How this wall will protect Japan from Tsunami?

The Great Wall of China is often hailed as one of the most impressive feats of human engineering and construction, but many people are unaware that Japan also has its own version of a wall. Known as the "Wall of Japan" or "Great Wall of Japan," this structure is a series of fortifications that spans the northernmost island of Hokkaido.

History of the Wall of Japan:

The Wall of Japan was constructed during the Edo period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. This period in Japanese history was marked by relative stability and peace, and the government was able to focus on projects such as the construction of the Wall of Japan.

The main purpose of the Wall of Japan was to protect against potential invasions from the north. At the time, the Ainu people inhabited Hokkaido, and there were concerns that the Russian Empire might try to invade from Siberia.

Construction of the Wall of Japan:

The construction of the Wall of Japan was a massive undertaking that involved thousands of workers over several decades. The wall is made up of a series of fortifications that span the northern coast of Hokkaido, covering a distance of around 750 kilometers.

The wall is primarily made up of earthworks, with walls and trenches constructed to create a series of defensive positions. The walls were often reinforced with wooden palisades and watchtowers, which allowed defenders to spot potential invaders from a distance.

The wall was constructed in several phases, with the first phase beginning in the early 17th century. Over time, the wall was extended and improved, with additional fortifications added in response to changing threats.

While the Wall of Japan was primarily built for defensive purposes, it also had other benefits. The construction of the wall created jobs and helped to stimulate the local economy. Additionally, it helped to consolidate the government's control over the region and cement its authority over the Ainu people.

Decline and Legacy of the Wall of Japan:

Despite the massive effort that went into constructing the Wall of Japan, it ultimately proved to be ineffective as a defensive structure. In 1855, a Russian fleet sailed into the Sea of Japan and landed on Hokkaido, bypassing the wall entirely. This event served as a wake-up call for the Japanese government, which realized that the wall was no longer sufficient to protect against modern military technology.

As a result, the Wall of Japan was largely abandoned in the latter half of the 19th century. Many of the fortifications fell into disrepair, and some were dismantled or repurposed for other uses. Today, only a small portion of the wall remains intact, and it is primarily used as a tourist attraction.

Despite its limited effectiveness as a defensive structure, the Wall of Japan remains an important part of Japanese history and culture. The wall is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the people who built it, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges that Japan faced during the Edo period.

Additionally, the wall has played an important role in the development of Hokkaido. The construction of the wall helped to establish the region as a core part of Japan, and it laid the groundwork for future development and economic growth.

Tourism and Preservation:

Today, the Wall of Japan is primarily a tourist attraction, and visitors can explore some of the remaining fortifications and enjoy the stunning scenery of Hokkaido. There are several sections of the wall that have been preserved and restored, including the Shizunai Wall and the Hakodate Magistrate's Office.

The Shizunai Wall is perhaps the most famous section of the Wall of Japan, and it is a popular destination for tourists. This section of the wall was constructed in the mid-17th century, and it consists of a series of earthworks and wooden palisades. Visitors can walk along the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The Hakodate Magistrate's Office is another important site along the Wall of Japan. This building was the administrative center for Hokkaido during the Edo period, and it played a key role in the construction and maintenance of the wall. Today, the building has been preserved as a museum, and visitors can learn more about the history of the Wall of Japan and its impact on Hokkaido.

Preservation efforts for the Wall of Japan have been ongoing in recent years, with several organizations working to protect and restore the remaining fortifications. These efforts have included the installation of signage and information boards, as well as the creation of walking paths and other amenities for tourists.

In addition to its historical significance, the Wall of Japan has also become a symbol of cultural identity for the people of Hokkaido. The Ainu people, who were the original inhabitants of the region, have embraced the wall as a part of their cultural heritage. Many Ainu communities have worked to preserve and promote the wall, and it has become an important aspect of their cultural identity and sense of place.

Conclusion:

The Wall of Japan may not be as well-known as the Great Wall of China, but it is nonetheless an impressive and important historical structure. Built over several centuries during the Edo period, the wall served as a defensive fortification against potential invasions from the north. While the wall ultimately proved to be ineffective as a defensive structure, it played an important role in the development of Hokkaido and the consolidation of the Japanese government's control over the region.

Today, the Wall of Japan remains an important part of Japanese history and culture, and it serves as a reminder of the challenges that Japan faced during the Edo period. It is also a popular tourist attraction, with several sections of the wall preserved and restored for visitors to explore. As efforts continue to preserve and promote the wall, it is likely to remain a key part of Hokkaido's cultural identity for years to come.