Before Kojimachi existed it was known as Kojimura. This area in Chiyoda Tokyo has a rich history. It flourished before Tokugawa Ieyasu arrived. Townspeople settled along the Koshū Kaidō road. Kojimachi became a ward in 1878. It was later merged with Kanda Ward to form the modern Chiyoda Ward. Kojimachi remained a distinct district.
The area’s name might derive from the many koji shops. Koji is a type of Japanese yeast. It’s used to make miso soy sauce and sake. Another theory links the name to the Koshu Kaido road. Pronounced quickly it sounds like Koji.
Kojimachi was once home to many hatamoto. These were high-ranking samurai. Businesses thrived serving their needs. After the Shogunate’s fall in 1868 Kojimachi declined. It didn’t truly revive until the 1970s. Shinjuku-dori Avenue’s widening brought offices. The population decreased. Kojimachi became a busy business district. Today it’s full of cafes and restaurants serving office workers.
Hideki Tojo the Prime Minister of Japan during World War II was born in Kojimachi. Several embassies are located here. These include those of Portugal Belgium and Ireland. Many notable companies have headquarters or studios in Kojimachi. These include Nippon Television Japan Sun Oil and the Japanese subsidiary of SAP. Kojimachi also boasts two metro stations Kojimachi Station and Hanzomon Station.
Kojimachi Elementary and Kojimachi Junior High School are located in the district. Kojimachi is more than just a business district. It’s a place with deep roots. Its past influences the present. Kojimachi’s story is one of transformation. It’s a blend of old and new.