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.