled , and the cutter machine sequentially is advancing the hole in the tunnel, and then move forward the shield and finally builds the final wall behind the shield. In the present day, highly mechanized shield machines are used, and the walls are constituted of divided blocks ("segments") to form structures.
In the museum, the state of the general excavation method and the shield method ones are reproduced by the scale model, and the huge surface of the shield machines which actually used is displayed there. For the example, the shape of rotating cutter head at the tip of machine, the fine blade (cutter bit) and roller cutter attached to the machine, the mechanics to carry the excavated earth and sand backward, the cylindrical block on the
dug wall, and others, as well as details of the forming process of segment structure. These shield method technologies have greatly advanced recent days with facilitating GPS functions, sensors, drilling rigs and others. The technology development like it has made a great leap forward the construction of congested subway networks construction as a result. These are clearly observed in the exhibition.
♣ Past and present of operation management and control seen in the exhibition
It would be common belief that the precise operation and control system are indispensable element to successfully keep accurate on-time operation and safety of the railways.
Japan's railway management is highly reputed as the most advanced. In the case of subways in Tokyo, it is crucial to perform careful management regarding daily
train schedules, accurate monitoring operation and troubleshooting, when considering that millions of passengers get on and off every minute using dozens of various lines a day. For this reason, Tokyo Metro provides a specific "Integrated Management Center" which is conducting a computer-operated monitoring and operation control system without stopping 24 hour a day. In the museum, a
sophisticated simulator device which has been practically used is installed to introduce this control system. Thanks to this, you can understand the contents of actual operation management.
On the other hand, there are countless sample facilities are shown in the exhibition. They are a set of information transmission device for trains, monitoring and failure information system to monitor of malfunction vehicles, and automatic operation control, and other devices. All of them seem to bee the precious exhibits to acknowledge the safety operation of subway management.
♣ Current appearance of Tokyo subway and impression of visit
As mentioned earlier, the Tokyo subway is proud of its achievement of more than 300 kilometers in total running length and supports millions of people in Tokyo every day. The museum is describing a lot about the function and technology of subway
system in Tokyo, such as what kind of technology is used, how the subway system has been developed so far, how the subway has been practically designed and constructed, how the underground excavation has been carried out, and how vehicle development has been done, etc. However, looking at the current Tokyo subway network, it seems that many issues still remain when seeking further beneficence and development. First of all, Tokyo Metro and Toei
Subway whether coexist as management entities, whether the operation, fare and route management are necessarily integrated, and whether platform and station safety are enough, and others. It could also wonder whether the mutual lines entry and coordination with private railways and JR lines are sufficient, even far advanced compared with previous
time. At present, the renovation of subway lines is progressing with a rapid pace in light of the 2020 Olympics, which seems to be taking good steps to resolve the issues. I am looking forward to seeing the Tokyo subway several years later. In this sense, this visit to the museum was quite fruitful for me.
東京メトロ 地下鉄博物館」HP: http://www.chikahaku.jp/
「首都東京 地下鉄の秘密を探る」(渡部史絵)交通新聞社刊 2015
「東京メトロ 建設と開業の歴史」東京地下鉄(株)2014
「東京地下鉄 車両の歩み」ネコ・パブリッシング 2016
「最新 世界の地下鉄」日本地下鉄協会 2005
銀座線開通の苦労の歴史 https://www.tokyometro.jp/ginza/topics/20180330_167.html
東京の地下鉄の歴史―路線図と年表― https://azisava.sakura.ne.jp/rail/metro-history/
日本の地下鉄(日本地下協会)jametro.or.jp/japan/
東京地下鉄の車両変遷について(留岡正男)(2017- 3「車両技術253号」pdf)
東京メトロ 「メディアデータ」2018 (メトロアドエージェンシー) pdf
Visit Tokyo "Fire Museum" and probe Japan's firefighting history
投稿日: 1月 15, 2020 作成者: kunioigusa
Exhibit Firefight practice in Japan from the past to the present
There's a unique museum publicizing Japan's firefighting
technology and history in Yotsuya-Shinjuku, Tokyo. This is called the "Fire Museum" being set up in 1992 by Tokyo Fire Department. I had a chance to visit this museum recently. It is known well that big fires have repeatedly assaulted Japan's big cities and plagued Japanese people's life many times in history.
Japan's housing structure is quite prone to the fire because they were predominantly made by
wooden materials. When
looking back to Edo and Tokyo in the past, a number of large-scale fires occurred and burned down the entire cities claiming hundreds of thousands local populations. On this problem, many measures have been taken in Japan, particularly in the metropolitan Edo and Tokyo area for minimizing damages in the past. The museum deals with these fire and firefighting problem and tries to show what kind of disaster prevention measures have been
taken so far, what kind of
firefighting system has developed in order to raise disaster prevention awareness among local residence. Many exhibits are provided to indicate this historical issues by showing real vehicles and equipment, dioramas, photographs and pictures, etc. It would be one of the best facilities to probe the history of firefighting and disaster prevention measures in Japan, especially in Tokyo area.
♣ Outline of Museum's exhibition and its feature
The museum has two major sections which introduce a history of
firefighting system for first one and the physical equipment and facilities for the other, such as fire engines and fire apparatus. In the history section, they are giving a comprehensive explanation on the early days "fire-extinguishing" system, transition of its mechanisms and tools in the Edo period as a system of " Dawn" of firefighting practice. Next comes the introduction of modern firefighting system after the Meiji Era, includes the modernization of fire equipment
and organization of fire institution, its prevention measures, and their roles expanding toward rescue works of natural disasters and so on.
In the second physical development section, they convey the significant enhancement of equipment in the past and present in the exhibition, such as they it exhibit various actual fire vehicles, ambulance cars, helicopters, in addition to the disaster brigades' equipment which embodies the history and
development of firefighting technology in detail. The museum seems to provide a wide range of activities as well, including a disaster prevention campaign corner, a mini theater, and a library and training room for raising daily prevention awareness.
It seems to cover a wide range of useful exhibits that give live image of modern firefighting activities not only to fight against fires but also to engage large-scale disasters such as earthquakes, emergency medical care, and other roles.
♣ Firefighting in the Edo period seen from the exhibition-"Hikeshi"
Most houses and buildings in Japan were made of wood, because of it Japan's housing environment can easily lead to big fires, the especially
densely populated Edo's urban area had always been vulnerable to the threat of large fires. As a matter fact, dozens of devastating large-scale fires had been frequently occurred in the Edo city and burn down whole urban area many times. Among them the "Meireki Fire" in the early 17th century was the most serious fires, which threw the Edo into a disastrous sea of fire and claimed hundreds of thousand people's lives.
After this, the Edo Shogunate had been beginning to take a major anti-fire urban measures and established systematic firefighting systems. For instance, the Edo government set up dozens of firefighting squads and created the fire extinguishing
squares "Hirokoji" in addition to the large-scale urban relocation measures.
In 1650, the first Edo's "Jo-Bikeshi" (Stationed Fire squad) was organized in Edo, and in 1712, additionally "Daimyo Bikeshi", a fire squad for protecting Samurai's residence was also born in 1712. However, it became clear being insufficient as an all-out firefighting to protect whole Edo city, because primarily it aimed at protecting samurai
areas only. Because of this, Shogun Yoshimune organized a town fire extinguisher "Machi Bikeshie" in 1718 consisting roughly 10,000 scale of own town people. This town-based brave fire extinguisher has often been appearing in the "Kabuki" theater scene as a heroic character for Edo people people at that time.
However, the firefighting method at that time was called "destruction firefighting system" and was a very primitive way basically aimed at breaking down surrounding houses of fire origins and preventing fires expanding further rather than on-site intensive firefighting system. The museum exhibits a diorama describing the scene of destructive fire and heroic extinguishing ways by this breaking method. Also, in this section, the disaster prevention equipment, water troughs, and hand-pumps called "Ryudosui" pump at the time were on display too. You can get a glimpse of the fire extinguishing at that time there
In the Edo period, a lot of fire watching tower "Hinomi Yagura" were constructed in the various locations and variety of fire alert measures were taken, but when looking at the exhibition, we are inclined to see how difficult it was to prevent big fires in Edo at that time by such immature systems and technology in the past.
♣ Firefighting system after the Meiji modernization seen from the exhibition
With the Meiji Restoration, ""Jo-Bikeshi" "Daimyo Bikeshi" Extinguishers were all abolished, and "Machi Bikeshi" system was reorganized into the
modern extinguisher unit "Fire Department" under the Tokyo City government in 1872. After that, the similar fire brigade system was spread to the other areas as a public institute nationwide as an efficient fire brigade (1894). Along with this shift, the firefighting system and technology have drastically mechanized and modernized involving firefighting
organizations, extinguishing methods, and fire
prevention equipment. This is clearly shown in the exhibition. For example, at the venue you can figure out how the firefighting had been done. For example, new extinguisher using steam pump, horse carriage fire engine, modern fire wear and tools, in addition the depiction by "Nishiki-e" picture (woodblock print) and other exhibits. In the following time, the firefighting system is further improved and appeared fire engine cars.
These series of evolution of firefighting equipment can be
seen in the exhibition as well. Anyway, it was actually after the "Kanto Earthquake" in 1927 when the firefighting system has transformed from mere firefighting to more "disaster prevention" beyond previous boundaries. Their activities have been significantly expand to cover more broad field associated with natural disasters and changed their functions as well. Exhibits show videos of fire brigade members working in the aftermath of the earthquake,
increasing number of fire engines and disaster response equipment, and the spread of organized activities well. Moreover, after the War, fire brigades' perceived works have enforced further in response to the rapid urbanization and rushed construction of high-rise buildings, even expected to cover diversified natural disasters. You can see the emergence of ladder cars for tall buildings, the start of emergency services, the activities of disaster rescue units, and the like there.
♣ Development of fire trucks
Among the modernized firefighting activities, the technology development is outstanding in the equipment field, particularly emergence of "fire engines" vehicle and its advancing functions can be noted. It was in 1924 when the first fire engines were introduced in Japan. They were the "Ahren's Fox Fire Pump Car" (1924) and the "Stats
Fire Engine" (1924). These are on display in a museum along with other successive fire trucks. For example, Maxim fire pump truck (1929) and ladder trucks include Iveco Margis, Benz Mets, Isuzu ladder truck etc. Regarding ambulances, a Toyota-made ambulance car was displayed on live conditions so that you can examine inside the car. You can also see a disaster prevention helicopter which used until lately as well.
♣ Development of firefighting equipment
The evolution of firefighting equipment and tools since the modern firefighting system have been remarkable, and this progress can be found in the exhibition too. The display of fire extinguisher costumes and tools of Edo period is quite interesting, as it reflects the features of firefighting at
the time. When it came to the Meiji era, their costumes changed to Western-style styles, and tools developed to the modern functional ones. And as it gets closer in the style to the present, so you can see many fire equipment that have become more scientific and technological advanced ones. It would be an evidence how technology has been cultivated to be able to qualify the fire equipment to be safer and effective fighting against extreme fire heat and
flame. The exhibition clearly shows that the firefighting organization and technology have been constantly progressing to fulfill an important role in the society through disaster prevention activities.
♣ Modern firefighter's style in the exhibition
One of the features of modern firefighting activities is that they play a role not only in firefighting but also in emergency and disaster response. One of the important pillars in this regard would be an activity of "disaster rescue squad". The major facilities to technologically support their activities were the advanced equipment such as "disaster helicopter", "chemical fire truck", "ladder truck", "ambulance"
etc. In the museum, the firefighting helicopter, which had been active until recently, is displayed as the main object on the rooftop and entrance hall, as well as the ladder cars and ambulances mentioned above. a large number of disaster rescue equipment are also exhibited there. On the other hand, disaster prevention and awareness-raising activities
proactively going to promote in recent year as a current movement by the Tokyo fire departments. The Museum provides a special socializing section of "Fire Prevention Lounge" which displays lots of fire prevention equipment at home, disaster preparing goods and board to explain how to use them and how to prepare for disasters. It has been shown that the current fire department is not only responding to complex disaster events but also focusing on how to prevent them in advance.
Last remarks
I knew the existence of museum from before, but this was my first visit to look into the exhibition. It was amazing the facilities that is well
designed and their exhibition in rich. If we look at the Japanese urban environment, they are quite vulnerable to large-scale fires, and devastating fires always have been major concerns of our societies, because the general residential houses were dominantly wooden built in Japan. In Edo or Tokyo, as a densely populated metropolitan city, even various fire measures have been taken since the Edo era, and a "fire extinguishing" organization has been well facilitated, but it couldn't prevent dozens of big devastating fires and always gave huge damage to the
city. Even after the Meiji era, big fire was still a great threat to our society. In this situation a new fire department has been set up in Tokyo as government organization to modernize fire prevention functions and strengthen disaster preparations. This "Fire Museum" looks emphasize the importance of disaster prevention by showing historical trends in an easy-to-understand format.
By this visit, I was able to learn a lot about the current disaster prevention activities,
the history of fire prevention systems, and the changes in disaster prevention technologies. It was a valuable visit for me to raise awareness of importance of disaster prevention. I felt I'd like to visit other facilities to inform us well regarding the natural disaster prevention measures if there are locations.
消防博物館HP(東京消防庁)https://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/ts/museum.html
消防の歴史 nissho.or.jp/contents/static/syouboudan/rekishi.html
「東京の消防百年の歩み」(東京消防庁1980)
「消防団120年史」(日本書房協会)
「町火消したちの近代」(鈴木敦)吉川弘文堂
「江戸の火事と火消」(山本純美)川で書房新社
消防の歴史を築いた懐かしの消防⾞両
https://www.signalos.co.jp/news/fire-engine-rescue-vehicles04/
⽇本の消防Wiki https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/⽇本の消防
お江戸の科学総合―江戸の三火消と消防技術
https://www.gakken.co.jp/kagakusouken/spread/oedo/06/kaisetsu1.html
Visit the Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments
投稿日: 12月 30, 2019 作成者: kunioigusa
— Taking wonderful music journey in the Hamamatsu Museum
While traveling to Hamamatsu City of Shizuoka Prefecture, I had a chance to
visit the "Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments" The Museum is famed for the collection of treasury historical music instruments. The facility exhibits more than 1500 instruments from all over the world from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Oceania with giving a good description on the history and features. It's fun to be able to look into these world instruments, including various traditional folk instruments, not only Western modern instruments all together
. The exhibition puts particularly highlight on the beautiful instruments of Asian characters, treasury European instruments, unique form instruments of Africa and Oceania. They seem to be reflected their significant cultural diversity, tradition and their own history. The collection of Japanese instruments is also impressive. Additionally, the
piano collection is quite significant as Hamamatsu, where the museum located, is renowned for a major production site of piano in the world. A number of characteristic pianos produced by Japanese makers are on display, along with the famous historical pianos in Europe. It was really good chance being familiar with variety of music instrument around the globe.
♣ Overview of the museum exhibition
The exhibition is categorically divided into several regional zones. Asian zone displays 420 pieces of characteristic instruments, like Indonesian Gamelan and other traditional instruments. In the European zone, about 360 pieces of historical pianos, flutes and violins, and others are exhibited. In the Africa and Oceania zones, roughly 190 pieces of
traditional percussion and stringed instruments are on display, and in the South and North America about 150 instruments, like marimba are placed. Also, in the Japan zone, we can see 200 pieces of legendary music tools, such as "Gagaku" instruments and other popular folk instruments like "Taiko" (Japanese drum), "Shamisen" (strings), "Koto" and others. Various organs and pianos instruments that
manufactured by Hamamatsu since the Meiji era are also appeared in the special corner, including electronic musical instrument like synthesizers and electronic organs.
It would be quite precious that such a big number of instruments are intensively collected all together in a music museum. The collection of each zone are roughly as follows.
♣ Stringed instruments and regional features seen in the exhibition
First, we'd like looking into the feature and history of stringed instruments, Violins and cellos that born and developed in Europe would
be the most popular stringed sound instruments now. But the origin of this string instrument is actually very old and diverse in history. For example, a kind of old "harp" is appeared 3,000 years ago in Egypt. Finger plucked string instruments were also found in the ancient oriental world from thousand years ago. For example, rubbing
sound string instruments of Arab people called "Rebec" became popular in the middle ages. The bowed instruments such as Chinese "Erhus" and Mongolian "Morin khuur", and unique guitar "Sitars" in India were brother and sisters of the same origin of ancient origin of instruments. It is said that these instruments were brought into Japan through the continental Silk Road route in the long time ago. They
were seemingly transformed into traditional instruments like "Biwa", "Koto" and "Shamisen" etc. in the later period in Japan. These instruments were evolved and expanded in the modern Western world too, and they became widely performed in the concerts of the European court music circles in the 18c and 19th. Since then, a quite number of variations of string instruments were produced and loved by worldwide population in modern societies, particularly in Europe.
So we can see a variety of modern
string instruments in European zone. such as violin, cello, guitar and others. On the other side, traditional instrument like Sitars,Morin khuur, Chinese Erhu are well found in Asian zone, variety of banjo, binnbau are also shown in South America zone. Japanese folk instruments like Koto, Shamisen and Biwa etc. are orderly displayed in the exhibition too.
♣ Percussion instruments lineage and its features seen in the exhibition
When looking into the origins of percussion instruments, people say that these were originally created for the purpose of festivity
and magic practice or for distant communication among people. But the instruments were gradually becoming used for pleasures and music plays. Therefore, initially shape was gongs and drums in the traditional style and they were gradually evolved in shape and sound. In Asia and Africa, the ethnic percussion instruments are pretty popular among people and similar shapes were shared in the many regions.
This is shown in the museum exhibition very well. There are variety of percussion instrument are found in the exhibition in the corner. For example, Indonesian Gamelan, Chinese Gongs, Korean Chango, Indian Tabla, Turkish Darabucca drums, and Xylophone-shaped Anklon made of bamboo in Southeast Asia.
In Africa, there are a variety of ethnic percussion instruments such as Ngoma, Kpanlogo Krin, and others many in exhibition.
Meanwhile, in the European zone, modern percussion instruments, like Timpani and Dum sets, which have performed in orchestra concerts, are shown in the exhibition too.
♣ Wind instruments lineage and its features seen in the exhibition
Wind instruments are a generally quoted the instruments that create sound by breath vibration in a tube. The origin of this instrument is
believed to be quite old. It had been widely played by people for long time at religious ceremonies, festivals, entertainment, etc. They were using bones, horns, shells, trees, plants, and many other available materials according their places. The distribution of the wind instruments is geographically pretty broad in the world. When it refers to the modern performing wind instruments, European ones have predominant position and spread to the whole world because they were developed as the performing art in the concerts and theaters in the 19th and 20 century communities and became produced in the manufacturing industries.
<Exhibits of European modern wind instruments >
In the museum, the modern wind instruments of the European Zone account for the largest number of exhibition and boost the most diverse of
instruments among the exhibition. First, woodwind instruments since the Renaissance era such as flutes, oboe, bassoon and new type of clarinet are found in the exhibition. For brass instruments, it shows the items, such as some style of trumpets with ancient characters, Trombone, Tuba, and so on which had
been produced in the period of the Bourbon dynasty in 18 century.
These instruments have been drastically evolved while changing the shape and quality of sound in previous many years to present. We can clearly observe these changes in the exhibition as well as enjoy the current shape and sound at the museum.
<Exhibits of Asia, Africa and Oceania folk wind instruments >
On the other hand, there are many traditional folk wind instruments being found in Asia and Africa too. This is well reflected in the collection of exhibition items. Especially, among the folk wind
instruments, the "Didgeridoo", an indigenous Australian instrument, is quite famous as "the oldest wind instrument in the world". This instrument attracts many visitors in the museum for their unique shape and mysterious sound. In addition, Africa's Skele and South America's Ocarina and Sambonia are famed collection of wind instruments in the exhibition in the museum.
♣ Lineage of keyboard instrument like piano and harpsichord in the exhibition
The collection of pianos and harpsichord instruments looked quite diverse in the exhibition. They are categorized as keyboard
instruments as they create sound by operation of a keyboard for music. Of these, harpsichord that holds similar shape and operation with piano became quite popular in 16th century Europe. Around this period, a mechanical engineer Cristofoli of Italy refined this harpsichord and invented piano in the early 18th century. After
that the piano was developed pretty fast and the current shape of piano was born by adding several dynamic sounding systems in the keyboard. Since then, piano has become the most influential instrument in Europe,
In the exhibition, we can see many classical instruments of harpsichords and
pianos made in the 18th and 9th centuries. For example, visitors can appreciate the magnificent harpsichord of the Bourbon dynasty in France, the Pleyel Forte piano in the 1830s, and the Graf of Vienna piano in the 1820s. Another highlight is the Steinway's piano series as the masterpiece products.
On the other hand, when the piano became
widespread musical instruments in the 19th century. The piano production technology remarkably progressed responding to these trends and became possible to produce massive scale of quality pianos industrially. In reflecting these trends, vertical upright pianos are born for home-use beside for the theater use.
Meantime, the Museum allocates a large space for the exhibition of various Japanese
pianos manufactured by these manufacturers, along with classical foreign pianos. Because the industrial manufacturers, particularly Yamaha and Kawai in Hamamatsu, have been producing a huge volume of piano by their industrial skills. It seems valuable in looking into the development history of piano in world including Japan in the exhibition.
♣ Feature of Japanese music instruments and the world in the exhibition
Nearly most of the distinctive Japanese musical instruments are found in the Japan Zone. For example, "Ohdaiko" drums used in festival, "Kakko" (braces, "Sho" ,and "Shichiriki" used in Gagaku in ancient court music concerts, "Ryu flute", "Shakuhachi" flute from the Edo period music, "Biwa" from the Nara era, and several style of "Koto" (Japanese harp), like "Yakumo koto", "Two-stringed koto" and "Suma koto", "Shamisen" for people's performing arts, trumpet like "Horagai" for training
mountain monks, Satsuma folk instrument "Gottan" and "Ryukyu sanshin", and many others. They are really excellent collection to review Japanese performing arts. It's really significant exhibition that reminds us how such a variety of Japanese musical instruments have been developed and handed down in the historical context with the broader world.
♣ Japanese Western musical instrument zone
Hamamatsu's development and exhibition of the musical
instrument industry-
It seems necessary to touch on the roots of Hamamatsu instrument industry related to the museum exhibition. The Hamamatsu City is advocating the
"Town of Music" as mentioned earlier. It might
be due much to the concentration of big instrument manufacturers such as Yamaha, Kawai and Roland. The origin could date back to the early Meiji era, when Yamaha's founder, Torakusu Yamaha, first produced music organs in Hamamatsu region. After winning an award for organ instrument product at the 3rd National Industrial Expo in 1890s
Yamaha began to produce piano by establishing the "Yamaha
Musical Instrument Factory." Soon later, in 1897, the company was renamed to "Nippon Gakki Manufacturing Co." and began producing organ and upright pianos. This was the beginning of Yamaha's music business operation today. In the
meanwhile, Kawai Koichi, who had been working at the Yamaha, retired it and started manufacturing pianos by setting up the "Kawai Musical Instrument Research Institute" independently in 1926. Today, Yamaha and Kawai now boast the world's largest piano producers.
In the museum exhibition, we can find many music instruments that they have been produced in the companies. For example, a foot-operated reed organ (Nippon Gakki in 1907), an upright piano (Nippon Gakki in 1897), and a grand piano (Kawai Musical Instruments in 1927). There, the history of Yamaha and Kawai is reflected.
<Exhibition of electronic musical instruments>
As for electronic musical instruments, current leading-edge instruments in the world and Japan are broadly collected in the exhibition, including synthesizers, rhythm machines, electronic organs,
and electric guitars. For example, Electone D-1 (Nippon Gakki Co., in 1959), Electric Guitar SG-7 (Nippon Gakki Co., Ltd. in1965), Synthesizer System 700 (Roland in 1976/), Casio Tone 201 (Casio in 1980 /) etc. The electronic musical instruments which have passed over 100 years' history showing new musical instrument styles. We observe its development in the exhibition in this corner.
♥ Remarks after visit
Although it was a short time stay in Hamamatsu, I enjoyed very much the visit of "Hamamatsu City Musical Instrument Museum" and could appreciate rich contents of the music world, I have
experienced visiting various music performing concerts including orchestra ones several times, but I haven't had enough knowledge about musical instruments. So, through on this visit, I learned much about the origins and characteristics of various musical instruments and its evolution. In particular, I could have strong impression by observing exhibited instruments how diverse the cultural background of these instruments, their relevant history, in addition to the vast distribution of folk instruments from
It is really amazing such huge collection of historic music instruments that the Museum have been accumulating from all of the world, particularly focusing on the integrating themes and concepts. I felt the Museum is really a treasure of the Hamamatsu City as the Town of Music".
浜松市楽器博物館常設展示HP:gakkihaku.jp/exhibition/introduction/#1
Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments HP: http://www.gakkihaku.jp/en/
世界の楽器紹介:http://miki329.ecnet.jp/keitai/gakkihakubutsukan.html
浜松におけるピアノと楽器産業の発展について(京都造形芸⼤)
http://g.kyoto-art.ac.jp/reports/1131/
⾳の起源:https://www.osaka-kyoiku.ac.jp/~masako/exp/oto/naiyou/kigen.html
Japan Highlights Travel: https://japan-highlightstravel.com/jp/spot/322/
浜松市楽器博物館について
http://miki329.ecnet.jp/keitai/gakkihakubutsukan.html
ヤマハ『イノベーションロード』
https://www.yamaha.com/ja/news_release/2018/18061901/
河合楽器製作所HP: https://www.kawai.co.jp/
Visit Tokorozawa Aviation Museum in Saitama
Describing the dramatic history of aviation industries in Japan and world
Last month, I went on
visit to an aircraft museum in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture,
named "Tokorozawa Aviation Museum". It is because I heard many historic aircraft are exhibited there. The museum was said to be established in 1993 on the Aviation Park Tokorozawa in commemoration of the Japan's first flight conducted there. In the museum we can see a number of countable real and replica airplanes that Japan has been developing or introducing until now.
It would be an ideal place for reviewing the history of aircraft industry in Japan. The museum provides the extensive explanations on the evolution of world flight technology, the background of Japanese aircraft development, as well as the previous function of Tokorozawa airfield. Flight simulator and playground etc. are also provided there so as the people can actively learn on the real action of flights. It is really interesting
facility to offer the outlook of real aircrafts, such as, "Henri Falman " that conducted the first flight in Japan, "Type 91 fighter" designated as an aviation heritage, the first post-war domestic jet aircraft "T-1B training aircraft", the first passenger aircraft "YS-11" exhibited at the Park side, and so on.
♣ Overview of Tokorozawa Aviation Museum and its exhibition
In the large exhibition hall of the "Museum", which is built as the main facility of the Tokorozawa Park, there are several sections are allocated. They
are a "Parking" lot that displays various aircraft, a "Hangar" place that describes the history of aviation, and a "Lab" area that explains aviation science. At the second floor, it found a display panel with showing the history of Tokorozawa Airfield, a reproduction of the flight control room, and the flight experience corner where It is possible to use a simulator.
A number of the famed historic important aircrafts are exhibited at the "Parking" lot, such as the "Kawasaki KAL" developed in Japan, the "T-34 Mentor" US reciprocity training aircraft, the "Schinson L-5E" light plane, and the "Fuji T-1B", a training aircraft for the Air Self Defense
Force. ", the " H-19 ", military helicopter" H-21B-V-44 ", and many other machines are located there. There found a replica of the "Meeting Type No. 8" produced by Japan in 1910s, and "Type 91 Fighter" (Aircraft Heritage Certified No. 1) that designated as a historical heritage in Japan too. These are all valuable objects implicating the development of history of Japanese aircraft.
Furthermore, at a corner of the exhibition hall, when I visited, there was a two-
winged "Henri Falman " was exhibited, along with a portrait of Captain Tokugawa who made his first successful flight in Japan in 1911. This is an exhibition that really seems to reflect the beginning of Japanese aviation history. Visitors can also observe a full-scale replica of the "New Paul 81E2", which was produced
by "Newpole" in France and used as a training machine in Japan in the 1920s. It is also attractive to see the airplane's history and technology in the "Research" corner and to visit experimental equipment to understand the principle of flight among the many exhibitions.
♣ The dawn of Japanese aircraft development seeing from the exhibition
As seen in the exhibition, since old time, the dream of flying "sky" had been grabbing the heart of many people. In the 16th century, Leonardo Da Vinci designed a kind of prototype of "airplane", and in the 18th century, France's Montgolfier brothers experimented it with
hot air balloons. Then later, Lilienthal from Germany had repeatedly produced and tested glider planes to fly.
At the next stage, American "Wright brothers" successfully invented the first powered airplane and let it fly to sky in 1903. It's said that flight became the starting signal of the aircraft era today. The longing for fly in the sky had been also
strong in Japan, and there found a record that Shimazu Genzo (a founder of "Shimazu Mfg") lifted a balloon in the early Meiji era. Besides, Ninomiya Tadahachi made a bird-like flying body in 1893 and succeeded first in the test flight at that time. It seems intriguing that a scale model of this Japan's trial plane is displayed in the museum and giving brief information about it.
<The first flight in Japan>
However, in Japan, the first successful flight of
modern aircraft was in 1911 when Captain Tokugawa made a test flight at the Yoyogi Army field in Tokyo. He also succeeded in flight of the "Henri Farman" (made in France) at Tokorozawa Airfield in the same year. In commemoration this event, a real reproduction machine of a Farman machine is installed in the venue as a memorial exhibit. It's fascinating to be able to look at the machine in our eyes. Anyway, since then, Japan was earnestly beginning the development of aircraft for military
purposes, because the aircraft was realized as a major strategic tool during the First World War. And like other countries, Japan had transferred strategic aircrafts from the United States and Britain, beside started challenging its own aircraft development. This situation is well illustrated in the various actual and replica aircraft shown in the museum. Among these aircraft, the most notable ones are the "Kai Shiki No. 19" (1911) and "Kyuichi Type Fighter"
(1927), which were said to be developed by Japanese engineers while applying Western aviation technology. However, it has to be notified that a great number of aircraft that had deployed at that time in Japan were machines imported from European countries. In addition, it was found only a few civilian purported aircraft being available in this initial period, and even the designing skills of aircraft was rather poor if compared with Western countries.
♣ Aircraft industry before and after the Pacific War being visible in the exhibition
However, during the 1930s, the government strongly addressed the capacity building of aircraft manufacturing because of recognizing its
strategic importance. Among them, Nakajima Aircraft (now Subaru), Mitsubishi Shipbuilding (later Mitsubishi Aircraft, now Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), Kawasaki Aircraft (now Kawasaki Heavy Industries), etc. were nominated as aircraft manufacturers and vigorously launched in the businesses of developing domestic aircraft and engines. But it was soon revealed that major advanced technology had to depend on strong technical support or getting licensed from Europe and American manufacturers,
Meanwhile, toward the Pacific War, Japanese government began to take strong initiatives to foster the aircraft industries and promoted the aviation technology seeing increasing demand of military aircraft. As a result, their technological competence improved quite fast supported by the government and a great commitment of airplane makers. Since then, the manufacturers were producing a large number of excellent aircraft and fighters. The "Zero-type" fighter plane (so-called "Zero Sen" fighter) is listed
as one of the good examples of technological culmination in this period. Among these war planes, a real aircraft the "Type 91 fighter" (biplane type 4 fighter, produced by Nakajima Aircraft in 1931) is exhibited at the Museum, and this is designated as an important aviation heritage in Japan. It would be showing the development of Japanese aircraft building which reached a temporary apex, mainly for military use aircraft during war time.
♣ Development of post-war aircraft industry as seen from the exhibition
The defeat of War in 1945 had brought the total destruction of aircraft industry in Japan. In addition to the eradication of airplane factories and
airfields, the occupation forces had forced Japan to ban of engaging in any aircraft development, research, and operations related the aviation field, in being fearing to revive the Japan's military power. And these regulations didn't lift until 1957. Then, it seemed to be quite hard to recover
the gap and the technical behind was clear in this period. Due to this, Japan had to be stayed only in licensed production of US-made aircraft or
repairing business for the Defense Agency and other institutions. In addition, the aircraft industry in the world had already entered the era of large scale flight, diversification of models, and sophisticated jet aircraft world. So, Japan was pretty hard to catch up soon on the international levels. Furthermore, for the domestic manufacturers that had been exclusively focused on military aircraft, it was a real challenge to quickly shift to the commercial purpose aircraft.
Anyway, the visitors can observe the many samples of post-war military and civilian aircraft in the exhibition of the Museum. For example, the military helicopters the "UH-1 Iroquois", the "H-21B", the V-44, which were manufactured in U.S. or UK for deployment to the Japan's Self-Defense Forces (SDF), and other machines can be seen there. Among them, it is significant that the SDF's "T-1B training aircraft" produced by Fuji Heavy Industries
became the first post-war domestic aircraft installed the jet engine. The plane is displayed in the hall with its engines at that time. Although it is not honestly seen in the exhibition, it is true that independent development of aircraft has gradually progressed through the development of "PS-1 flying ships " and "C-1 transport aircraft" which supplied to the SDF.
<Development efforts of producing Commercial aircraft in Japan>
On the other hand, as it mentioned, it seems to be very difficult developing a commercial passenger airplane soon because of the lack of experience. However, the government, which anticipated an increasing demand for commercial aircraft, established the Japan Aircraft Manufacturing (Nikko, NAMC) in the 1960s. With this company as the technology center, Japan has mobilized many aircraft manufacturers and engineers who had been involved in the aircraft development before the War. And they tried to explore the way to produce
a new commercial passenger plane. The achievement was the first passenger aircraft "YS-11" developed by Japanese manufacturers after the war. The planes have been produced more than 180 units by 1973, and despite being in trouble, it had been operated for a certain period as the only domestically produced passenger aircrafts. The actual aircraft of this YS-11 was on display at the corner of the Aviation Park in Tokorozawa where the museum is located.
♣ Current initiatives in the aircraft industry as seen from the exhibition
Although it couldn't attain the originally set goal, the development of technology showed in the YS-11 production and also the aircraft "C-1" had played significant role for deepening knowledge and skills about aviation
industry. For example, Fuji Heavy Industries has produced a "T-4 training aircraft" equipped with an F-3 engine, and Kawasaki Heavy Industries has succeeded in introducing a "CX transport aircraft "equipped with turbo engines. However, the development of civil aviation field hasn't still kept up enough with the world first class business trend. It's also said that the major manufacturers couldn't enough beyond the stage of the licensed production and partial participation in the joint
projects of the major overseas aircraft producers. Recently, however, Japan has begun to work on the competitive medium-sized passenger aircraft businesses by utilizing the previously accumulated technology. There are several development projects such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' MRJ and Honda Business Jet is going on in the business now. In the exhibition, the sample machine of "Hondajet" is on display in the hall for trying to show this new trend.
Remarks after visit
Anyway, It was pleased that I could visit an aviation museum like Tokorozawa Aviation Museum for the first time in my experience. There I was able to able to learn many about the aircraft technology and the
history of aviation in world and Japan. In particular, through the viewing real aircraft, I've got a fresh knowledge about the origins of flight technology, evolution of flight science and the related technology, as well as a total history of world and Japanese aircraft development. It was a really good chance for me to understand the aviation industries and its history. I've heard that there are many other aircraft museums in Japan, including an aviation museum in Narita. So, I'd like to visit these facilities before long.
所沢航空発祥記念館(Tokorozawa Aviation Museum)HP: https://tam-web.jsf.or.jp/
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/所沢航空記念公園
⽇本の航空機産業 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/⽇本の航空機産業
飛行機の歴史 https://pub.nikkan.co.jp › uploads › book
日本の航空機一覧 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/⽇本製航空機の一覧
航空の先駆者たちUNIPHOTO PRESS : uniphoto.co.jp/special/sky/
日本の航空機工業50年の歩み:http://www.sjac.or.jp/data/walking_of_50_years/index.html
中島⾶⾏機の栄光 https://gazoo.com/article/car_history/141017_1.html
零式艦上戦闘機 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/零式艦上戦闘
会式⼀号機 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/会式⼀号機
初の国産旅客機「YS-11」は、どう生まれたか https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/100217
Visit Nissan's Engine Museum in Yokohama
Looking into the evolution of Nissan's automotive engines and the footprint of the company
Nissan seems to be facing a sort of management challenges lately, but
it's sure to be playing a significant role in the Japanese automobile industry. In particular, Nissan is regarded to lead the advancement of automobile technology industry in history. In this mind, I visited the Nissan's "Engine Museum" in Yokohama recently because I've heard there's an unique museum showing the technological
challenges of automobile, especially on their engines. The museum was said to be opened in 2003 in commemorating the establishment of Nissan's first assembly factory "Yokohama Plant" in 1934 using its former headquarter building. There are many historical automobile engines exhibited in the museum with extensive commentary on their technology development process, as well as on the company history. And there installed many photographs and panels which
indicates the technology foundation and development of Nissan Motors. Then, the visitors can easily trace the company's turbulent footprints that had experienced countless technological challenges along with long history of the company. The exhibition seems to be quite instructive to understand the historical development of Japan's automobile industry as a whole not only for the Nissan itself.
♣ Overview of Engine Museum Exhibition
The museum main subject is the Nissan's automobile production technology, especially on the development of engine technology, but
also, focuses the history of the company development itself.
In the engine exhibition corner, it displays many valuable historic engines in row from the early "7-type engine" (1935), new type engines in 80s, energy saving diesel engines in 90s, to the currently developing variety of EV engines. Nearly 30 types of Nissan engines are exhibited there with detailed explanations. In particular, the new EV engines are proudly exhibited with
providing real cut models which s suggest Nissan's decisive commitment to the development of EV engines from an early stage. The exhibition also shows how the engine is performed, what's internal structure they have, how steering, and suspension works in the vehicles, etc., too. In addition, they demonstrate the recent functional engines which produced by under the unique concept by Nissan.
In the history corner, the museum displays the Nissan's company history since the establishment of original firms in 1910s and the historical background that was gradually evolved to the latest Nissan Motors, along with the transforming scene
of Yokohama factory itself, by putting lots of photographs, chronology and panels, It seems to be also valuable for reviewing Japanese automobile history as well. Furthermore, in the entrance hall, Nissan's historic model car "Datsun" is exhibited as memorial figures, in addition to the latest model of the advanced which shows its EV car "Leaf" current challenges. They seem to indicate Nissan's strong commitment of automobile technology as well as long engagement to the automobile businesses.
♣ History of Nissan Motor Co. that conveys a footprint of Japanese automobile industry
Nissan Motor was actually founded in the 1930s, but its prehistory can
be traced back to the decades ago. The automobile industry in Japan was said to be started by making a simple cart-like car "Tackley" by Yamaha Torao in 1907. And in 1911, Hashimoto Masujiro manufactured his own car "Swift"
using imported car parts from UK at his newly established company "Kaishin Sha", and consequently produced "Dat No.1"at his factory. This is believed to be the original firms of later Nissan Motors.
However, the production and technical level of Japanese makers were quite poor at that time, in this circumstances, Ford and GM had aggressively entered
Japanese market and fully monopolized the car production throughout in 1930s. The Japanese industrialists who were worried about this situation wanted to establish automobile solid foundation in Japan. Among those, a businessman Ayukawa Gisuke acquired "Dat Automobile", which had changed name from the "Kaishin-sha", and launched "Datsun Motor Co." in 1932. Afterward this company merged with "Ishikawajima Co. (later IHI)" and formed "Automobile Mfg Co.". Then finally this company was transformed its management and officially founded as "Nissan
Motor Co." in 1934. The Nissan's "Yokohama Plant", where I visited, was built as its main automobile assembling plant in 1935.
In this way, the born of Nissan Motor was proceeded under the somewhat complicated process, but the Museum described well the history in detail by the panels displayed in the hall. In the meantime, the government began to take strong initiatives to foster domestic car makers by enacting the "Automobile Manufacturing Business Law (1936)" because they were worrying about the dominant position of US companies in Japan. Reflecting to this trend, Toyota entered car production, and Nissan has also launched full-scale car production.
The particular important matter was that the government began to order lots of military trucks to major Japanese manufacturers in order to activate domestic production and technological innovation in automobile production. In addition, the particularly important matters were said to be the engineering capability nurtured in this period. That is, the engineers who were engaged in designing of military aircraft and truck engines during this period had
contributed of building post-War automobile industry by effectively applied their acquired technology and skills. This movements are thought to have certainly played an important role to build the technical foundation for leading the strong development of automobile production in Japan as a whole. Nissan has also grown up as one of the main manufacturers in this movement. This development history process is detailed in the exhibition.
♣ Development of Nissan Motor before and after the War
In the post-war period, the Japanese automobile industry has been
rapidly reviving thanks to the special procurement from the Korean War, and Japanese automobile companies actively carried out the large-scale renewal of plants and mechanical modernization. In addition, around the 1950s,
the government strongly urged the domestic manufacturers to apply advance technology from the Europe and US automakers aiming to upgrade automobile industries as recognizing their technology was still immature.
Responding to this policy, Nissan practiced a technical tie-up with Austin (Isuzu for Hillman, Hino for Renault, Toyota gone for its own line), and actively pursued the line of improvement of facilities, innovation of
production system, and scale up of the production plants. Then, later in 1960, Nissan absorbed the "Minsei Diesel". and merged additionally with a main passenger car maker "Prince Automobile" in 1966. Since then the company became called the current Nissan Motors. During around this period in general, it was
reported that the automobile industry of Japan was able to achieve the significant improve in quality by introducing American-style quality control and scientific management methods. Meantime in 1961, Nissan established a full-fledged passenger car production plant "Nissan Oppama Factory". Number of passenger cars such as Blue Bird (1962-), Sunny (1973-), and luxury cars Cedric (1987-) were born there, which
were valuated as prestigious cars in the market, were introduced one
after another. The exhibition provides a detailed explanation of this consecutive process from the strengthening of Nissan's production system to the further the evolution of its technological advancement in this period. It seems to convey some parts of the development history of rising automobile industry in Japan as well.
<Management challenges for Nissan Motors>
However, due to the failure of the marketing strategy in addition to the collapse of the economic bubble around 1990, Nissan's management crisis
abruptly came to be appeared, and the company has to seek the management alliance with Renault since 1990s. After that severe restructuring policies were taken by hand of Renault President Ghosn ("Nissan Survival Plan"). As a result, the finance condition was improved quickly, but the production system itself was greatly downsized, However, in the 2000s, utilizing the recovering financial situation, the company began to take
vigorous measures to expand production system, and adopted the promotion policy of EV cars with applying the previously accumulated technological ingenuity. However, the negative side of the Ghosn management was emerging in the late 2010s, and it can say that the company's foundation began to be shaken again since this period.
Nevertheless, the Nissan's immovable posture of strong technology commitment seems to be persistent and again began to challenge new areas of automobile making now as shown in the electric vehicles, for example. Nissan's new
challenge to advancing "electric cars" and "autonomous driving" technology is well indicated in the exhibition. It would be particularly outstanding features under the latest circumstances that the automobile world is shifting fast and steadily to the environment friendly and safety conscious automobile making. The exhibitions don't touch much about the recent management crisis period, but the strong commitment to the technological advancement was well informed.
♣ Nissan engine's advanced features and EV car initiatives
As I mentioned earlier, the Nissan's real automobile engines are displayed with broadly covered in the Museum exhibition hall along the
line of producing years reflecting the evolution of engine technology. First, we can see the "7-inch" engine produced by "Dat Automobile Mfg." in 1935 which was said to be a quite innovative at that time though the capacity was rather small like 700cc and structurally simple. After the War, Nissan firstly produced the "C-type" engine (1953). This was an approximately 1000cc capacity with an OHV system produced in a technology alliance with Austin in the UK.
The first "Sunny" car was equipped with the "A10 type" (in 1960s), and the engine "U20 type" was installed in the sports car "Fairlady". We can closely observe them in the exhibition with detailed explanation. And the next is the small diesel engine "CD20 type" installed in the FF vehicle. This is the Japan's first V6 engine "VG30DETT type" (1983). Looking at these, they can testify how quickly the quality of engines have improved from the stage of the imported technology to purely domestic technology, and how capacity and performance have also greatly improved in this period. When it comes in the 1990s, racing cars
engines, such as the "VRH35" engine (1992) and "VRH50" (1999) which had used in the Le Mans Race, well demonstrated powerful turbo functions in running. Regarding the engines of small vehicles, "HR12DDR type" mounted on "Nissan Note", diesel engine "M9R type" which jointly developed with Renault, etc. have become newly introduced in this period too.
However, the highlight would be the new engine of the recent EV "Nissan Leaf". The detailed explanation about its performance and feature is available at the special exhibition corner too. The visitors can be convinced in the exhibition that Nissan is still standing at the forefront position of engine development in Japan, even though there exists some management stumbling in the firm, Especially, Nissan's efforts seem to be worth to take attention while the automobile industry is now shifting from gasoline to electricity now.
♥ After visit
Formally, the museum was built to train the Nissan's industrial engineers and has been collecting automobile parts and engines
for this purpose since around 1978. But when Nissan's Yokohama factory set up the new Guest Hall, the facility was reformed as a museum in 2003 to demonstrate Nissan's long technology development history using the headquarter office. It is said that the museum now preserves over 180 units of classic engines, including prototype, motor sport engines and aircraft engines. It is precious that
historically valuable internal combustion engines are entirely gathered here. We can see there the outstanding structure and feature changes of the internal combustion engines by our own eyes, And, we can be inspired to see how EV engines are currently evolving and its related technology is advancing.
In recent years, automobiles are facing radical shift of environment, like energy issues, safety measures, digitization affairs and AI advancement. Then, it is interesting to think of how the automotive engines, which are the heart of automobiles, will be changing its figures in the future. Also, in terms of corporate history, it would be valuable to see the founding background,
transformation, evolution and rise and fall of the big company like Nissan Motor in the its Yokohama factory, which is designated as a historical heritage.
The other day, I went to the "Tokyo Motor Show" held in Harumi, Tokyo. There I felt a new air blown in the automobile industry, and I was much curious about how Nissan's future technological efforts will be going as well as the company management. In this sense, this Nissan Engine Museum visit has given me a valuable record.
「日本自動車史」佐々木烈 (三樹書房)
日産横浜工場|工場の紹介|ようこそ、日産の工場へhttps://www.nissan-global.com › ENGINEMUSEUM
日本国内の自動車博物館10選| https://car-moby.jp/163833
⾃動⾞誕⽣から今⽇までの⾃動⾞史(前編)(後編)https://gazoo.com/article/car_history/130530_1.html
⽇産エンジン博物館 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/⽇産エンジン博物
⽇産⾃動⾞横浜⼯場 https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/⽇産⾃動⾞横浜工場
⽇産のエンジンの歴史を⾒てみよう︕ダットサンから… https://cargeek.jp/12368
⽇産⾃動⾞の経営戦略失敗 https://management-strategy.net/NISSAN/
Visit historic "Gas Museum" in Kodaira, Tokyo
Showing how extensively gas energy equipment was giving impact to Japanese people's daily life in history
When the first "Street Gas Lamps" appeared in Yokohama and Tokyo in the
early time of Meiji, many people would have been startled and also applauded in looking at these bright lights because they had been only known some dimmed oil candles or lanterns at nighttime. So, we can easily imagine how greatly people at that time were impressed by the new light source and how they see these glaring lamps as the "light of
civilization" with feeling the new era having really arrived. Recently in the occasion I've heard there's a museum to demonstrate these historic issues in Kodaira, named the "Gas Museum" which was set up by Tokyo Gas Co. in 1967. So I visited the Museum because I had some interest in the gas business as a modern energy source and its impact to the society in history.
When I visit, the museum is facilitated in two historic red brick buildings, one is for the exhibition of historical gas lamps and the other is for various old gas equipment. The former (Gas Lamp Pavilion) displays a variety of gas lamps used in the Meiji era as
monumental exhibits, and the latter (Living Equipment Pavilion) has various gas stoves and kitchen utilities used in the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. There, the numerous goods related to gas equipment such as gas cookware, gas heater, and industrial gas machines were orderly displayed there. Visitors can explore in the museum how lighting system has evolved, how home heating and cooking methods have been changing over the year.
Many street gas lamps used in the Meiji period can be also observed in the museum compound.
♣ Exhibition to display Retro gas lamps and Ukiyo-e pictures
First, when looking look at the "Gas Lamp" exhibition, we can see many rare
illuminating "Gas Lamps" that were used first in Japan in the early Meiji period. Most of them were decorated ceiling lamps from Europe for furnishing a Western-type reception house "Rokumeikan" or other important public buildings, including "Upward arm gas lamp", "Counterweight flexible lamp" made in UK", "Hanagas lamp" that
looks like fireworks, "Wall-mounted glass lamp" which were used in the middle of the Meiji era. Many lamps are still able to put on light now. The large gas chandelier with
angel's statue which had made in France in the 19th century is also available there. Further, in this Gas Lamp Pavilion, countless commentary boards are provided for giving information how gas as a light source was invented and became used, and how introduced in Japan. So the development background of the gas lamp can be understand well.
<Nishiki reflecting social change brought about by gas streetlight>
There are also many "Nishiki-e" woodblock paintings related to gas lamps
on display which were drawn during the Meiji period. Looking at these paintings, we can feel how precious the gas lamps were at that time, and how the state of urban scene has changed in the Meiji era. These exhibits are really valuable for knowing the changes in social life during that time of period. Furthermore, in the museum
yard, dozens of monumental "Street gas lamp" are placed that first appeared up in Yokohama, and Ginza Tokyo in the beginning of Meiji. This is regarded as the most important exhibit in the museum. In addition, valuable items of street gas lamp, such as the lamps of London and Paris in 19th century, are also exhibited in the compound.
♣ Living Equipment Pavilion where gas appliances are displayed
However, the gas lamp, which had been flourishing in the Meiji
period, gradually turned to the electric lights as a source of lighting that invented by Edison due to the durability and lower costs of electric lamps. Under these circumstances, the gas supplying system were gradually shifted to use as heating sources. The "Living Equipment Pavilion" clearly show us this change. Here, we can learn how gas-fired appliances being accepted among Japanese people, and how gas appliances have made diversify our
social life, what extent the technology development has transformed our household styles. Particularly notable changes would be the evolution of appliances in the kitchen woks and the heating system in the living conditions. And it can be seen in the exhibit
that Japanese home life has revolutionary changed due to the spread of gas utilities from the period when firewood, charcoal, or ample furnaces were only available sources of heating and cooking. The exhibition also touches on the other field of usage of gas for industry which has greatly advanced over time and contributed to the modernization of industry as well.
< Changes in kitchen and heating appliances seen in the exhibition>
First of all, we can see a valuable exhibition in the old kitchenware in the pavilion, such as a Japanese-style gas furnace "Kamado", "gas iron" that appeared in 1902, a Columbia-type two-mount clay cooking stove "Shichirinn" (1904) imported from the UK, etc. For the heating equipment, "open flame gas stove"
(British made 1900s), Japanese unique gas brazier "Gas Hibachi" are the rare collection. These were very expensive ones at the time and could be affordable for wealthy class people only, but they gave a big impact to common people as well. However, as the time passes, these gas appliances were becoming spread in the urban communities, and gradually penetrated to general household as popular daily
appliances. This changing situation is well reflected in a series of exhibitions categorized by year of used. For example, quick boiling "Hayawaki gas kettle" for baths in the early Showa era, a club shaped "Kani-type stove" for home use, "Tabletop handy stove" and others are found in the exhibition.
Becoming after the high-growth era after the War, various gas refrigerators, gas automatic rice cookers, gas stoves, gas bath kettles, etc. have appeared, and they became commonly used in the Japanese
household. The technological evolution during this period is also remarkable. There it will be understood how the safe and stability of the heat appliance improved, the designs were upgrade, and the usage simplified. And people recognize now they become indispensable household items. On the other hand, it was a remarkable that equipment of gas has faced severe competition with electrical products and sought the way of coexistence with them at the same time appealing its features. And now both of them become indispensable two pillar of energy resources in the society.
♣ Changing gas production methods and gas raw materials
The changes in gas production and supply systems are extensively
introduced in the exhibition. Initially, energy gas had been generated mainly by steaming and burning coal. Then many factories were set up for delivering them to various locations. However, since the 1960s, the gas generation has gradually turned to the extraction method from oil refining
process, what's called LP gas. And by this shift, the gas supplying capacity was dramatically increased to be able to cover wider areas.
However, on the other side, the building up of huge capacity tended to invite the environment problems
because the smokes and residues from factories were causing serious land contamination and air pollution. Anyway, the expanded gas supplying system has popularized the gas equipment and improved a lot household work in the urban areas. That also bring a great benefit for residential in rural areas or people in remote areas as well. The appeared new gas service was a propane gas delivery in the container forms, and it greatly promoted to spread the gas equipment and beneficiated family life
throughout Japan, particularly rural area.
Furthermore, since the latter half of the 1970s, with the advancement of marine technology and cooling facility, liquefied natural gas LNG has been born by being directly imported form the overseas resource site. Today most gas supplies are shifting to LNG. That led the dramatic increase supply capacity of gas too. It eventually contributed a lot to improve the efficiency as industrial energy sources, electric generation, and daily life purposes as well. These processes are explained well in detail in the "Living Equipment Pavilion". It is interesting to look into the technological evolution of thermal energy sources and changes in daily heat equipment through exhibits
♣ Establishment of Tokyo Gas and significance of the business
The first gas lamp installation in Japan was started in 1872 by a businessman named Takashima Kaemon in Yokohama. (Takashima is also known as a founder of
"Takashima fortune teller). Then, street gas lamps were lit in Ginza too in 1874 and Tokyo City Gas Bureau was designated to handle them (1976), and later, the private company "Tokyo Gas Company" was born by transfer the business in 1985. The company itself was actually by Eiichi Shibusawa and Soichiro Asano who recognized the gas installation as an important social
infrastructure for the social civilization and industrial modernization in Meiji. In the beginning, the prime business was to build the gas supply network for the street lamp in major cities, which was mainly architect by an English engineer named Henri Brelan from England. He planned to build a factory in Kanesaigi-bashi, Tokyo, and delivered the
gas to light the street gas lamps in Kyobashi and Ginza area. The company's lighting business had been technically the "open flame gas lamps". But soon later, with the "Incandescent gas mantle" technology (invented in 1886 by R. W. Bunsen) the illuminating power of gas lamp was greatly multiplied and the demand for gas lighting equipment was increased greatly. One of the companies that produced this mantle was Tokyo Gas Electric Industry (TGE), which later became Hino Motors.
<To expand and contract gas production plants>
Tokyo Gas Co. has enforced its business by merging other gas-related companies such as Chiyoda Gas in the process. Then, Tokyo Gas Co. initially vigorously set up gas factories in various locations such as Senju, Fukagawa, Kawasaki, Toyosu, and Tsurumi in order to supply resource gas to Tokyo Metropolitan area by using these factory networks. At first, the gas was produced mostly by the coal combustion methods. However, as I mentioned before,
these factories were beginning to be closed because the material was replacing to the petroleum and liquefied natural gas (LNG) since around 1970s. The Gas Museum itself is a building that had been used for factories or offices during the Meiji Taisho period. As a matter of fact, "Gas Lamp Pavilion" is a historical red brick building at the Tokyo Gas Hongo branch office (built in 1909) and "Living Equipment Pavilion" that existed at Senju factory (built in 1912).
<The Tokyo Gas Factory site that turned to a fresh market>
Around these conditions, the "Tokyo Gas Toyosu factory", one of the
main factories, was closed in 1997. So the site had been handed over to Tokyo Government under the Tokyo Bay Waterfront Project (Sub-Tokyo Subcenter Development Plan) and designated as the relocation candidate of the former "Tsukiji Fresh Market" in Tokyo. And the site of the factory has finally transformed to the "Toyosu Fresh Market" (2019). However, as Tokyo Gas had been operating the coal combustion
method for a long time, it was revealed that the residues or by-products of factory caused serious pollution. It's now settled, but the construction plan of Toyosu Market was exposed to criticism as serious political problems for one time. Today, this vast site of Toyosu changed to a new urban landscape filled with office buildings, commercial facilities, and green area. And there lacates a science museum called "What's the gas museum" symbolically built by TG for advertising the usefulness of gas energy utilities.
After the visit
With looking the exhibition of the museum, I felt I could understand a bit how the gas business was spread as a part of Japan's social infrastructure, how it changed social life, and contributed to the industrial development in terms of energy source since the Meiji era.
In particular, I was impressed much with the development of gas appliances, advancement in technology of the way for using heat sources, and changes in living and living environments. That was reflected well in the exhibits. In addition, the competition and complementary relationship of gas and electricity business, changes in raw materials from coal to oil and shifting liquefied natural gas, as well as the evolution of industrial forms by using gas and electricity, were very interesting subjects. The only thing I've
cared a little is that there are few references to environmental problems brought by the gas business in the process. In any case, it seems precious that historical red brick building is used for exhibition as it was, and the memorial exhibits are conveying the scenes of changing social and family life since the Meiji Era which had brought about by the supply of gases.
Gas Museum (Tokyo Gas) HP: https://www.gasmuseum.jp/
東京ガスの歴史:https://www.gasmuseum.jp/about/history/
「⽇本のエネルギー、150年の歴史」資源エネルギー庁 https://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/about/special/johoteikyo/history1meiji.html
「ガスとくらしのモノがたり」GAS MUSEUM がす資料館
「東京ガスの歴史とガスのあるくらし」(高橋豊)<講演録>(2006 Oct.19)
ガス業界の歴史 https://denryoku-gas.jp/info/gas/history-of-industry
ガス事業の歴史を振り返る https://pps-net.org/column/32143
日本ガス協会 HP: https://www.gas.or.jp/
Visit Isuzu Automobile Museum Isuzu Plaza
–Shows remarkable description of Isuzu's historic evolution and technology development–
Last month, I went to Motors Museum "Hino Plaza" last , then
now I decided to visit Isuzu Motors in Fujisawa city, Kanagawa this time, since I'v heard there's unique facility called "ISUZU Plaza" exhibiting historical auto products that was opened just two years ago in 2017. The Plaza is functioning well as a automobile museum in explaining
the history of automobile and the related technology. That is displaying the most Isuzu's vehicles they have produced since its beginning, including Isuzu's latest brand trucks and buses, in addition to the history
of Isuzu Motors itself, as well as its engines of Isuzu. The museum also exhibit its assembly processes of working vehicles and technology background. I've got impression that is a quite useful museum to examine the development of Japanese working commercial vehicle industry alongside with Hino's Plaza..
ISUZU PLAZA HP: https://www.isuzu.co.jp/plaza/
<Exhibition of Isuzu Plaza>
The exhibition of "Isuzu Plaza" begins with briefing of Isuzu's history
first, and, introducing successive engines developed by Isuzu, and then it proceeds to the exhibition of various models of bus & truck including the Isuzu's latest heavy trucks and special vehicles. In addition, there's an explanation of the structure and mechanism of
the truck and find the systematic illustration of the production process are displayed too. There many miniature models of various truck and bus is exhibited to show how the company has been involved in the various commercial vehicles. Finally, the plaza offers future image of Isuzu products and global strategy. The distinctive feature of this museum would be the exhibits that various classic historic vehicles have been nicely preserved and displayed them in the state being able to move.
Another attractive point is the installation of large, moving diorama that replicates how trucks and buses play an active role in modern urban society. Below, I'd like look into the history and development of Isuzu along with the flow of the exhibition, and summarize the history and technology of Isuzu development, recent efforts, characteristics of the museum as seen in the museum plaza.
♣ The history and development of Isuzu Motors found in the exhibition
Isuzu Motors was believed to be founded in 1916. However, the
origins of the company can go back to the Yokosuka Shipyard, which was established by the Edo Shogunate and transferred to the Meiji government. In the Meiji era, this shipyard was purchased by Tomoji Hirano, and he established Ishikawajima Shipyard (current IHI), and then that was led to move to the actual born of current Isuzu Motor now. This Ishikawa began to initiate the move of automobiles production in anticipation of big future business.
This year is 1916, so it was regarded as the founding year of Isuzu Motors. Meantime, the company established an "Automobile Department" and made it independent later as named Ishikawajima Auto Works. Under this circumstance, the company started the first production of car in 1929 in partnership with Wolseley UK. This is the "Wolseley A4 car". And then, the Ishikawajiama merged with "DAT Automobile Manufacturing (later transformed to Nissan) to strengthen the production later, and the name of the
company itself changed to the "Automobile Industry Ltd." (1933) at that time. This transforming is a bit complicated, but it is extensively described as Isuzu's company history in the lobby of the building. By the way, the actual product of the first "Wolseley A4 domestic car" is displayed in the main lobby as a monumental exhibit of the Isuzu Plaza. Besides, around this period, "Sumida M-type Bus" (1929?) was also produced. This restored car is also displayed in the hall. So you might imagine the situation of automobile in Japan at that time of period.
On the other hand, Isuzu was producing domestic trucks TX40 truck in 1938 with its own initiative. Actually, it said that, prior to this production, the company had already begun to cultivate a diesel engine technology and tried to use it for truck
manufacturing. In this way, Isuzu became a pioneer of diesel automobiles in Japan and change the name to the "Diesel Automobile Industry" in 1941. Then it started to produce various automobiles under these schemes. During War time from 1942, Isuzu was vigorously engaged in producing armored vehicles with request of Japan's war-
time government and a lot of automobiles and trucks were produced by its hand. However, just after the War vast devastation of Japan by War, the most facilities were devastated. So, the real development as an automaker of Isuzu had to wait for several years. But the recovering process was quite fast and dynamic promoted by huge demand of commercial vehicles for public transportation after the rapid economic growth of post-War Japan.
♣ Post-war Isuzu car production model and historic exhibition
After the War, responding to big social demand of commercial vehicles, the company changed the name to "Isuzu Motors" to show intention to involving in the production of trucks and buses with using
diesel technology, particularly in the field of heavy-weight vehicles. The other technology challenge was to produce tough vehicles to endure severe natural conditions, like fire-fighter's work, natural disaster rescue operation, and exploration works to the Antarctic. In the exhibition hall, this kind of challenging works are displayed with real operation vehicles.
Post-war Isuzu had also involved in the
passenger car as well. The high-end passenger car "Isuzu Bellel" was well reputed by the Post war autoloving generations. However, after that, in the 1980s, production of passenger cars was stopped and afterward Isuzu has been specializing in the production of trucks and
buses only. The most vehicles produced under these periods are extensively displayed at the history corner in the hall. They are quite helpful to understand the company's business trend in this period.
First, in the truck category, the Isuzu TX80 truck (since 1946), the ELF series (since 1959-), the Forward series (since 1970-), and
the large truck series GIGA (since 1987-) were continuously developed. These are consecutively upgraded technology and design-wise up to the current latest models. In the bus production field, the "BX91 bus" was produced as early as 1948, the "GALA" series bus was developed
in 1996, and the" ELGA" series bus was also developed in 2000. You can see some of these actual vehicles, and miniature models of all successive vehicles which are displayed with the chronology at the wall board. Then you can understand how their technology has been evolving from simple trucks and buses to more advanced and larger scale vehicles, or to more sophisticated ones. Many small and medium-sized vehicles have been also followed this line of development.
♣ Development of Isuzu diesel engine and features of truck production
Isuzu has an advantage in diesel engine development from the beginning and has been developing their business by using
its technology in trucks, buses and passenger cars. Therefore, many real engines of Isuzu are proudly displayed with their technical background. For example, there are "H-series" engines installed on medium-sized trucks like "ELFs", "P-series" engines used in large trucks since the 1970s, and "T-series" engines since the
1990s. The engine's ability is posted along with each utilized vehicle. You will be able to confirm the characteristics and performance of the engine developed by Isuzu.
♣ Mechanical structure of trucks shown in the exhibition and its manufacturing process
One of the features of the museum is that the manufacturing process of Isuzu trucks is explained in detail with flowcharts and actual components.
In fact, if you walk along the flow chart corner, you can visually check the design concept, manufacturing process, and functions and features of commercial vehicles that are clearly different from passenger cars. In addition, the side cut models of the completed medium truck are on display there too, so you