YOKKAICHI POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUSEUM FOR FUTURE AWARENESS


Yokkaichi before World War II and Creation of a Petrochemical Complex 2108

Beginning in 1906, four major projects were established in Yokkaichi with theobjective of strengthening the functions of Yokkaichi Port. Long-termimprovements to the seaport continued to be implemented, changing thelandscape of the coastal area.Entering the Showa period (1926-1989), the city took measures to attract heavychemical industries to the region, to replace light industries such as cotton yarnspinning.Further, as Japanundertook full-scale preparations for war, thegovernment established theNavy Fuel Supply Facilities No. 2 and munitionsplants along the port area.The facilities were completely destroyed in the air raids that took place in 1945,and a petrochemical industrial complex was constructed in its place after thewar, completely changing the area's pre-war configuration.