The Ansei Great Earthquakes that struck Japan between 1854 and 1855 caused a drop in water levels at Yokkaichi Port, making it difficult to navigate ships. In the Meiji period, a local merchant InabaSan-emon who was concerned by the deterioration of the port decided to use his personal wealth to reconstruct it and modernize facilities.
Although he had to overcome numerous hurdles, including stoppage of work due to lack of funds, reconstruction of Yokkaichi Port was completed in 1884.
This was the first time in Japan that a seaport had been reconstructed.