A photograph taken in Nagoya City in 1948. The darkened building in the center still stands in Nagoya today. Unraveling the story behind this single photo reveals both the scars and the recovery of Nagoya.
First, we asked people on the street if they recognized the building in the photo.
(Person on the street)
“I’m not really sure.”
“Is it the Prefectural Office or something around there?”
“It looks like City Hall.”
“Something related to a government office?”
Is the building in the photo Nagoya City Hall…
(Announcer)
“It looks similar, doesn’t it? The shape is almost identical—the walls, the windows, the overall form.”
Nagoya City
Nagoya City is a major metropolis in central Japan, founded in 1610 when Tokugawa Ieyasu ordered the construction of Nagoya Castle. It grew into a powerful castle town and later became a vital industrial hub, particularly for automotive and aviation manufacturing. Today, it is known for its modern manufacturing industries and as the home of the reconstructed Nagoya Castle.
Prefectural Office
The Prefectural Office is the administrative headquarters of a Japanese prefecture, functioning as the local government center. Historically, many of these buildings, such as the iconic Nagasaki Prefectural Office built in the Meiji era, were constructed in Western architectural styles during Japan’s period of modernization. They serve as symbols of regional governance and civic administration.
City Hall
City Hall is the administrative center of a city, housing the offices of the mayor and other municipal government officials. Historically, these buildings have often been constructed as grand architectural statements to reflect civic pride and the importance of local governance.
Nagoya City Hall
Nagoya City Hall is the administrative center of Nagoya, Japan, constructed in 1933. The building is a notable example of pre-war Imperial Crown Style architecture, blending Western and traditional Japanese design elements. It continues to serve as the headquarters for the city’s government operations.
