2025 Spring Fieldwork Report

On July 31, 2025, our seminar conducted a fieldwork activity in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

With the support of the Yokosuka City Office, the team visited the Uraga Brick Dock, one of the city's most significant historical industrial sites.

The Uraga Brick Dock, constructed in 1899 (Meiji 32), served as a major shipbuilding and repair facility for over a century, during which more than 1,000 vessels were built or maintained, until its closure in 2003 (Heisei 15).

Currently, the dock has been donated by a private company to the City of Yokosuka, and discussions are underway regarding its potential cultural and touristic uses. At the same time, several important issues remain to be addressed, including the challenges of preservation and maintenance, the involvement of local residents, and the long-term economic sustainability of the site.

During the field visit, officials from the city government explained the historical background of the dock and the ongoing collaborative efforts between the local government and the community to explore future utilization strategies. Rather than viewing it solely as an industrial heritage site, the fieldwork provided a valuable opportunity to consider how “past legacies can be transformed into future value” and to envision new possibilities for urban development.

Through this fieldwork, we gained important insights into the significance of collaboration among governments, businesses, and citizens in revitalizing historical resources. Moving forward, our research team will continue to develop practical proposals through data analysis and comparative studies of similar cases.