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Hakodate's Resilience: From Historic Fires to Climate Innovation

Hakodate has forged resilience from historic tragedies, notably major fires that led to the creation of wide firebreak roads and green belts. The city now confronts climate change, which is disrupting traditional fisheries like squid and wild kombu, prompting innovative aquaculture research with Hokkaido University. New economic opportunities, such as wine production by Domaine de Montille, are emerging from the changing climate. Through continuous citizen effort, Hakodate is preserving its historical charm while building safety and adapting its economy.

Key Points: Hakodate's Strategy for Climate Change & Disaster Resilience

  • Historic fires led to innovative urban design
  • Climate change impacts key fisheries, sparking aquaculture research
  • New industries like wine emerge from warming trends
  • City infrastructure redesigned for fire safety and quick response
3 min read

Hakodate is a tough and skillful city against climate change and disaster.

Discover how Hakodate, Japan, transforms disaster legacy into climate solutions, from fire-proof roads to sustainable aquaculture and new wine production.

"This tragedy provoked motivation to overcome disaster. - City history"

Hakodate, February 10

Hakodate has various modern history since Edo era. It grew up to charming city to shape up toughness and skill. It will overcome the problem of disaster and climate change.

Hakodate city mayor Jun Oizumi explained about its charm. It consists of various multi layered elements.

"At the end of Edo era, Hakodate was opened to foreign countries as a leading trading port. Hakodate has fused culture attracting sightseers, especially night viewing has the fame of world top 3 night sceneries.

But Hakodate was suffered big fire accident in 1879 and 1934, more than 2,000 citizens were sacrificed. But this tragedy provoked motivation to overcome disaster. To keep safety and prevent fire expansion, 55 meters vast road and green belt were constructed.

Current climate brought serious change to fishing industry. Catching quantity of special marine products decreased. To overcome fishery crisis, cultivation of marine products is investigated. They are becoming Hakodate new specialty.

Regarding tourism we prepared direct flight from oversee airport, and invited foreign cruise ships. These plans are proceeding successfully."

Oizumi city mayor's confidence is certified by experts of each field.

Affected by climate change=global warming, marine environment has changed. Catching quantity of main marine products, squid and wild kombu decreased. To overcome these problems Hakodate city cooperated with Hokkaido University to cultivate wild kombu and king salmon. In this case co2 emitted from cultivation of fishery is absorbed by wild kombu. It contributes to carbon neutral. In 2025 100 king salmons were successfully landed.

Climate change made pay attention to wasted fish processing. Warm water bought increasing of Japanese sardine. Usually anchovy is made from different sardine. After investigation Hakodate anchovy was successfully produced by wasted sardines.

Climate change invited French wine producer to Hakodate. Domaine de Montille launched wine production in 2016. In 2025 first wine made from Hakodate grapes was released.

Hakodate city has tried to protect against disaster. Big fire accident in 1934, it burned one third of city, 2,000 citizens sacrificed. To recover it bold revival plan has started. Aiming prevent of fire expansion 55 meters vast road including green planting were set in 13 places. Buildings were reformed from wood made to concrete and iron reinforced one. Until then the hydrant to supply fire extinguish water was set underground .To make quick water supply it was set on the ground and prepare 3 spouts. Each hydrant painted yellow to find quickly.

Charm of Hakodate is certified by continuous effort of citizens. It realizes to preserve historical value and keep safety against disaster. This citizens effort will enable to overcome economical tensive situation affected by climate change.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Very impressive urban planning. The 55-meter-wide roads as firebreaks are a smart idea. Indian cities, especially our dense old quarters, could learn from this proactive disaster mitigation. However, I hope they also preserve the old charm while moving to concrete – that's always a delicate balance.
A
Aditya G
The carbon-neutral fishery project with Hokkaido University is brilliant! Using kombu to absorb CO2 from salmon cultivation is innovative circular thinking. We need more such science-backed, sustainable solutions for our Indian fisheries facing warming oceans. Great read!
M
Michael C
As someone who has visited Hakodate, the night view is indeed stunning. It's heartening to see a city known for its beauty also working so hard on resilience. The part about French wine producers moving there due to climate change shows how complex its effects are – not all bad, but requiring adaptation.
S
Shreya B
The story of overcoming the fires is moving. Losing 2000 people is a deep trauma for any community. Their collective will to rebuild with better safety standards – painting hydrants yellow, changing building materials – shows true grit. Jai Hind! Our cities need this never-give-up attitude.
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Karthik V
A respectful critique: While the article highlights successes, I wonder about the social cost. Shifting from traditional fishing to cultivated products and new industries like wine must disrupt local livelihoods and culture. I hope the transition is inclusive and doesn't leave the original fishing communities behind. Adaptation must be just.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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