Let’s Go See the World Heritage Registered Brick Pumping Station!
The “Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station” in Nakama City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a water supply facility of the Yawata Steel Works (now Nippon Steel Corporation), built in the Meiji era. In 2015, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as a constituent asset of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.”
This article will provide detailed information on the history, highlights, and access information of the Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station.
History of the Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station
Steelworks and Water Shortages
During the Meiji era, the steel industry rapidly developed as an industry that supported Japan’s modernization. The government-operated Yawata Steel Works began operations in 1901 as the first modern steelworks in Japan.
Steel production requires a large amount of water. However, Yahata Higashi Ward in Kitakyushu City, where the Yawata Steel Works was located, was a region with scarce water resources. Therefore, it was necessary to secure industrial water from nearby rivers.
Selection of Water Source and Construction of the Pumping Station
Initially, the Yawata Steel Works used the Itabitsu River as its water source. However, as the steelworks expanded, water shortages became serious. Therefore, the abundant Ongagawa River was selected as a new water source.
In 1906, construction of the Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station began as a facility to draw water from the Ongagawa River. The design was handled by British engineer Henry Dyer. Dyer designed a British-style brick pumping station and introduced state-of-the-art equipment at the time.
Start of Operation and Change of Power Source
In 1910, the Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station began operations. The power for the water supply equipment was initially steam, but it was changed to electricity in 1915. This dramatically improved the efficiency of the pumping station.
Registration as a World Heritage Site
The Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station has continuously supplied water to the Yawata Steel Works for over 100 years. Its historical and technological value was recognized, and in 2015, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as a constituent asset of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.”
The reasons for its registration as a World Heritage Site are as follows:
- It is an important facility that supported the development of the steel industry during Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution.
- It is a valuable building that incorporates British-style brick construction techniques.
- It is a living industrial heritage that is still in operation.
Highlights
Brick Building Retaining the Look of the Meiji Era
The Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station is a valuable building that conveys the architectural style of the Meiji era. The contrast between the red brick and the white window frames is beautiful, and the harmony with the surrounding greenery is also wonderful.
Viewing from the Observation Space
Since the pumping station is still in operation, it is not possible to enter the premises. However, there is a viewing space where you can observe the exterior of the pumping station.
World Heritage Panel Exhibition
Near the pumping station, there is a place where a World Heritage panel exhibition is held. You can learn more about the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution through the panel displays.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Name | Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station |
| Address | 809-0033 Fukuoka Prefecture, Nakama City, Dote-no-Uchi |
| Phone Number | 093-245-4665 (Nakama City World Heritage Promotion Office) |
| Access | About 25-minute walk from JR “Chikuzen-Hayo Station” About 10-minute walk from the Chikuhou Electric Railway “Kibougaoka High School Station” |
| Parking | Available (free) Large parking lot available (reservation required) |
| Admission Fee | Free |
Conclusion
The Ongagawa Water Source Pumping Station is a building that symbolizes Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution heritage. Its continued operation demonstrates the high level of technological capability that supported Japan’s modernization. Please visit and experience its history and technology.