“Closed in 1982” is what this plaque commemorates. Here at the \u5bcc\u5cf6\u6e21\u8239\u5834\u8de1 Plaque we remember a vital crossing point. It once facilitated the movement of people and goods across the waters.
This \u5bcc\u5cf6\u6e21\u8239\u5834\u8de1 Plaque marks the spot of the Tomijima Ferry. It is a place that holds a unique chapter in Osaka’s history. The ferry’s story reflects the changing needs of the city. It shows how transport evolved over time.
Let’s jump back to 1698. The An治 River Bridge was built near here. This was in 元禄 11 or Genroku 11. However, this bridge was removed in 1873. This happened when a new An治 River Bridge was built. It was 500 meters upstream to help the foreign settlement in Kawaguchi.
In 1885 a major flood struck. It washed away bridges upstream. The debris blocked the new An治 River Bridge. This caused flood risks upstream. The bridge was then blown up by the army. After that, no bridge was built nearby. People used a ferry to cross the 77-meter-wide river.
In 1931 the Osaka Central Wholesale Market opened. Many small retailers used the Tomijima Ferry to get to the market. The \u5bcc\u5cf6\u6e21\u8239\u5834\u8de1 became a vital link for commerce. However, cars became more common. Fewer people used the ferry. It finally closed in 1982.
The area where we stand once had a different name. It was called Ofukejima in the Edo period. Ofukejima flourished as a port town. Teahouses and restaurants lined the streets. It was also known as a red-light district.
The name Ofukejima has an interesting origin. In 1567 Nara’s Daibutsu-den Hall burned down. A public servant named Kiyonaga mourned the damaged Daibutsu statue. He obtained permission from the shogunate to collect donations. He traveled around various provinces. He stopped at Ofukejima. Many donations were gathered in this red-light district. It was then renamed Tomijima or Rich Island.
During the Meiji era, Kawaguchi was designated as a foreign settlement. The nearby red-light districts of Tomijima and Furukawa were considered undesirable. The sex workers moved to the newly established Matsushima district. The foreign settlement boosted the local economy. However, the port was too shallow for large ships. Foreign traders moved to Kobe.
The churches, schools and hospitals followed. These institutions focused on female education. They included Osaka Shin-ai Girls’ School and Poole Gakuin. Many moved away later. Only Osaka Shin-ai Girls’ School remained until 1932. It then moved to Furuichi in Joto Ward.
What remains of the ferry today? The \u5bcc\u5cf6\u6e21\u8239\u5834\u8de1 Plaque. It was erected in June 1982. It stands as a reminder of this important piece of local history. It is a simple stone monument. But it represents the spirit of Osaka. This \u5bcc\u5cf6\u6e21\u8239\u5834\u8de1 Plaque reminds us of a time when ferries were essential to daily life.