Kobe Chinatown ~ Travel

Saturday 17 September 2011

Kobe Chinatown

08:54

homesweethome

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Kobe Chinatown in the evening.

Kobe Chinatown (Nankin-machi "Nanjing town") (Japanese: 南京町; Simplified Chinese: 南京町) is located in Kobe, Japan. One of only 3 designated Chinatowns in Japan, Nankinmachi is situated south of Motomachi station adjacent to the elegant Daimaru Department Store. This small, yet lively enclave is home to not only one of the few remaining Chinese communities in the nation, it is also a major tourist attraction. The area is packed with over 100 Chinese restaurants, shops, a Chinese temple(関帝廟), making it a great place to browse for Asian trinkets, CDs, and old vinyl records. Unlike its counterparts in Yokohama and Nagasaki, Kobe's Nankinmachi sets itself apart as being the most colorful and foreign-looking Chinatown in all of Japan.

Steamed Panda Dumplings in Nankinmachi.

History

Nankinmachi's origins date back to 1868, when Kobe's port was opened to foreigners, including Chinese immigrants from Canton, Fukien, and Samgong (Guangzhou, Fujian, Sanjiang). The newcomers settled in the western end of Kobe's foreign district, which soon became the focal point for subsequent Chinese migrants. During that time, the Chinese people were referred to as "people from Nanking" by the Japanese, hence the name "Nankinmachi"(Nanking Town). By the early 1920s, Nankinmachi was a vibrant area bustling with businesses, restaurants, and homes. That all changed, however, during the next two decades when many Chinese returned to China in response to Japan's expansion of Northeastern China, the Second Sino-Japanese War, and World War II. Destroyed during the allied bombings of Kobe, Nankinmachi was re-built after the war by the remaining Chinese community that stayed behind. In 1995, it was severely damaged during the horrific Great Hanshin Earthquake which killed nearly 6,000 people. It was quickly re-built, and once again thrives as the center of Chinese culture and activity throughout the Kansai region. There are currently 10,000 people residing in Kobe's Chinatown.

Characteristics

Like other Chinatowns throughout the world, Nankinmachi is not only an area for the Chinese community, but also a tourist attraction. The important role it plays in Kobe's cultural landscape was demonstrated in 1985 by the erecting of an archway, Changan Gate(長安門). Subsequent projects include the addition of a pair of lions, granite floors, and other initiatives. Three Archways demarcates Nankinmachi proper; Changan Gate in the east, Xian Gate to the west, and Nanluo Gate from the south. There is no archway at the northern entrance, which is guarded by a pair of lions. A pavilion with stone carvings of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs mark the intersecting point of the north-south/east-west axis of Nankinmachi. This is a popular resting place for visitors, as well as a favorite spot for taking photographs.

Culture

Many establishments such as mahjong clubs and souvenir shops abound throughout Nankinmachi, but none are as prevalent as food businesses. Along the streets of Nankinmachi are restaurants and stalls that serve both Chinese and Japanese food. Most shops also show off their cuisine on display stands for potential customers. Some examples include dim sum, dumplings, buns, and Chinese Pastries. During the Lunar Year and the Mid Autumn season, 2 major festivals celebrated by Chinese people worldwide, New Year delicacies and Moon Cakes appear, creating a festive mood in Nankinmachi. Though not of the caliber and standard of other Chinatowns, Nankinmachi is nonetheless a very charming place with all the typical characteristics of the great Chinatowns of the world.