Difference between revisions of "Kobe, Japan" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Settlement
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<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions —>
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| name                    = Kobe
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| official_name          = 神戸市 · Kobe City<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/foreign/english/index.html Kobe's official English name]</ref>
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| native_name            = 神戸
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| native_name_lang        = ja
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| settlement_type        = [[City designated by government ordinance|Designated city]]
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<!-- images, nickname, motto --->
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| image_skyline          = Kobe montage1.jpg
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| imagesize              =
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| image_alt              =
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| image_caption          = From top left: [[Port of Kobe]], [[Akashi Kaikyō Bridge]], [[Kitano-chō]], [[Kobe Chinatown]], Night View from [[Kikuseidai]] of [[Mount Maya|Mt. Maya]], [[Kobe Port Tower]]
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| image_flag              = Flag of Kobe.svg
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| flag_alt                =
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| image_seal              =
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| seal_alt                =
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| image_shield            =
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| shield_alt              =
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| image_blank_emblem      = Emblem of Kobe, Hyogo.svg
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| nickname                =
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| motto                  =
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<!-- maps and coordinates ------>
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| image_map              = Kobe Japan Location.png
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| map_alt                =
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| map_caption            = <small>Location of Kobe in [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]</small>
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| image_dot_map          =
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| dot_mapsize            =
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| dot_map_base_alt        =
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| dot_map_alt            =
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| dot_map_caption        =
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| dot_x = |dot_y =
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| pushpin_map            =
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| pushpin_label_position  = <!-- position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none —>
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| pushpin_map_alt        =
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| pushpin_map_caption    = &nbsp;
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| latd = 34 | latm = 41 | latNS = N
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| longd = 135 | longm = 12 | longEW = E
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| coor_pinpoint          = <!-- to specify exact location of coordinates (was coor_type) —>
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| coordinates_type        = type:city(1545410)_region:JP
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| coordinates_display    = inline,title
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| coordinates_footnotes  = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags —>
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<!-- location ------------------>
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| subdivision_type        = Country
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| subdivision_name        = [[Japan]]
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| subdivision_type1      = [[Regions of Japan|Region]]
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| subdivision_name1      = [[Kansai]]
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| subdivision_type2      = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
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| subdivision_name2      = [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]
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| subdivision_type3      =
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| subdivision_name3      =
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<!-- established --------------->
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| established_title      = <!-- Settled —>
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| established_date        =
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| founder                =
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| named_for              =
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| seat_type              = <!-- defaults to: Seat —>
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| seat                    =
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| government_footnotes    = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags —>
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| leader_party            =
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| leader_title            = Mayor
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| leader_name            = [[Tatsuo Yada]]
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| leader_title1          =
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| leader_name1            = <!-- etc., up to leader_title4 / leader_name4 —>
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<!-- display settings  --------->
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| total_type              = <!-- to set a non-standard label for total area and population rows —>
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| unit_pref              = <!-- enter: Imperial, to display imperial before metric —>
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| area_magnitude          = <!-- use only to set a special wikilink —>
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| area_footnotes          = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags —>
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| area_total_km2          = 552.26
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| area_land_km2          =
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| area_water_km2          =
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| area_water_percent      =
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| area_note              =
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<!-- elevation ----------------->
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| elevation_footnotes    = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags —>
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| elevation_m            =
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| elevation_ft            =
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<!-- population ---------------->
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| population_footnotes    = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags —>
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| population_total        = 1545410
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| population_as_of        = August 1, 2011
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| population_density_km2  = auto
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| population_est          =
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| pop_est_as_of          =
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| population_demonym      = <!-- demonym, ie. Liverpudlian for someone from Liverpool —>
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| population_note        =
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<!-- time zone(s) -------------->
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| timezone1              = [[Japan Standard Time]]
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| utc_offset1            = +9
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| timezone1_DST          =
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| utc_offset1_DST        =
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<!-- postal codes, area code --->
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| postal_code_type        =  <!-- enter ZIP code, Postcode, Post code, Postal code... —>
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| postal_code            =
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| area_code_type          = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) —>
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| area_code              =
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<!-- blank fields (section 1) —>
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|blank_name            = Tree
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|blank_info            = ''[[Camellia sasanqua]]''
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|blank1_name            = Flower
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|blank1_info            = [[Hydrangea]]
  
{{otheruses1|the Japanese city}}
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<!-- blank fields (section 2) —>
{{Japanese city
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| blank2_name        = Phone&nbsp;number
| Name              = Kobe
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| blank2_info         = 078-331-8181
| JapaneseName      = 神戸市
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| blank3_name        = Address
| Region            = [[Kansai]]
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| blank3_info        = 6-5-1 Kano-chō, Chūō-ku, Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken<br>650-8570
| Prefecture         = [[Hyōgo Prefecture]]
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<!-- website, footnotes —------>
| Area              = 550.72
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| website                = [http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/foreign/english/index.html City of Kobe]
| Population        = 1,528,948
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| footnotes              =
| PopDate            = 1 Sep 2006
 
| Density            = 2766
 
| Postal code        = 65x-xxxx
 
| Area code          = 078
 
| Mayor              = Tatsuo Yada
 
| Coord              = {{coor dms|34|41|59|N|135|8|36|E|type:city_region:JP}}
 
| Tree              = ''[[Camellia sasanqua]]''
 
| Flower            = [[Hydrangea]]
 
| Bird              =
 
| SymbolImage        = Kobe_CitySymbol.png
 
| CityHallPostalCode = 650-8570
 
| CityHallAddress    = Kobe-shi, Chūō-ku, Kano-cho 6-5-1
 
| CityHallPhone      = 078-331-8181
 
| CityHallLink      = [http://www.city.kobe.jp/index-e.html Kobe City]
 
| CityMap            = Kobe Japan Location.png
 
| Elevation          = 28
 
 
}}
 
}}
{{nihongo|'''Kobe'''|神戸市|''Kōbe-shi''}} is the capital city of [[Hyōgo Prefecture]] and a prominent [[seaport|port]] city in Japan with a population of about 1.5 million. The city is located in the [[Kansai region]] of Japan to the west of [[Osaka]]. Kobe is classified as one of Japan's fifteen [[City designated by government ordinance (Japan)|designated cities]] and is a part of the [[Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto]] metropolitan sprawl.
 
  
It was one of the first cities to open for trade with the [[Western world|West]], in 1868, and as such it is known as a cosmopolitan port city. Consistent with this reputation, Kobe has a population of 45,000 foreign residents from more than 100 countries.<ref name="kobeoutline">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/17/020/en/outline/index.htm City of Kobe] - "Outline", retrieved [[February 3]], [[2007]]</ref><ref name="kobestats">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/17/020/en/overall/index.htm City of Kobe] - "Overall Statistics", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref> The city hosts the Asian or Japan headquarters of a number of companies including [[Procter & Gamble]] and [[Nestlé]],<ref name="companyhq">[http://www.hyogo-kobe.jp/english/list/company.html Hyogo-Kobe Investment Guide] - "List of Foreign Enterprises and Examples", retrieved [[February 8]], [[2007]]</ref> and is the point of origin and [[namesake]] of [[Kobe beef]].
 
  
The city was severely affected by the 1995 [[Great Hanshin Earthquake]], in which over 5000 residents lost their lives. Kobe has largely recovered from the damage.
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'''Kobe'''(''Kōbe-shi'') is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture and a prominent seaport city in Japan with a population of about 1.5 million. The city is located in the Kansai region of Japan to the west of Osaka. Kobe is classified as one of Japan's 15 designated cities and is a part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan sprawl.
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It was one of the first cities to open for trade with the Western world in 1868, and as such, it is known as a cosmopolitan port city. Consistent with this reputation, Kobe has a population of 45,000 foreign residents from more than 100 countries.<ref name="kobeoutline">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/17/020/en/outline/index.htm City of Kobe] - "Outline," retrieved February 3, 2007</ref><ref name="kobestats">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/17/020/en/overall/index.htm City of Kobe "Overall Statistics, Foreign Residents"] ''kobe'' (in English) retrieved February 2, 2007</ref> The city hosts the Asian or Japan headquarters of a number of companies including Procter & Gamble and Nestlé,<ref name="companyhq">[http://www.hyogo-kobe.jp/english/list/company.html Hyogo-Kobe Investment Guide] - "List of Foreign Enterprises and Examples," retrieved February 8, 2007</ref> and is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef. Kobe is also famous for the Arima Onsen ([[hot springs]]), and some notable buildings include the Ikuta Shrine as well as the Kobe Port Tower.
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The city was severely affected by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, in which over 5000 residents lost their lives. Kobe has largely recovered from the damage.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
[[Image:Sesshu Kobe coast prosperity view.jpg|thumb|left|[[Nishiki-e]] (Colored woodcut) of 19th c. Kobe]]
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[[Image:Sesshu Kobe coast prosperity view.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Nishiki-e (Colored woodcut print) of nineteenth c. Kobe]]
[[Image:Kobe kitano thomas house07 2816.jpg|thumb|left|Weathercock House in the [[Kitano-cho|Kitano area]] of Kobe]]
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[[Image:Kobe kitano thomas house07 2816.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Weathercock House in the Kitano-cho|Kitano area of Kobe]]
  
Kobe's history dates back to the 8th century when the area was known as {{nihongo|Ōwada Anchorage|大輪田泊|Ōwada-no-tomari}}.<ref name="portofkobe">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/39/port/data/rekishi_e1.htm City of Kobe] - "Port of Kobe: History", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref><ref name="kobecityinfo">[http://www.kobecityinfo.com/history.html Kobe City Info] - "History", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref> The city was briefly the [[capital of Japan]] in 1180 A.D. at the end of the [[Heian period]], when [[Taira no Kiyomori]] moved his grandson [[Emperor Antoku]] to Fukuhara. The exact location is not known for certain, but is probably the neighborhood of the same name in [[Hyōgo-ku, Kobe|Hyōgo-ku]]. The Emperor returned to [[Kyoto]] after about five months.<ref name="kobecityinfo"/> As the port grew, it became an important hub for trade with China and other countries, and in the 13th century, the city came to be known by the name {{nihongo|Hyōgo Port|兵庫津|Hyōgo-tsu}}.<ref name="hyogotsu">[http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/hyogotsu/index.html Hyogo Internationl Tourism Guide] - "Hyogo-tsu", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref>
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Kobe's history dates back to the eighth century when the area was known as Ōwada Anchorage (''Ōwada-no-tomari'').<ref name="portofkobe">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/39/port/data/rekishi_e1.htm City of Kobe - "Port of Kobe: History,"]''kobe''. retrieved February 2, 2007</ref><ref name="kobecityinfo">[http://www.kobecityinfo.com/history.html Kobe City Info - "History,"]''kobecityinfo.com''.  retrieved February 2, 2007</ref> The city was briefly the capital of Japan in 1180 C.E. at the end of the [[Heian period]], when [[Taira no Kiyomori]] moved his grandson Emperor [[Antoku]] to Fukuhara. The exact location is not known for certain, but is probably the neighborhood of the same name in Hyōgo-ku, Kobe. The Emperor returned to [[Kyoto]] after about five months.<ref name="kobecityinfo"/> As the port grew, it became an important hub for trade with China and other countries, and in the thirteenth century, the city came to be known by the name Hyōgo Port (Hyōgo-tsu).<ref name="hyogotsu">[http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp/english/hyogotsu/index.html Hyogo Internationl Tourism Guide - "Hyogo Prefecture."]''hyogo-tourism.jp''. retrieved February 2, 2007</ref>
  
During this time, Hyōgo Port along with northern Osaka composed the province of [[Settsu Province|Settsu]]. Later, during the [[Edo period]], the eastern parts of present-day Kobe came under the jurisdiction of the {{nihongo|[[Amagasaki Domain]]|尼崎藩|Amagasaki-han}} and the western parts under that of the {{nihongo|[[Akashi Domain]]|明石藩|Akashi-han}}, while the center was controlled directly by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]].<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/06/014/year/year.html#3 City of Kobe] - "Old Kobe" (Japanese), retrieved [[February 16]], [[2007]]</ref><ref>[http://www.city.ashiya.hyogo.jp/english/history.html City of Ashiya] - "An Outline History of Ashiya", retrieved [[February 16]], [[2007]]</ref> It was not until the [[abolition of the han system]] in 1871 and the establishment of the current [[Prefectures of Japan|prefecture system]] that the area became politically distinct.
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During this time, Hyōgo Port along with northern Osaka comprised the province of Settsu. Later, during the [[Edo period]], the eastern parts of present-day Kobe came under the jurisdiction of the Amagasaki Domain (Amagasaki-han) and the western parts under that of the Akashi Domain (Akashi-han), while the center was controlled directly by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]].<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/06/014/year/year.html#3 City of Kobe] - "Old Kobe" (Japanese), retrieved February 16, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.city.ashiya.hyogo.jp/english/history.html City of Ashiya] - "An Outline History of Ashiya," retrieved February 16, 2007</ref> It was not until the abolition of the former feudal clan system, known as ''han'', in 1871 and the establishment of the current prefecture system that the area became politically distinct.
  
Following the [[Meiji Restoration]] and the end of the [[Sakoku|policy of seclusion]], in 1868, Hyōgo Port was one of the first ports to open for trade with Western countries.<ref name="hyogopref">[http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/FL/english/index.html Hyogo Prefectural Government] - "Hyogo Overview", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref>  The region has since been identified with the West, and many foreign residences from the period remain in Kobe's [[Kitano-cho|Kitano area]].<ref name="japanref">[http://www.jref.com/practical/kobe.shtml Japan Reference] - "Kobe", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref>
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[[Image:Great hanshin earthquake memorial park.JPG|thumb|right|240px|Damage from the Great Hanshin Earthquake preserved in a memorial]]
  
Kobe, as it is known today, was founded on [[April 1]], [[1889]], and was [[City designated by government ordinance (Japan)|designated]] on [[September 1]], [[1956]] by government ordinance. The history of Kobe is closely tied to that of the [[Ikuta Shrine]], and in fact the name "Kobe" derives from {{nihongo|"kanbe"|神戸|kanbe}}, an archaic name for those who supported the shrine.<ref name="nagasakiu">[http://hikoma.lb.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/en/target.php?id=5363 Nagasaki University] - "Ikuta Shrine", retrieved [[February 3]], [[2007]]</ref><ref name="kojien_kanbe">Entry for {{lang|ja-Hani|「神戸(かんべ)」}}. [[Kojien]], fifth edition, 1998, [ISBN 4-00-080111-2]</ref>
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Following the [[Meiji Restoration]] and the end of the policy of seclusion (Sakoku), in 1868, Hyōgo Port was one of the first ports to open for trade with Western countries.<ref name="hyogopref">[http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/FL/english/index.html Hyogo Prefectural Government] - "Hyogo Overview," retrieved February 2, 2007</ref> The region has since been identified with the West, and many foreign residences from the period remain in Kobe's Kitano area (Kitano-cho).<ref name="japanref">[http://www.jref.com/practical/kobe.shtml Japan Reference] - "Kobe," retrieved February 2, 2007</ref>
  
During the course of [[World War II]], Kobe was bombed with incendiary bombs by [[B-29 Superfortress|B-29]] bombers on [[March 17]], [[1945]], causing the death of 8,841 residents and destroying 21% of Kobe's urban area (''see [[Bombing of Kobe in World War II]]''). It is this incident that inspired the well-known [[Studio Ghibli]] film [[Grave of the Fireflies]] and the [[Grave of the Fireflies (book)|book]] by [[Akiyuki Nosaka]] on which it was based.  
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Kobe, as it is known today, was founded on April 1, 1889, and was designated on September 1, 1956 by government ordinance. The history of Kobe is closely tied to that of the [[Ikuta Shrine]], and in fact the name "Kobe" derives from ''kanbe,'' an archaic name for those who supported the shrine.<ref name="nagasakiu">[http://hikoma.lb.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/en/target.php?id=5363 Nagasaki University - "Ikuta Shrine"] ''hikoma''. retrieved February 3, 2007</ref><ref name="kojien_kanbe">Entry for {{lang|ja-Hani|「神戸(かんべ)」}}. book by Izuru Shinmura, (Kojien, fifth ed., 1998, ISBN 4000801112)</ref>
  
[[Image:Great hanshin earthquake memorial park.JPG|thumb|right|Damage from the Great Hanshin Earthquake preserved in a memorial]]
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During the course of [[World War II]], Kobe was bombed with incendiary bombs by B-29 (B-29 Superfortress) bombers on March 17, 1945, causing the death of 8,841 residents and destroying 21 percent of Kobe's urban area. It is this incident that inspired the well-known Studio Ghibli animated [[film]] ''Grave of the Fireflies'' and the 1967 book ''Grave of the Fireflies'' by [[Akiyuki Nosaka]] on which it was based.
  
Following continuous pressure from citizens, on [[March 18]], [[1975]], the Kobe City Council passed an ordinance banning vessels carrying [[nuclear weapon]]s from Kobe Port. This effectively prevented any [[United States|U.S.]] [[warship]]s from entering the port, policy being not to disclose whether any warship is carrying nuclear weapons. This [[nonproliferation]] policy has been termed the "[[Japan's non-nuclear policy#The Kobe Formula|Kobe Formula]]".<ref>[http://www.prop1.org/prop1/jkobef.htm Kobe City Council] - "Resolution on the Rejection of the Visit of Nuclear-Armed Warships into Kobe Port", 18 March 1975., retrieved [[February 16]], [[2007]]</ref><ref>Kamimura, Naoki. "Japanese Civil Society and U.S.-Japan Security Relations in the 1990s". retrieved from [http://www.ippnw.org/MGS/V7N1Kamimura.html International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War] on [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref>
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Following continuous pressure from citizens, on March 18, 1975, the Kobe City Council passed an ordinance banning vessels carrying [[nuclear weapon]]s from Kobe Port. This effectively prevented any [[United States|U.S.]] [[warship]]s from entering the port, policy being not to disclose whether any warship is carrying nuclear weapons. This nonproliferation policy has been termed the "Kobe Formula" (Japan's non-nuclear policy).<ref>[http://www.prop1.org/prop1/jkobef.htm Kobe City Council] - "Resolution on the Rejection of the Visit of Nuclear-Armed Warships into Kobe Port," March 18, 1975., retrieved February 16, 2007</ref><ref>Naoki Kamimura, "Japanese Civil Society and U.S.-Japan Security Relations in the 1990s." retrieved from [http://www.ippnw.org/MGS/V7N1Kamimura.html International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War] ''ippnw.org''. on February 2, 2007</ref>
  
On [[January 17]], [[1995]] an [[earthquake]] measuring at 7.3 on the [[Richter Scale]] occurred at 05:46 am JST near the city. 6,434 were killed, 300,000 were made homeless and large parts of the port facilities and other parts of the city were destroyed. It was one of the most costly natural disasters in modern history. The earthquake notably destroyed the Hanshin Expressway, an elevated freeway which dramatically toppled over. Within Japan, the earthquake is known as the [[Great Hanshin earthquake|Great Hanshin Earthquake]] (or the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake).  
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On January 17, 1995 an [[earthquake]] measuring at 7.3 on the [[Richter Scale]] occurred at 05:46 <small>A.M.</small> JST near the city. There were 6,434 people killed, 300,000 were made homeless, and large portions of the [[port facilities]] and other parts of the city were destroyed. It was one of the most costly natural disasters in modern history. The earthquake notably destroyed the Hanshin Expressway, an elevated freeway which dramatically toppled over. Within Japan, the earthquake is known as the [[Great Hanshin Earthquake]] (or the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake). To commemorate Kobe's recovery from the 1995 quake, the city holds an annual event called the ''Kobe Luminare,'' where every December the city hall is decorated with illuminated metal archways.
To commemorate Kobe's recovery from the 1995 quake, the city holds an annual event called the [[Kobe Luminare|Luminarie]], where every December the city hall is decorated with illuminated metal archways.
 
  
Kobe was Japan's busiest port and one of Asia's top ports until the Great Hanshin Earthquake occurred.<ref name="maruhon">[http://www.maruhon.com/business/port.htm Maruhon Business News] - Port Conditions in Japan, retrieved [[January 23]], [[2007]]</ref> Kobe has since dropped to the thirty-second [[List of world's busiest ports by cargo tonnage|busiest port worldwide]] (as of 2004).<ref name="busyport2004">[http://www.aapa-ports.org/files/Statistics/WORLD%5FPORT%5FRANKINGS%5F2004.xls American Association of Port Authorities] - "World Port Rankings 2004", retrieved [[February 2]], [[2007]]</ref> In spite of the earthquake, Kobe remains Japan's third busiest port (as of 1999).<ref name="maruhon"/>
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Kobe was Japan's busiest port and one of Asia's top ports until the Great Hanshin Earthquake occurred.<ref name="maruhon">[http://www.maruhon.com/business/port.htm Maruhon Business News] - Port Conditions in Japan, retrieved January 23, 2007</ref> Kobe has since dropped to the thirty-second busiest port worldwide (as of 2004).<ref name="busyport2004">[http://www.aapa-ports.org/files/Statistics/WORLD%5FPORT%5FRANKINGS%5F2004.xls American Association of Port Authorities] - "World Port Rankings 2004," retrieved February 2, 2007</ref> In spite of the earthquake, Kobe remains Japan's third busiest port (as of 1999).<ref name="maruhon"/>
  
 
== Geography ==
 
== Geography ==
[[Image:Port of Kobe02s4100.jpg|thumb|right|Port of Kobe at twilight]]
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[[Image:Port of Kobe02s4100.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Port of Kobe at twilight]]
  
Wedged in between the coast and the mountains, the city of Kobe is long and narrow. To the east is the city of [[Ashiya, Hyōgo|Ashiya]], while the city of [[Akashi, Hyogo|Akashi]] lies to its west.  
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Wedged in between the coast and the mountains, the city of Kobe is long and narrow. To the east is the city of Ashiya (Ashiya Hyōgo), while the city of Akashi (Akashi Hyōgo) lies to its west.  
  
The landmark of the port area is the red steel [[Kobe Port Tower|Port Tower]] ([[hyperboloid structure]]). A giant [[ferris wheel]] sits in nearby Harborland, a notable tourist [[Esplanade|promenade]], and offers spectacular views of the surroundings including the bay area, especially at night. Two artificial islands, [[Port Island]] and [[Rokko Island]], have been constructed to give the city room to expand. The city serves as one of the most important seaports in Japan.
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The landmark of the port area is the red steel Kobe Port Tower (hyperboloid structure). A giant ferris wheel sits in nearby Harborland, a notable tourist promenade, and offers spectacular views of the surroundings including the bay area, especially at night. Two artificial islands, Port Island and Rokko Island, have been constructed to give the city room to expand. The city serves as one of the most important seaports in Japan.
  
Away from the seaside at the heart of Kobe lie the Motomachi and Kokashita districts as well as Kobe's [[Chinatown]] [[Kobe Chinatown|Nankinmachi]], all well-known retail areas. A multitude of train lines cross the city from east to west. The main transport hub is [[Sannomiya Station]], with the eponymous [[Kobe Station (Hyogo)|Kobe Station]] located to the west and the [[Shinkansen]] [[Shin-Kobe Station]] to the north.  
+
Away from the seaside at the heart of Kobe lie the Motomachi and Kokashita districts as well as Kobe's [[Chinatown]], ''Nankinmachi,'' all well-known retail areas. A multitude of train lines cross the city from east to west. The main transport hub is Sannomiya Station, with the eponymous Kobe Station located to the west and the Shinkansen Shin-Kobe Station to the north.  
  
[[Mount Rokko]] overlooks Kobe at an elevation of 931 meters. During the autumn season, it is famous for the rich change in colors of its forests.
+
Mount Rokko overlooks Kobe at an elevation of 931 meters. During the autumn season, it is famous for the rich change in colors of its forests.
  
 
===Wards===
 
===Wards===
 
[[Image:Kobe kus-.PNG|thumb|right|201px|Wards of Kobe]]
 
[[Image:Kobe kus-.PNG|thumb|right|201px|Wards of Kobe]]
Kobe has 9 [[Wards of Japan|wards]] (''ku''):
+
Kobe has nine wards ''(ku)'':
# [[Nishi-ku, Kobe|Nishi-ku]](西区)
+
# Nishi-ku
# [[Kita-ku, Kobe|Kita-ku]](北区)
+
# Kita-ku
# [[Tarumi-ku, Kobe|Tarumi-ku]] (垂水区)
+
# Tarumi-ku
# [[Suma-ku, Kobe|Suma-ku]] (須磨区)
+
# Suma-ku
# [[Nagata-ku, Kobe|Nagata-ku]] (長田区)
+
# Nagata-ku
# [[Hyōgo-ku, Kobe|Hyōgo-ku]] (兵庫区)
+
# Hyōgo-ku
# [[Chūō-ku, Kobe|Chūō-ku]](中央区)
+
# Chūō-ku
# [[Nada-ku, Kobe|Nada-ku]] (灘区)
+
# Nada-ku
# [[Higashinada-ku, Kobe|Higashinada-ku]] (東灘区)
+
# Higashinada-ku
  
 
== Culture ==
 
== Culture ==
[[Image:Ikuta Shrine honden.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Ikuta Shrine]] in central Kobe]]
+
[[Image:Ikuta Shrine honden.jpg|thumb|right|240px|The [[Ikuta Shrine]] in central Kobe]]
  
Kobe is famous for its [[Kobe beef]] and [[Arima Onsen]] (hot springs), while notable buildings include the [[Ikuta Shrine]] as well as the [[Kobe Port Tower]]. It is well known for the night view of the city both from the coast and its exotic atmosphere which has mainly come from its history as a port city.  
+
Kobe is famous for its Kobe [[beef]] and Arima Onsen ([[hot springs]]). As of 2002, there are 1,450 public parks, giving Kobe a reputation for being "green," and a very livable place for families. The most notable building is the [[Ikuta Shrine]], founded in the third century B.C.E., which later featured prominently in the [[battle of Ichi–no–Tani]] ([[Gempei War]]) between two warring clans that determined the outcome of modern Japan. Another notable landmark is the Kobe Port Tower. It is well known for the night view of the city both from the coast and its exotic atmosphere which has mainly come from its history as a port city.  
  
The city is widely associated with the cosmopolitanism and fashion, encapsulated in the Japanese phrase, "If you can't go to Paris, go to Kobe."<ref name="nytimes">Hassan, Sally. (April 9, 1989). "Where Japan Opened a Door To the West". ''[[New York Times]]''., retrieved from [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DEED6173FF93AA35757C0A96F948260&sec=travel&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink New York Times Website] on [[February 7]], [[2007]].</ref> The biannual fashion event [[Kobe Collection]] is held in Kobe,<ref>[http://kobe-collection.com/ Kobe Collection Official Website] (Japanese), retrieved [[February 27]], [[2007]]</ref> while the [[jazz]] festival "Kobe Jazz Street" has been held every October at jazz clubs and hotels since 1981.<ref>[http://www.kobejazzstreet.gr.jp/history/english.html Kobe Jazz Street], retrieved [[March 12]], [[2007]]</ref>  
+
The city is widely associated with the cosmopolitanism and fashion, encapsulated in the Japanese phrase, "If you can't go to Paris, go to Kobe."<ref name="nytimes">Sally Hassan, April 9, 1989, "Where Japan Opened a Door To the West." ''New York Times'', retrieved from [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=950DEED6173FF93AA35757C0A96F948260&sec=travel&spon=&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink New York Times Website] on February 7, 2007.</ref> The biannual [[fashion]] event Kobe Collection is held in Kobe,<ref>[http://kobe-collection.com/ Kobe Collection Official Website] (Japanese), retrieved February 27, 2007</ref> while the [[jazz]] festival "Kobe Jazz Street" has been held every October at [[jazz]] clubs and hotels since 1981.<ref>[http://www.kobejazzstreet.gr.jp/history/english.html Kobe Jazz Street], retrieved March 12, 2007</ref>  
  
Kobe is the site of Japan's first [[golf course]], [[Kobe Golf Club]], established by [[Arthur Hasketh Groom]] in 1903,<ref name="golfclubatlas">[http://www.golfclubatlas.com/alison1.html Golf Club Atlas] - "Gliding Past Fuji - C.H. Alison in Japan", retrieved [[February 7]], [[2007]]</ref> and Japan's first mosque, [[Kobe Mosque]], built in 1935.<ref>Penn, M. "Islam in Japan," [http://www.asiaquarterly.com/content/view/168/ Harvard Asia Quarterly] Vol. 10, No. 1, Winter 2006., retrieved [[February 15]], [[2007]]</ref> The city also hosts the [[Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club]], founded in 1870 by [[Alexander Cameron Sim]],<ref name="krac">[http://www.krac.org/history.shtml Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club] - "a distinguished history", retrieved [[February 7]], [[2007]]</ref> a prominent [[Foreign cemeteries in Japan|foreign cemetery]], and a number of Western-style residences from the 19th century (''see [[Kobe#History|History]]''). Kobe is home to [[Kobe University]], which traces its roots back to 1902.
+
After the opening of Japan, Kobe became very much an attraction to an international community, that gathered diplomats and foreign dignitaries, including [[Rudyard Kipling]], around the famous "Oriental Hotel". Nearby Mount Rokko is the site of Japan's first [[golf]] course, Kobe Golf Club, established by British expatriate Arthur Hasketh Groom in 1903,<ref name="golfclubatlas">[http://www.golfclubatlas.com/alison1.html Golf Club Atlas] - "Gliding Past Fuji - C.H. Alison in Japan," retrieved February 7, 2007</ref> and Japan's first [[mosque]], Kobe Mosque, built in 1935.<ref>M. Penn, "Islam in Japan," [http://www.asiaquarterly.com/content/view/168/ ''Harvard Asia Quarterly'' 10 (1) (Winter 2006)], retrieved February 15, 2007</ref> The city also hosts the Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club, founded in 1870 by Alexander Cameron Sim,<ref name="krac"> Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club - "a distinguished history,"</ref> a prominent foreign [[cemetery]], and a number of Western-style residences from the nineteenth century. Kobe is home to [[Kobe University]], which traces its roots back to 1902. Of a total population of about one and a half million residents, there is an international population of about 44,000: comprised of [[Korean]]s, [[Overseas Chinese|Chinese]], [[Vietnam|Vietnamese]], [[India|Indians]], North Americans, British, [[Germany|Germans]], and others, including a Jewish community.
  
Most of the movie ''[[Sayonara]]'' takes place in Kobe. Kobe is also the setting of the [[Studio Ghibli]] film [[Grave of the Fireflies]].
+
Most of the movie ''Sayonara'' (1957) starring Marlon Brando takes place in Kobe. Kobe is also the setting of the Studio Ghibli [[animation|antimated]] film ''Grave of the Fireflies.'' (1988) directed by Isao Takahata.  
  
Kobe is well-known for its [[sake]]: The area of [[Nada-ku, Kobe|Nada]] along with [[Fushimi-ku, Kyoto|Fushimi]] in [[Kyoto]] accounts for 45% of Japan's sake production.<ref>[http://www.kippo.or.jp/culture_e/syoku/sakejijo/sakejijo1.html Kansai Window] - "Japan's number one sake production", retrieved [[February 6]], [[2007]]</ref>
+
Kobe is well-known for its [[sake]]: The area of Nada-ku along with Fushimi-ku in [[Kyoto]] accounts for 45 percent of Japan's sake production.<ref>[http://www.kippo.or.jp/culture_e/syoku/sakejijo/sakejijo1.html Kansai Window] - "Japan's number one sake production," retrieved February 6, 2007</ref>
  
 
== Transportation ==
 
== Transportation ==
[[Image:Akashi Bridge.JPG|thumb|right|The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge extends from Kobe to Awaji Island]]
+
[[Image:Akashi Bridge.JPG|thumb|right|240px|The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge extends from Kobe to Awaji Island]]
  
[[Sannomiya Station]] is the main hub in Kobe, serving as the transfer point for the three major intercity rail lines. The [[JR Kobe Line]] connects Kobe to [[Osaka]] and [[Himeji, Hyogo|Himeji]] while both the [[Hankyu Kobe Line]] and the [[Hanshin Main Line]] run from Kobe to [[Umeda Station]] in Osaka. In addition, [[Kobe Municipal Subway]] provides access to the [[Sanyō Shinkansen]] at [[Shin-Kobe Station]]. [[Sanyō Electric Railway]] trains from Himeji reach Sannomiya via the [[Kobe Rapid Railway]].
+
Sannomiya Station is the main hub in Kobe, serving as the transfer point for the three major intercity rail lines. The JR Kobe Line connects Kobe to Osaka and Himeji while both the Hankyu Kobe Line and the Hanshin Main Line run from Kobe to Umeda Station in Osaka. In addition, Kobe Municipal Subway provides access to the Sanyō Shinkansen at Shin-Kobe Station. Sanyō Electric Railway trains from Himeji reach Sannomiya via the Kobe Rapid Railway.  
  
Other rail lines in Kobe include [[Kobe Electric Railway]] which runs north to [[Sanda, Hyogo|Sanda]] and [[Arima Onsen]]. [[Hokushin Kyuko Railway]] connects Shin-Kobe Station to [[Tanigami Station]] on the Kobe Electric Railway. [[Kobe New Transit]] runs two lines, the [[Port Island Line]] from Sannomiya to [[Kobe Airport]] and the [[Rokko Island Line]] from [[Sumiyoshi Station (JR West)|JR Sumiyoshi Station]] to [[Rokko Island]].
+
Other [[railway|rail]] lines in Kobe include Kobe Electric Railway which runs north to Sanda and Arima Onsen. Hokushin Kyuko Railway connects Shin-Kobe Station to Tanigami Station on the Kobe Electric Railway. Kobe New Transit runs two lines, the Port Island Line from Sannomiya to Kobe Airport and the Rokko Island Line from JR Sumiyoshi Station to Rokko Island.
  
Kobe is a hub in a number of [[Expressways of Japan|expressways]], including the [[Meishin Expressway]] ([[Nagoya]] - Kobe) and the [[Hanshin Expressway]] (Osaka - Kobe).<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/27/kigyo-yuchi/invest-kobe/e/access/domestic/index.html Hyogo-Kobe Investment Guide] - "Domestic Access", retrieved [[February 15]], [[2007]]</ref> Other expressways include the [[Sanyō Expressway]] (Kobe - [[Yamaguchi Prefecture|Yamaguchi]]) and the [[Chūgoku Expressway]] (Osaka - Yamaguchi).
+
Kobe is a hub in a number of expressways, including the Meishin Expressway (Nagoya - Kobe) and the Hanshin Expressway (Osaka - Kobe).<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/27/kigyo-yuchi/invest-kobe/e/access/domestic/index.html Hyogo-Kobe Investment Guide] - "Domestic Access," retrieved February 15, 2007</ref> Other expressways include the Sanyō Expressway (Kobe - Yamaguchi) and the Chūgoku Expressway (Osaka - Yamaguchi).
The [[Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project#Kobe-Awaji-Naruto_Expressway|Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway]] runs from Kobe to [[Naruto, Tokushima|Naruto]] via [[Awaji Island]] and includes the [[Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge]], the longest suspension bridge in the world.
+
The Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway (Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project) runs from Kobe to Naruto via Awaji Island and includes the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the longest [[suspension bridge]] in the world.
  
The new [[Kobe Airport]] was opened on a newly-built [[Land reclamation|reclaimed]] island on [[February 16]], [[2006]].
+
The new Kobe [[Airport]] was opened on a newly-built reclaimed island on February 16, 2006.
  
 
== Education ==
 
== Education ==
{{Prose|date=March 2007}}
+
[[Image:Kobe-Univ-Rokkodai-Honkan.jpg|right|thumb|Kobe University main building]]
 +
{{main|Education in Kobe}}
 +
The city of Kobe directly administers 169 [[Elementary school|elementary]] and 83 [[middle school]]s, with enrollments of approximately 80,200 and 36,000 students, respectively.<ref name="Kobe schools">[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/57/kyouikutyousa/index.html City of Kobe] - "Number of municipal schools and students" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007</ref>  Kobe also directly controls seven of the city's twenty-eight full-time public [[high school]]s, while the remainder are administered by the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education.<ref name="Kobe schools"/><ref>[http://www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~board-bo/gakko.htm#koube Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education] - "Hyogo prefectural public schools at a glance" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007</ref> In addition to public schools, four elementary schools, 14 middle schools and 25 high schools are run [[private school|privately]] within the city.<ref>[http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000005.html Hyogo Prefectural Government] - "Private elementary schools" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007</ref><ref>[http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000004.html Hyogo Prefectural Government] - "Private middle schools" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007</ref><ref>[http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000003.html Hyogo Prefectural Government] - "Private high schools" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007</ref>
 +
 
 +
Kobe is home to 19 public and private universities and institutes of higher learning, including [[Kobe University]] and [[Konan University]].<ref>[http://eduon.jp/school/university/hyogo/%E7%A5%9E%E6%88%B8%E5%B8%82/ eduon!] - "Kobe universities at a glance" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007</ref>
 +
 
 
=== Universities ===
 
=== Universities ===
 
====Public universities====
 
====Public universities====
*[[Kobe University]]
+
*[http://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/en/ Kobe University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*University of Hyōgo (Prefectural university) [http://www.u-hyogo.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.u-hyogo.ac.jp/ University of Hyōgo (Prefectural university)]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe City University of Foreign Studies [http://www.kobe-cufs.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobe-cufs.ac.jp/ Kobe City University of Foreign Studies]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe City College of Nursing [http://www.kobe-ccn.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobe-ccn.ac.jp/ Kobe City College of Nursing]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  
 
====Private universities====
 
====Private universities====
*[[Konan University]] [http://www.konan-u.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.konan-u.ac.jp/ Konan University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Konan Women's University [http://www.konan-wu.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.konan-wu.ac.jp/ Konan Women's University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Kaisei College (Women's university) [http://www.kaisei.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kaisei.ac.jp/ Kobe Kaisei College (Women's university)]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Gakuin University [http://www.kobegakuin.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobegakuin.ac.jp/ Kobe Gakuin University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Design University [http://www.kobe-du.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobe-du.ac.jp/ Kobe Design University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe International University [http://www.kobe-kiu.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobe-kiu.ac.jp/ Kobe International University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*[[Kobe Shoin Women's University]] [http://ksw.shoin.ac.jp/~kshome/]
+
*[http://www.shoin.ac.jp/ Kobe Shoin Women's University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Women's University [http://www.yg.kobe-wu.ac.jp/info/yondai/]
+
*[http://www.yg.kobe-wu.ac.jp/info/yondai/ Kobe Women's University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Shinwa Women's University [http://www.kobe-shinwa.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobe-shinwa.ac.jp/ Kobe Shinwa Women's University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Pharmaceutical University [http://www.kobepharma-u.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobepharma-u.ac.jp/ Kobe Pharmaceutical University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*Kobe Yamate University [http://www.kobe-yamate.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.kobe-yamate.ac.jp/ Kobe Yamate University]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
*University of Marketing and Distribution Science [http://www.umds.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.umds.ac.jp/ University of Marketing and Distribution Science]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  
 
===Primary and secondary schools===
 
===Primary and secondary schools===
 
====Public schools====
 
====Public schools====
Elementary and junior high schools are operated by the city of Kobe, while high schools are operated by the [[Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education]] [http://www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~board-bo/gakkou.html].
+
Elementary and junior high schools are operated by the city of Kobe, while high schools are operated by the [http://www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~board-bo/gakkou.html Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education] (Retrieved July 18, 2007.).
  
A list of Hyogo Prefectural high schools in Japanese is here [http://www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~board-bo/gakko.htm].
+
[http://www.hyogo-c.ed.jp/~board-bo/gakko.htm A list of Hyogo Prefectural high schools in Japanese is here] (Retrieved July 18, 2007).
  
 
====Private schools====
 
====Private schools====
Lists of private schools in Hyogo Prefecture at [http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000003.html] [http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000004.html] [http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000005.html] in Japanese.
+
Lists of private schools in Hyogo Prefecture at [http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000003.html High School] [http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000004.html Middle School] [http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/pa15/pa15_000000005.html Elementary School] in Japanese. (Retrieved July 18, 2007.)
  
 
=====International schools=====
 
=====International schools=====
*Marist Brothers International School (Montessori-12), located in Suma-ku [http://www.marist.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.marist.ac.jp/ Marist Brothers International School (Montessori-12)], located in Suma-ku. (Retrieved July 18, 2007.)
*[[Canadian Academy]] (K-12), located on the man-made [[Rokko Island]] [http://www.canacad.ac.jp/]
+
*[http://www.canacad.ac.jp/ Canadian Academy (K-12)], located on the man-made Rokko Island. (Retrieved July 18, 2007.)
*St. Michael's International School (PreK-6), a small British elementary school located in Kitano-cho, near [[Sannomiya]] and Motomachi stations [http://www.smis.org/]
+
*[http://www.smis.org/ St. Michael's International School (PreK-6)], a small British elementary school located in Kitano-cho, affiliated with Anglican Church. (Retrieved July 18, 2007.)
*Deutsche Schule Kobe - European School, located in Nada-ku [http://www.dskobe.org/]
+
*[http://www.dskobe.org/ Deutsche Schule Kobe] - European School, founded 1909, curriculum in German and English. (Retrieved July 18, 2007.)
  
 
===Research===
 
===Research===
*[[RIKEN]] Kobe Institute - Center for Developmental Biology<ref>[http://www.cdb.riken.go.jp/en/index.html RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology], retrieved [[March 13]], [[2007]]</ref>
+
*RIKEN Kobe Institute - Center for Developmental Biology<ref>[http://www.cdb.riken.go.jp/en/index.html RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology], ''cdb.riken''. (in English) retrieved March 13, 2007</ref>
  
 
== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
 +
[[Image:Kobe shinko11s2048.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Kobe is the busiest port in the [[Kansai region]]]]
 +
Kobe is both an important port and manufacturing center within the [[Hanshin Industrial Region]]. Kobe is the [[List of world's busiest container ports|busiest container port]] in the region, surpassing even [[Osaka]], and the fourth busiest in [[Japan]].
 +
As of 2004, the value of manufactured goods produced and exported from Kobe was ¥2.5 trillion. The four largest sectors in terms of value of goods produced are [[Small appliance|small appliances]], food products, transportation equipment, and communication equipment making up over fifty percent of Kobe's manufactured goods. In terms of numbers of employees, food products, small appliances, and transportation equipment make up the three largest sectors.<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/06/013/toukei/pdf/kougyou/16kiji.pdf Kobe City Report on Census of Manufacturers, 2004] (Japanese), retrieved March 30, 2007</ref>  The city's total GDP for this same year was ¥6.3 trillion, which amounts to 34 percent of the GDP for [[Hyōgo Prefecture]] and approximately eight percent of the GDP for the whole [[Kansai region]].<ref name="Kobe economy">[http://web.hyogo-iic.ne.jp/hyogoip/4-2-1.pdf Hyogo Industrial Advancement Center] - "Industry Tendencies in Various Areas of Hyogo Prefecture" (Japanese), retrieved July 3, 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.esri.cao.go.jp/jp/sna/kenmin/h16/main.html Cabinet Office, Government of Japan] - "2004 Prefectural Economy Survey" (Japanese), retrieved July 3, 2007</ref>  Per capita income for the year was approximately ¥2.7 million.<ref name="Kobe economy"/>
 +
 +
===Major companies and institutes===
 +
Japanese companies which have their headquarters in Kobe include [[ASICS]], a shoe manufacturer; [[Daiei]], a department store chain; [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]], an [[automobile]] and [[ship]] manufacturer; and [[Kobe Steel]]. Other companies include the [[confectionary]] manufacturers [[Konigs-Krone]] and [[Morozoff Ltd.]], [[Sun Television (Japan)|Sun Television Japan]] and [[UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.]]
 +
 +
There are over 100 international corporations with East-Asia or Japan headquarters in Kobe. Of these, 24 are from [[China]], 18 from the [[United States]], and nine from [[Switzerland]].<ref>"Number of foreign corporations with headquarters in Kobe passes 100." (Japanese) in ''Nikkei Net''. retrieved from NIKKEI.net</ref> Some prominent corporations include [[Eli Lilly and Company]], [[Nestlé]], [[Procter & Gamble]], [[Tempur-Pedic]], and [[Toys "R" Us]].<ref name="companyhq"/>
  
Kobe is a major part of '''Hanshin Industrial Region'''.  The value of manufactured goods shipments through Kobe is 2,508 billion yen (as of 2004).<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/06/013/toukei/pdf/kougyou/16kiji.pdf Kobe City Report on Census of Manufacturers, 2004] (Japanese), retrieved [[March 30]], [[2007]]</ref>
+
Kobe is the site of a number of research institutes, such as the [[RIKEN]] Kobe Institute Center for [[developmental biology]] and medical imaging techniques,<ref>[http://www.cdb.riken.go.jp/en/index.html RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology RIKEN Kobe Institute], retrieved March 13, 2007, retrieved June 26 2007</ref> the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kobe Advanced ICT Research Center,<ref>[http://www2.nict.go.jp/w/w103/en/index.html National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kobe Advanced ICT Research Center], retrieved June 26, 2007</ref> the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention,<ref>[http://www.bosai.go.jp/e/index.html National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention], retrieved June 12, 2007</ref> and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.<ref>[http://www.adrc.or.jp Asian Disaster Reduction Center], retrieved June 12, 2007</ref>
  
 
===Major factories and research institutes in Kobe===
 
===Major factories and research institutes in Kobe===
see [[Hanshin Industrial Region]]
+
Facilities
 +
* Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
 +
:- Shipbuilding, Marine structures
 +
:- Mainly,high value products such as Container ship, Submarine, Research Vessels and Vehicles, Nuclear reactor, Satellite.
 +
* Kawasaki Heavy Industries
 +
:- Shipbuilding , Marine structures , Trains
 +
* Kobe Steel
 +
* Mitsubishi Electric
 +
* Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic)
 +
 
 +
Laboratories, Research Institutes
 +
* Bayer  [http://byl.bayer.co.jp/scripts/pages/jp/corporate_profile/map/index.php# Kobe Reseach Center ]. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
 +
* Eli Lilly and Company
 +
* Boehringer-Ingelheim
 +
* Procter & Gamble
 +
:- It is also an East-Asia or Japan headquarter.
 +
* Kobe Steel
 +
* Mitsubishi Electric
 +
* RIKEN (A public corporation funded by the government. Natural sciences research institute.)
 +
:- Center for Developmental [[Biology]].
 +
:- Next-Generation Supercomputer Center (From 2010)
  
 
===Major company headquarters in Kobe===
 
===Major company headquarters in Kobe===
 
====World headquarters====
 
====World headquarters====
*[[ASICS]]
+
*ASICS
*[[Daiei]]
+
*Daiei
*[[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]]
+
*Kawasaki Heavy Industries
*[[Kobe Steel]]
+
*Kobe Steel
*[[Konigs Krone]]
+
*Konigs Krone
*[[Morozoff Ltd.]]
+
*Morozoff Ltd.
*[[SUN-TV]]
+
*SUN-TV
*[[UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.]]
+
*UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.
*[[Vita Craft Corporation#Vita Craft Japan|Vita Craft Japan]]
+
*Vita Craft Japan
*[[World Co., Ltd]]
+
*World Co., Ltd
  
 
====Asia/Japan headquarters====
 
====Asia/Japan headquarters====
 
A number of major international corporations have their East-Asia or Japan headquarters in Kobe:<ref name="companyhq"/>
 
A number of major international corporations have their East-Asia or Japan headquarters in Kobe:<ref name="companyhq"/>
  
*[[Eli Lilly and Company]]
+
*Eli Lilly and Company
*[[Nestlé]]
+
*Nestlé
*[[Procter & Gamble]]
+
*Procter & Gamble
*[[Tempur-Pedic]]
+
*Tempur-Pedic
*[[Toys "R" Us]]
+
*Toys "R" Us
  
 
==Sport teams==
 
==Sport teams==
Line 183: Line 305:
 
!scope="col"| Established
 
!scope="col"| Established
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers]]
+
| Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers
| [[rugby football|Rugby]]
+
| Rugby
| [[Top League]]
+
| Top League
| [[Kobe Wing Stadium]]
+
| Kobe Wing Stadium
| [[1928]]
+
| 1928
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Orix Buffaloes]]
+
| Orix Buffaloes
 
| [[Baseball]]
 
| [[Baseball]]
| [[Pacific League]]
+
| Pacific League
| [[Skymark Stadium]]<br/>[[Osaka Dome]]
+
| Skymark Stadium<br/>Osaka Dome
| [[1938]]
+
| 1938
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Vissel Kobe]]
+
| Vissel Kobe
| [[Football (soccer)|Football]]
+
| Football (soccer)
| [[J.League]]
+
| J.League
| [[Kobe Wing Stadium]]
+
| Kobe Wing Stadium
| [[1995]]
+
| 1995
 
|-
 
|-
| [[Nikkō Kobe IceBucks]]<br/><small>(shared with [[Nikkō, Tochigi]])</small>
+
| Nikkō Kobe IceBucks<br/><small>(shared with Nikkō, Tochigi)</small>
| [[Ice Hockey]]
+
| Ice Hockey
| [[Asia League Ice Hockey|Asia League]]
+
| Asia League
 
|
 
|
| [[1999]]
+
| 1999
 
|}
 
|}
  
== Sister cities and sister ports ==
+
== Sister Cities and Sister Ports ==
Kobe has six sister cities and a number of other affiliations.<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/17/020/en/international/worldmap.htm City of Kobe] - "Sister City, Friendly City, Friendship & Cooperation City", retrieved [[February 15]], [[2007]]</ref> They are:
+
Kobe has six sister cities and a number of other affiliations.<ref>[http://www.city.kobe.jp/cityoffice/17/020/en/international/worldmap.htm City of Kobe] - "Sister City, Friendly City, Friendship & Cooperation City," retrieved February 15, 2007</ref> They are:
  
*{{flagicon|United States}} [[Seattle, Washington|Seattle]], [[Washington]], [[United States]] (1957)  
+
*{{flagicon|United States}} Seattle, Washington, [[United States]] (1957)  
*{{flagicon|France}} [[Marseille]], [[France]] (1961)
+
*{{flagicon|France}} Marseille, [[France]] (1961)
*{{flagicon|Brazil}} [[Rio de Janeiro]], [[Brazil]] (1969)
+
*{{flagicon|Brazil}} Rio de Janeiro, [[Brazil]] (1969)
*{{flagicon|Latvia}} [[Riga]], [[Latvia]] (1974)
+
*{{flagicon|Latvia}} Riga, [[Latvia]] (1974)
*{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Brisbane]], [[Australia]] (1985)
+
*{{flagicon|Australia}} Brisbane, [[Australia]] (1985)
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Barcelona]], [[Catalonia]], [[Spain]] (1993)
+
*{{flagicon|Spain}} Barcelona, Catalonia, [[Spain]] (1993)
  
Sister ports:
+
Sister Ports:
*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Rotterdam]], [[Netherlands]] (1967)
+
*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} Rotterdam, [[Netherlands]] (1967)
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Seattle]], [[Washington]], [[USA]] (1967)
+
*{{flagicon|USA}} Seattle, Washington, [[USA]] (1967)
  
Other city affiliations:
+
Other City Affiliations:
*{{flagicon|China}} [[Tianjin]], [[People's Republic of China]] (friendly city) (1973)
+
*{{flagicon|China}} Tianjin, People's Republic of China (friendly city) (1973)
*{{flagicon|United States}} [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[United States]] (friendship and cooperation city) (1986)
+
*{{flagicon|United States}} Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, [[United States]] (friendship and cooperation city) (1986)
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Image:Kobe nakatottei07s3200.jpg|[[Kobe Port Tower]]
+
Image:Kobe nakatottei07s3200.jpg|Kobe Port Tower
Image:Kobe takahama01s3200.jpg|[[Harborland]]  
+
Image:Kobe takahama01s3200.jpg|Harborland  
Image:Akashi-kaikyo_bridge_night_shot_small.jpg|[[Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge]]  
+
Image:Akashi-kaikyo_bridge_night_shot_small.jpg|Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge  
 
Image:Kobe port island02s3200.jpg|Kobe bridge  
 
Image:Kobe port island02s3200.jpg|Kobe bridge  
 
Image:Venus bridge01 960.jpg|View from Venus Bridge
 
Image:Venus bridge01 960.jpg|View from Venus Bridge
 
Image:Kobe_skyline_small.jpg|Downtown Kobe from a harbour cruise boat
 
Image:Kobe_skyline_small.jpg|Downtown Kobe from a harbour cruise boat
 
Image:KobeDowntownStreet.JPG|Downtown Kobe Street  
 
Image:KobeDowntownStreet.JPG|Downtown Kobe Street  
Image:Kobe-Nankinmachi.JPG|[[Chinatown]] in Kobe
+
Image:Kobe-Nankinmachi.JPG|Chinatown in Kobe
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Notes==
 +
<div class="references-small"><references /></div>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<div class="references-small"><references /></div>
+
* Dodd, Jan, and Simon Richmond. 2005. ''The rough guide to Japan.'' London: Rough Guides. ISBN 1843532727
 +
* Kerr, Alex. 1996. ''Lost Japan. Lonely Planet journeys.'' Hawthorn, Vic., AU: Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN 0864423705
 +
* Nihon Kōtsū Kōsha. 1990. ''Travel guide: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe.'' Tokyo: Japan Travel Bureau.
 +
* Reiber, Beth, and Janie Spencer. 2004. ''Frommer's Japan.'' Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub. ISBN 0764573802
 +
* Rowthorn, Chris. 2005. ''Japan.'' Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet. ISBN 1740599241
 +
* Zarifeh, Ramsey. 2002. ''Japan by rail.'' Hindhead, Surrey, UK: Trailblazer Publications. ISBN 1873756232
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
{{commons|Kobe}}
+
All links retrieved April 21, 2018.
*{{en icon}} [http://www.city.kobe.jp/index-e.html Official Kobe homepage]
+
*[https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2159.html Kobe Travel Guide].  
*{{en icon}} [http://www.jica.go.jp/english Japan International Cooperation Agency Hyogo Office]
+
*[http://www.who.or.jp WHO Kobe Centre].  
*{{en icon}} [http://www.who.or.jp WHO Kobe Centre]
 
*{{en icon}} [http://www.kobecityinfo.com Kobe City Info]
 
*{{wikitravel}}
 
 
 
{{Hyogo}}
 
 
 
{{Regions and administrative divisions of Japan}}
 
 
 
<!--Categories—>
 
[[Category:Kobe]]
 
[[Category:Cities in Hyōgo Prefecture]]
 
[[Category:Coastal cities]]
 
[[Category:Port cities in Japan]]
 
 
 
<!--Other languages—>
 
 
 
[[ar:كوبه]]
 
[[cs:Kóbe]]
 
[[da:Kobe]]
 
[[de:Kōbe]]
 
[[eo:Kobe]]
 
[[es:Kōbe]]
 
[[et:Kōbe]]
 
[[fi:Kōbe]]
 
[[fr:Kōbe]]
 
[[he:קובה (יפן)]]
 
[[hi:कोबे]]
 
[[id:Kobe]]
 
[[it:Kōbe]]
 
[[ja:神戸市]]
 
[[ko:고베 시]]
 
[[lt:Kobė]]
 
[[nl:Kobe]]
 
[[no:Kobe]]
 
[[pl:Kōbe]]
 
[[pt:Kobe]]
 
[[ro:Kobe]]
 
[[ru:Кобе, Хёго]]
 
[[simple:Kobe]]
 
[[sk:Kóbe]]
 
[[sv:Kobe]]
 
[[th:โคเบะ]]
 
[[tr:Kobe]]
 
[[vi:Kobe]]
 
[[zh:神户市]]
 
  
 +
[[Category:Cities]]
  
{{credit|135894067}}
+
{{credits|Kobe|135894067|Kobe|145372862}}

Latest revision as of 03:58, 4 March 2023

Kobe
神戸
—  Designated city  —
神戸市 · Kobe City[1]
From top left: Port of Kobe, Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Kitano-chō, Kobe Chinatown, Night View from Kikuseidai of Mt. Maya, Kobe Port Tower
From top left: Port of Kobe, Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, Kitano-chō, Kobe Chinatown, Night View from Kikuseidai of Mt. Maya, Kobe Port Tower
Flag of Kobe
Flag
Official logo of Kobe
Logo
Location of Kobe in Hyōgo
Location of Kobe in Hyōgo
Coordinates: 34°41′N 135°12′E
Country Japan
Region Kansai
Prefecture Hyōgo
Government
 - Mayor Tatsuo Yada
Area
 - Total 552.26 km² (213.2 sq mi)
Population (August 1, 2011)
 - Total 1,545,410
 - Density 2,798.3/km² (7,247.7/sq mi)
Tree Camellia sasanqua
Flower Hydrangea
Phone number 078-331-8181
Address 6-5-1 Kano-chō, Chūō-ku, Kōbe-shi, Hyōgo-ken
650-8570
Website: City of Kobe


Kobe(Kōbe-shi) is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture and a prominent seaport city in Japan with a population of about 1.5 million. The city is located in the Kansai region of Japan to the west of Osaka. Kobe is classified as one of Japan's 15 designated cities and is a part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan sprawl.

It was one of the first cities to open for trade with the Western world in 1868, and as such, it is known as a cosmopolitan port city. Consistent with this reputation, Kobe has a population of 45,000 foreign residents from more than 100 countries.[2][3] The city hosts the Asian or Japan headquarters of a number of companies including Procter & Gamble and Nestlé,[4] and is the point of origin and namesake of Kobe beef. Kobe is also famous for the Arima Onsen (hot springs), and some notable buildings include the Ikuta Shrine as well as the Kobe Port Tower.

The city was severely affected by the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, in which over 5000 residents lost their lives. Kobe has largely recovered from the damage.

History

Nishiki-e (Colored woodcut print) of nineteenth c. Kobe
Kitano area of Kobe

Kobe's history dates back to the eighth century when the area was known as Ōwada Anchorage (Ōwada-no-tomari).[5][6] The city was briefly the capital of Japan in 1180 C.E. at the end of the Heian period, when Taira no Kiyomori moved his grandson Emperor Antoku to Fukuhara. The exact location is not known for certain, but is probably the neighborhood of the same name in Hyōgo-ku, Kobe. The Emperor returned to Kyoto after about five months.[6] As the port grew, it became an important hub for trade with China and other countries, and in the thirteenth century, the city came to be known by the name Hyōgo Port (Hyōgo-tsu).[7]

During this time, Hyōgo Port along with northern Osaka comprised the province of Settsu. Later, during the Edo period, the eastern parts of present-day Kobe came under the jurisdiction of the Amagasaki Domain (Amagasaki-han) and the western parts under that of the Akashi Domain (Akashi-han), while the center was controlled directly by the Tokugawa shogunate.[8][9] It was not until the abolition of the former feudal clan system, known as han, in 1871 and the establishment of the current prefecture system that the area became politically distinct.

Damage from the Great Hanshin Earthquake preserved in a memorial

Following the Meiji Restoration and the end of the policy of seclusion (Sakoku), in 1868, Hyōgo Port was one of the first ports to open for trade with Western countries.[10] The region has since been identified with the West, and many foreign residences from the period remain in Kobe's Kitano area (Kitano-cho).[11]

Kobe, as it is known today, was founded on April 1, 1889, and was designated on September 1, 1956 by government ordinance. The history of Kobe is closely tied to that of the Ikuta Shrine, and in fact the name "Kobe" derives from kanbe, an archaic name for those who supported the shrine.[12][13]

During the course of World War II, Kobe was bombed with incendiary bombs by B-29 (B-29 Superfortress) bombers on March 17, 1945, causing the death of 8,841 residents and destroying 21 percent of Kobe's urban area. It is this incident that inspired the well-known Studio Ghibli animated film Grave of the Fireflies and the 1967 book Grave of the Fireflies by Akiyuki Nosaka on which it was based.

Following continuous pressure from citizens, on March 18, 1975, the Kobe City Council passed an ordinance banning vessels carrying nuclear weapons from Kobe Port. This effectively prevented any U.S. warships from entering the port, policy being not to disclose whether any warship is carrying nuclear weapons. This nonproliferation policy has been termed the "Kobe Formula" (Japan's non-nuclear policy).[14][15]

On January 17, 1995 an earthquake measuring at 7.3 on the Richter Scale occurred at 05:46 A.M. JST near the city. There were 6,434 people killed, 300,000 were made homeless, and large portions of the port facilities and other parts of the city were destroyed. It was one of the most costly natural disasters in modern history. The earthquake notably destroyed the Hanshin Expressway, an elevated freeway which dramatically toppled over. Within Japan, the earthquake is known as the Great Hanshin Earthquake (or the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake). To commemorate Kobe's recovery from the 1995 quake, the city holds an annual event called the Kobe Luminare, where every December the city hall is decorated with illuminated metal archways.

Kobe was Japan's busiest port and one of Asia's top ports until the Great Hanshin Earthquake occurred.[16] Kobe has since dropped to the thirty-second busiest port worldwide (as of 2004).[17] In spite of the earthquake, Kobe remains Japan's third busiest port (as of 1999).[16]

Geography

Port of Kobe at twilight

Wedged in between the coast and the mountains, the city of Kobe is long and narrow. To the east is the city of Ashiya (Ashiya Hyōgo), while the city of Akashi (Akashi Hyōgo) lies to its west.

The landmark of the port area is the red steel Kobe Port Tower (hyperboloid structure). A giant ferris wheel sits in nearby Harborland, a notable tourist promenade, and offers spectacular views of the surroundings including the bay area, especially at night. Two artificial islands, Port Island and Rokko Island, have been constructed to give the city room to expand. The city serves as one of the most important seaports in Japan.

Away from the seaside at the heart of Kobe lie the Motomachi and Kokashita districts as well as Kobe's Chinatown, Nankinmachi, all well-known retail areas. A multitude of train lines cross the city from east to west. The main transport hub is Sannomiya Station, with the eponymous Kobe Station located to the west and the Shinkansen Shin-Kobe Station to the north.

Mount Rokko overlooks Kobe at an elevation of 931 meters. During the autumn season, it is famous for the rich change in colors of its forests.

Wards

Wards of Kobe

Kobe has nine wards (ku):

  1. Nishi-ku
  2. Kita-ku
  3. Tarumi-ku
  4. Suma-ku
  5. Nagata-ku
  6. Hyōgo-ku
  7. Chūō-ku
  8. Nada-ku
  9. Higashinada-ku

Culture

The Ikuta Shrine in central Kobe

Kobe is famous for its Kobe beef and Arima Onsen (hot springs). As of 2002, there are 1,450 public parks, giving Kobe a reputation for being "green," and a very livable place for families. The most notable building is the Ikuta Shrine, founded in the third century B.C.E., which later featured prominently in the battle of Ichi–no–Tani (Gempei War) between two warring clans that determined the outcome of modern Japan. Another notable landmark is the Kobe Port Tower. It is well known for the night view of the city both from the coast and its exotic atmosphere which has mainly come from its history as a port city.

The city is widely associated with the cosmopolitanism and fashion, encapsulated in the Japanese phrase, "If you can't go to Paris, go to Kobe."[18] The biannual fashion event Kobe Collection is held in Kobe,[19] while the jazz festival "Kobe Jazz Street" has been held every October at jazz clubs and hotels since 1981.[20]

After the opening of Japan, Kobe became very much an attraction to an international community, that gathered diplomats and foreign dignitaries, including Rudyard Kipling, around the famous "Oriental Hotel". Nearby Mount Rokko is the site of Japan's first golf course, Kobe Golf Club, established by British expatriate Arthur Hasketh Groom in 1903,[21] and Japan's first mosque, Kobe Mosque, built in 1935.[22] The city also hosts the Kobe Regatta & Athletic Club, founded in 1870 by Alexander Cameron Sim,[23] a prominent foreign cemetery, and a number of Western-style residences from the nineteenth century. Kobe is home to Kobe University, which traces its roots back to 1902. Of a total population of about one and a half million residents, there is an international population of about 44,000: comprised of Koreans, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indians, North Americans, British, Germans, and others, including a Jewish community.

Most of the movie Sayonara (1957) starring Marlon Brando takes place in Kobe. Kobe is also the setting of the Studio Ghibli antimated film Grave of the Fireflies. (1988) directed by Isao Takahata.

Kobe is well-known for its sake: The area of Nada-ku along with Fushimi-ku in Kyoto accounts for 45 percent of Japan's sake production.[24]

Transportation

The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge extends from Kobe to Awaji Island

Sannomiya Station is the main hub in Kobe, serving as the transfer point for the three major intercity rail lines. The JR Kobe Line connects Kobe to Osaka and Himeji while both the Hankyu Kobe Line and the Hanshin Main Line run from Kobe to Umeda Station in Osaka. In addition, Kobe Municipal Subway provides access to the Sanyō Shinkansen at Shin-Kobe Station. Sanyō Electric Railway trains from Himeji reach Sannomiya via the Kobe Rapid Railway.

Other rail lines in Kobe include Kobe Electric Railway which runs north to Sanda and Arima Onsen. Hokushin Kyuko Railway connects Shin-Kobe Station to Tanigami Station on the Kobe Electric Railway. Kobe New Transit runs two lines, the Port Island Line from Sannomiya to Kobe Airport and the Rokko Island Line from JR Sumiyoshi Station to Rokko Island.

Kobe is a hub in a number of expressways, including the Meishin Expressway (Nagoya - Kobe) and the Hanshin Expressway (Osaka - Kobe).[25] Other expressways include the Sanyō Expressway (Kobe - Yamaguchi) and the Chūgoku Expressway (Osaka - Yamaguchi). The Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway (Honshū-Shikoku Bridge Project) runs from Kobe to Naruto via Awaji Island and includes the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world.

The new Kobe Airport was opened on a newly-built reclaimed island on February 16, 2006.

Education

Kobe University main building

The city of Kobe directly administers 169 elementary and 83 middle schools, with enrollments of approximately 80,200 and 36,000 students, respectively.[26] Kobe also directly controls seven of the city's twenty-eight full-time public high schools, while the remainder are administered by the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education.[26][27] In addition to public schools, four elementary schools, 14 middle schools and 25 high schools are run privately within the city.[28][29][30]

Kobe is home to 19 public and private universities and institutes of higher learning, including Kobe University and Konan University.[31]

Universities

Public universities

Private universities

Primary and secondary schools

Public schools

Elementary and junior high schools are operated by the city of Kobe, while high schools are operated by the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education (Retrieved July 18, 2007.).

A list of Hyogo Prefectural high schools in Japanese is here (Retrieved July 18, 2007).

Private schools

Lists of private schools in Hyogo Prefecture at High School Middle School Elementary School in Japanese. (Retrieved July 18, 2007.)

International schools

Research

  • RIKEN Kobe Institute - Center for Developmental Biology[32]

Economy

Kobe is the busiest port in the Kansai region

Kobe is both an important port and manufacturing center within the Hanshin Industrial Region. Kobe is the busiest container port in the region, surpassing even Osaka, and the fourth busiest in Japan. As of 2004, the value of manufactured goods produced and exported from Kobe was ¥2.5 trillion. The four largest sectors in terms of value of goods produced are small appliances, food products, transportation equipment, and communication equipment making up over fifty percent of Kobe's manufactured goods. In terms of numbers of employees, food products, small appliances, and transportation equipment make up the three largest sectors.[33] The city's total GDP for this same year was ¥6.3 trillion, which amounts to 34 percent of the GDP for Hyōgo Prefecture and approximately eight percent of the GDP for the whole Kansai region.[34][35] Per capita income for the year was approximately ¥2.7 million.[34]

Major companies and institutes

Japanese companies which have their headquarters in Kobe include ASICS, a shoe manufacturer; Daiei, a department store chain; Kawasaki Heavy Industries, an automobile and ship manufacturer; and Kobe Steel. Other companies include the confectionary manufacturers Konigs-Krone and Morozoff Ltd., Sun Television Japan and UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.

There are over 100 international corporations with East-Asia or Japan headquarters in Kobe. Of these, 24 are from China, 18 from the United States, and nine from Switzerland.[36] Some prominent corporations include Eli Lilly and Company, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, Tempur-Pedic, and Toys "R" Us.[4]

Kobe is the site of a number of research institutes, such as the RIKEN Kobe Institute Center for developmental biology and medical imaging techniques,[37] the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kobe Advanced ICT Research Center,[38] the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention,[39] and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.[40]

Major factories and research institutes in Kobe

Facilities

  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Shipbuilding, Marine structures
- Mainly,high value products such as Container ship, Submarine, Research Vessels and Vehicles, Nuclear reactor, Satellite.
  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries
- Shipbuilding , Marine structures , Trains
  • Kobe Steel
  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic)

Laboratories, Research Institutes

  • Bayer Kobe Reseach Center . Retrieved July 18, 2007.
  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Boehringer-Ingelheim
  • Procter & Gamble
- It is also an East-Asia or Japan headquarter.
  • Kobe Steel
  • Mitsubishi Electric
  • RIKEN (A public corporation funded by the government. Natural sciences research institute.)
- Center for Developmental Biology.
- Next-Generation Supercomputer Center (From 2010)

Major company headquarters in Kobe

World headquarters

  • ASICS
  • Daiei
  • Kawasaki Heavy Industries
  • Kobe Steel
  • Konigs Krone
  • Morozoff Ltd.
  • SUN-TV
  • UCC Ueshima Coffee Co.
  • Vita Craft Japan
  • World Co., Ltd

Asia/Japan headquarters

A number of major international corporations have their East-Asia or Japan headquarters in Kobe:[4]

  • Eli Lilly and Company
  • Nestlé
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Tempur-Pedic
  • Toys "R" Us

Sport teams

Club Sport League Venue Established
Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers Rugby Top League Kobe Wing Stadium 1928
Orix Buffaloes Baseball Pacific League Skymark Stadium
Osaka Dome
1938
Vissel Kobe Football (soccer) J.League Kobe Wing Stadium 1995
Nikkō Kobe IceBucks
(shared with Nikkō, Tochigi)
Ice Hockey Asia League 1999

Sister Cities and Sister Ports

Kobe has six sister cities and a number of other affiliations.[41] They are:

Sister Ports:

Other City Affiliations:

  • Flag of People's Republic of China Tianjin, People's Republic of China (friendly city) (1973)
  • Flag of United States Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (friendship and cooperation city) (1986)

Gallery

Notes

  1. Kobe's official English name
  2. City of Kobe - "Outline," retrieved February 3, 2007
  3. City of Kobe "Overall Statistics, Foreign Residents" kobe (in English) retrieved February 2, 2007
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Hyogo-Kobe Investment Guide - "List of Foreign Enterprises and Examples," retrieved February 8, 2007
  5. City of Kobe - "Port of Kobe: History,"kobe. retrieved February 2, 2007
  6. 6.0 6.1 Kobe City Info - "History,"kobecityinfo.com. retrieved February 2, 2007
  7. Hyogo Internationl Tourism Guide - "Hyogo Prefecture."hyogo-tourism.jp. retrieved February 2, 2007
  8. City of Kobe - "Old Kobe" (Japanese), retrieved February 16, 2007
  9. City of Ashiya - "An Outline History of Ashiya," retrieved February 16, 2007
  10. Hyogo Prefectural Government - "Hyogo Overview," retrieved February 2, 2007
  11. Japan Reference - "Kobe," retrieved February 2, 2007
  12. Nagasaki University - "Ikuta Shrine" hikoma. retrieved February 3, 2007
  13. Entry for 「神戸(かんべ)」. book by Izuru Shinmura, (Kojien, fifth ed., 1998, ISBN 4000801112)
  14. Kobe City Council - "Resolution on the Rejection of the Visit of Nuclear-Armed Warships into Kobe Port," March 18, 1975., retrieved February 16, 2007
  15. Naoki Kamimura, "Japanese Civil Society and U.S.-Japan Security Relations in the 1990s." retrieved from International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War ippnw.org. on February 2, 2007
  16. 16.0 16.1 Maruhon Business News - Port Conditions in Japan, retrieved January 23, 2007
  17. American Association of Port Authorities - "World Port Rankings 2004," retrieved February 2, 2007
  18. Sally Hassan, April 9, 1989, "Where Japan Opened a Door To the West." New York Times, retrieved from New York Times Website on February 7, 2007.
  19. Kobe Collection Official Website (Japanese), retrieved February 27, 2007
  20. Kobe Jazz Street, retrieved March 12, 2007
  21. Golf Club Atlas - "Gliding Past Fuji - C.H. Alison in Japan," retrieved February 7, 2007
  22. M. Penn, "Islam in Japan," Harvard Asia Quarterly 10 (1) (Winter 2006), retrieved February 15, 2007
  23. Kobe Regatta and Athletic Club - "a distinguished history,"
  24. Kansai Window - "Japan's number one sake production," retrieved February 6, 2007
  25. Hyogo-Kobe Investment Guide - "Domestic Access," retrieved February 15, 2007
  26. 26.0 26.1 City of Kobe - "Number of municipal schools and students" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007
  27. Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education - "Hyogo prefectural public schools at a glance" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007
  28. Hyogo Prefectural Government - "Private elementary schools" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007
  29. Hyogo Prefectural Government - "Private middle schools" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007
  30. Hyogo Prefectural Government - "Private high schools" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007
  31. eduon! - "Kobe universities at a glance" (Japanese), retrieved July 2, 2007
  32. RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, cdb.riken. (in English) retrieved March 13, 2007
  33. Kobe City Report on Census of Manufacturers, 2004 (Japanese), retrieved March 30, 2007
  34. 34.0 34.1 Hyogo Industrial Advancement Center - "Industry Tendencies in Various Areas of Hyogo Prefecture" (Japanese), retrieved July 3, 2007
  35. Cabinet Office, Government of Japan - "2004 Prefectural Economy Survey" (Japanese), retrieved July 3, 2007
  36. "Number of foreign corporations with headquarters in Kobe passes 100." (Japanese) in Nikkei Net. retrieved from NIKKEI.net
  37. RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology RIKEN Kobe Institute, retrieved March 13, 2007, retrieved June 26 2007
  38. National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Kobe Advanced ICT Research Center, retrieved June 26, 2007
  39. National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, retrieved June 12, 2007
  40. Asian Disaster Reduction Center, retrieved June 12, 2007
  41. City of Kobe - "Sister City, Friendly City, Friendship & Cooperation City," retrieved February 15, 2007

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Dodd, Jan, and Simon Richmond. 2005. The rough guide to Japan. London: Rough Guides. ISBN 1843532727
  • Kerr, Alex. 1996. Lost Japan. Lonely Planet journeys. Hawthorn, Vic., AU: Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN 0864423705
  • Nihon Kōtsū Kōsha. 1990. Travel guide: Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe. Tokyo: Japan Travel Bureau.
  • Reiber, Beth, and Janie Spencer. 2004. Frommer's Japan. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Pub. ISBN 0764573802
  • Rowthorn, Chris. 2005. Japan. Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet. ISBN 1740599241
  • Zarifeh, Ramsey. 2002. Japan by rail. Hindhead, Surrey, UK: Trailblazer Publications. ISBN 1873756232

External links

All links retrieved April 21, 2018.

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