Hashima Island: the ghost town of Japan

Hashima Island, a small island situated off the coast of Nagasaki, Japan, is also known by the name Gunkanjima, which means “Battleship Island” in Japanese. The history of this island is captivating and intricate, with a range of interesting stories and facts that make it a fascinating place to explore. From its origins as a coal mining facility to its current status as a tourist destination, the island has a rich and complex history that is well worth exploring.

Coal Mining

Hashima Island started to be inhabited after the discovery of coal deposits in the surrounding sea bed. In 1810, coal was discovered for the first time in the waters near Nagasaki, Japan. This led to the establishment of coal mining operations in the region.

In 1887, Mitsubishi Corporation acquired the rights to mine coal in the waters surrounding the Island. Recognizing the strategic importance of the island’s coal reserves, Mitsubishi began developing the infrastructure necessary to support mining operations. This included building housing for workers, administrative buildings, and other facilities.

As the mining operations expanded, the need for labor increased, leading to the establishment of a residential community on the island. Workers and their families were brought to Hashima to live and work in the coal mines. Over time, the population of the island grew, and it became a bustling mining town.
The island’s population reached its peak in 1959, with over 5,000 residents living in high-rise apartment buildings constructed to accommodate the limited space available on the small island.

The decline of Hashima Island

During the 1960s and early 1970s, as Japan shifted from coal to other forms of energy, the demand for coal decreased, rendering the mines on Hashima economically unviable. Mitsubishi Corporation gradually ceased operations on the island.

The last residents left the island in 1974, leaving behind empty buildings, infrastructure, and machinery. With the lack of maintenance, the harsh weather conditions exacerbated by typhoons, and natural erosion, buildings and structures started to deteriorate.

Hashima Island today

Despite its abandonment, the Island gained attention as a symbol of Japan’s industrialization and modernization. Efforts were made to preserve parts of the island’s heritage, and in 2009, it was reopened to controlled visitation. However, only a small portion of the island is accessible due to safety concerns and the unstable condition of the structures.

In 2012, the island was used for external shots in the James Bond movie Skyfall, as well as other films, documentaries, video games, and music videos.

In 2015 Hashima Island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of its historical significance.

Today, Hashima Island stands as a haunting reminder of Japan’s industrial past, attracting tourists, researchers, and filmmakers interested in exploring its abandoned buildings and learning about its history. Efforts continue to balance preservation with safety concerns and the island’s natural deterioration.