中島神崎橋

Built in 1985, the Nakajimakanzaki Bridge arches gracefully over Hiroshima’s old Ota River. This bridge, my friends, has a story more intriguing than its elegant structure suggests. The Nakajimakanzaki Bridge wasn’t always known by this name. Initially, residents on the left bank, around the Nakajima area, simply called it “Nakajima Bridge”. Meanwhile, those on the right, in the Kanzaki district, championed “Kanzaki Bridge”. This little naming rivalry eventually led to the compromise we know today: Nakajimakanzaki Bridge. The bridge title board cleverly displays both names, a lasting reminder of the community’s playful disagreement. The Nakajimakanzaki Bridge emerged from the success of the Hiroshima Central Wholesale Market. Its construction paved the way for cultural growth on both sides of the river. On the east bank, the Hiroshima City Cultural Exchange Hall and the Aster Plaza stand as testaments to this development. Nearby, you’ll find the Nakajima Elementary School. On the west bank, the Hiroshima Electric Railway Eba Line’s Funairi-machi Station and Kanzaki Elementary School contribute to the area’s vibrancy. The Nakajimakanzaki Bridge spans 94 meters in length and 16 meters in width. It’s a three-span continuous steel girder bridge. The bridge’s opening in September 1985 marked more than just a transportational achievement. It triggered a cascade of cultural developments. The following month, the Hiroshima Centennial Hall (now the Hiroshima City Cultural Exchange Hall) opened its doors. Riverbank improvements followed, enhancing the area with walkways. By 1990, an underpass graced the left bank. This underpass allowed passage under the bridge, transforming the area into a pedestrian-friendly space. In 1991, the Aster Plaza opened its doors, completing the transformation of the riverbanks into a vibrant cultural hub. The Nakajimakanzaki Bridge is more than just a bridge. It represents a community’s collaborative spirit. It is a symbol of the city’s growth. It is a link between the past and the present.