水瓶

Across the ages, Mizumaki has whispered tales of resilience. This memorial, Mizumaki, stands as a sobering reminder of a dark chapter. Mizumaki town itself has a rich history. It stretches back to ancient Chikuzen Province. Around 3000 years ago, the vast Ko-Onga Bay covered the land where Mizumaki now stands. Over time, the Onga River carried soil and silt. This gradually filled the bay, creating the flat plain you see today. Early settlers cultivated rice on this new land. They faced constant challenges from devastating floods. Mizumaki’s history took a grim turn during World War II. The “Japan Coal Mining Company, Onga Coal Mine” operated in Mizumaki. It tragically employed forced laborers, including Dutch, American, and British POWs. This Mizumaki memorial, “The Memorial Cross,” commemorates the Allied POWs who perished during this difficult period. Mizumaki’s story continues beyond this somber chapter. The town developed alongside Kitakyushu’s industrial zone during the Meiji period. Coal mining fueled its growth. Mizumaki still remains part of the Greater Kitakyushu Metropolitan Area. The decline in coal demand led to mine closures and depopulation. Mizumaki adapted. It leveraged its proximity to Kitakyushu to become a commuter town. Mizumaki’s history is a testament to the town’s ability to adapt and endure.