“Moshi moshi?” Imagine those words echoing here. This is the \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque. It marks a pivotal moment in Japanese history. This plaque commemorates the dawn of telephone exchange services in Japan.
Here at the \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque, we celebrate innovation. The \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque stands as a tribute. It honors the location where Japan’s first telephone exchange began.
Let’s step back in time to December 16, 1890. On this very site, the Yokohama Telephone Exchange Office buzzed with activity. It became the first exchange service in Japan. This \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque marks that spot.
Initially, telephone subscribers were few. Tokyo had 155 subscribers. Yokohama had a mere 42. Public phones emerged. Tokyo boasted 15 phone locations. Yokohama had just one.
Interestingly, early reactions to the telephone were unique. Some Japanese people regarded it almost as a living entity. Kaneko Kentaro expressed surprise. He was amazed “it works in Japanese too”.
Public phones first appeared in telegraph offices around 1890. By autumn 1900, public telephone kiosks dotted street corners. The \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque is a reminder of this.
Even playful mischief marked telephone use. In Yamagata City in 1907, operators greeted callers with “Moshi moshi”. Callers often responded with “Kame yo, kame yo”. Both would then sing “Moshi moshi kame yo”. It was from a children’s song.
The \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque is more than stone. It is a symbol of progress. It recalls a time of curiosity and connection.
This \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque has two parts. A large stone tablet was made in Showa 12. That is 1937. A smaller plaque with explanatory text came in Heisei 4. That is 1992.
The \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque stands near the Yokohama Port Post Office. It faces the Okawabashi street. The plaque is nestled among greenery.
Notably, a similar plaque exists in Marunouchi, Tokyo. It marks another site related to this history. The \u96fb\u8a71\u4ea4\u63db\u5275\u59cb\u4e4b\u5730 Plaque helps us remember. It marks where Japan entered the age of telecommunications. It forever changed how people connected.