Oppama District in Transition

Yokosuka’s Oppama District history is summarized below …. but big changes are coming, as Nissan’s huge automobile manufacturing factory will be closed down …. What will happen there in the future remains to be determined…

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The history of Oppama in Yokosuka City is such that the area was originally a scenic location, but land reclamation progressed for the construction of a naval air corps base, making it one of Japan's leading aircraft development centers. After the war, the Oppama plant of Nissan Motor began operations and developed into Nissan's main factory. Additionally, the origin of the name 'Oppama' is also linked to a legend in which Minamoto no Yoriie was pursued by pursuers.

Ancient to Edo Period:  

Legend of Minamoto no Yoriie: There is a legend that Minamoto no Yoriie was chased by pursuers and met his end at the coast of Oihama, and it is said that the name changed from "Oi-hama" to "Oihama."

Founding of Temples: During the Muromachi period, temples such as Nōei-ji, Jitoku-ji, and Hōfuku-ji were founded.

Samurai Governance: Asakura Noto-no-kami, a retainer of Hōjō Sōun, governed Oihama and established Raiden-sha (Raijin Shrine) and Ryōshin-ji.

Edo Shogunate's Stronghold: In the late Edo period, Sakai Tadakiyo became the lord of Urago Village and built Urago Jin'ya.

Meiji Period to World War II Naval Air Force Base: 

In the Meiji era, the Navy carried out land reclamation by cutting down parts of Natsushima and Eboshijima to build airfields, and Oppama became a major base for the former Naval Air Force.

Establishment of the Naval Air Arsenal: In 1932 (Showa 7), the Naval Air Arsenal was also established, becoming the central hub for full-scale aircraft research and development.

Genda Circus: Lieutenant Commander Minoru Genda, who commanded the attack on Pearl Harbor, was also known for conducting acrobatic flight training in Oppama.

U.S. Occupation: 

After the end of World War II, the U.S. military landed on the coast of Oppama (Red Beach) and seized the naval facilities.

Postwar to Present  

Start of operations at Nissan Oppama Plant: In 1961 (Showa 36), the Nissan Oppama Plant began operations and has led automobile production as Nissan’s mother plant. 

Opening of Oppama Park: In 1949 (Showa 24), Oppama Park was opened on the site of the former Navy Air Corps.  

Accumulation of new industries: After the war, the technologies cultivated in aircraft development were applied to the Shinkansen and YS11 passenger aircraft. Today, in addition to Nissan Motors, various industries such as ocean development and shipbuilding have taken root in Oppama.

Historic Uraga District to Get a Makeover

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/dc132c3c02b34bce3de11e6cac3e179f8cad51df

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Uraga in Yokosuka City, the site of Perry's arrival and the birthplace of Japanese shipbuilding. The city announced that the preferred negotiator for its development has been decided.

The 'Uraga Dock,' near Uraga Station on the Keikyu Line, is the site of a shipyard built by Sumitomo Heavy Industries. Until its closure in 2003, approximately 1,000 ships, including destroyers and escort vessels, were constructed there.

In March 2021, Sumitomo Heavy Industries transferred the dock and surrounding land to Yokosuka City free of charge, and last March, the two parties signed an agreement to revitalize the area around the station.

On the 23rd, the city announced that the preferred negotiator had been decided following a public recruitment process.

Katsuaki Kamiji, Mayor of Yokosuka City: "The theme of this project is the realization of a 'Second Opening of the Country,' packed with the full charm of Uraga's sea and history, as well as the potential of a new town."

According to the proposal from the business operators, hotels and condominiums will serve as new symbols, and facilities such as paid nursing homes and sports complexes will be established. The design also allows access from the station's second floor via an elevated walkway to Uraga Dock.

Katsuaki Kamiji, Mayor of Yokosuka City: "If a new town can be created as a single entity, incorporating various concepts..."A formal agreement for implementation is scheduled to be concluded between next year and the year after.