City history
A vibrant gateway city that transitioned from a small fishing village to a major international maritime hub.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Side beach"
Historically a small coastal fishing village, the area underwent a massive transformation into a major international treaty port during the mid-19th century.
Side beach
Traditional kanji spelling used prior to mid-20th century reforms.
Side beach
Modern simplified kanji spelling currently in official use.
Chapter two
Japan officially transitioned from local solar time to a unified national standard time to facilitate modern commerce and synchronization across the islands.
Following World War II, Japan implemented daylight saving time to conserve energy, though this practice was eventually discontinued in the early 1950s.
Chapter three
The opening of the port to international trade marked the beginning of Yokohama's rise as a major global commercial hub.
The city was officially incorporated, establishing a formal municipal government to manage its rapidly growing population and industrial importance.
The Great Kanto Earthquake caused immense destruction, forcing the city to rebuild with modern urban planning and improved seismic standards.
The Minato Mirai 21 project began, transforming the waterfront into a modern center for business, tourism, and urban living.