Kosaka mine had Koraku-kan theater for workers

Former Kosaka Mine Office

The theater was completed in 1910 for part of the welfare of mine workers. Originally the theater accommodated 800 people. Now the capacity is reduced to 607 due to fire safety regulations.

Performers and audience can be close enough so that the stage should be truly exciting and engaging. The theater is busy and active.

Click here to see the theater photos.

The office building of Kosaka Mine standing next to the theater expresses the idea of “East meets West.” It looks western at a glance but the interior has traditional tools and equipment just like the theater for Kabuki plays. In addition, the design for balconies is Islamic and its open work motif is associated with the company, Fujita, that once owned the mine. It was provided with electric power, a rare case in those days.

Odaira Namihei, the founder of Hitachi, worked for the Kosaka Mine where he, as a young engineer, was assigned to build an electric power station and related facilities. He did it well and hopped jobs to climb up the ladders for starting his own company in 1910 where he developed Japan's first 5-horsepower electric induction motor.

Kosaka Mine first dealt with silver, then switched to copper. Now no mining is conducted but rather metal recycling has been done making the best use of the technology nurtured while the town was thriving as one of the three largest copper mines in Japan. 

Restored roof of the former office
shingled with cryptomeria slates
faithful to the original 

Everywhere in Japan, there are legacies that would lead to the future. What was done in the past leads to the future, whether it was a good deed or not. Face the past and go ahead!

Spiral staircase at the office
built with advanced techniques