Echizen, Fukui

Yamato period

During the Yamato period, the area from Tsuruga to Niigata was a kingdom called Koshi. In 507, during a succession crisis, a ruler from the Ajimano area of Echizen ascended the chrysanthemum throne to become the 26th emperor of Japan, Keitai, founding a new imperial dynasty. At that time, the Echizen basin began to develop economically and culturally.

Nara period

The Kingdom of Koshi was divided into three provinces, Echizen, Etchū, and Echigo. Echizen Province grew into an important military base guarding the capital provinces from the North. The area that would become Echizen city served as the gateway to the Hokurikudō road, and a government was established at Echizen-Fuchū (present-day Fuchū neighborhood). The area grew and became an important political, economic, and cultural center. During this period, the poet Nakatomi no Yakamori was exiled to Echizen, where he wrote some of his 40 poems collected in the Man'yōshū, including his love letters to Sanuno Otogami no Otome. Another famous Man'yōshū poet, Ōtomo no Yakamochi, wrote many pieces about Echizen. Their poems can now be found in Echizen no Sato, a garden within the city.

Heian period

The provincial governor of Echizen, Fujiwara no Tametoki, was the father of the celebrated author Murasaki Shikibu. Lady Murasaki left her hometown of Heian-kyō only once in her life, to go to Echizen with her father. She stayed for just over one year, and then returned home to marry Fujiwara no Nobutaka. Her experiences in Echizen are said to have had a major influence on her greatest work, The Tale of Genji, and many place names from Echizen appear in her stories and poems.

Nanboku-chō period

Echizen-Fuchū remained an important military center. A number of battles were fought, and numerous castles were built and raised during this time. Shiba Takatsune, the Constable of Echizen, supported the Northern Court during the war, and fought with Yoshisada Nitta in the Battle of the Hino River. Shiba lost the battle, and his castle was taken by Nitta. Shiba fled north to Asuwa Castle in Fukui. Nitta pursued him but was defeated and killed by Shiba in the Siege of Kuromaru. Shiba returned to Echizen-Fuchū and conquered both Fuchū Castle and Ōtaki Castle. The outcome of the war between the Northern and the Southern Imperial Courts was decided around the Fuchū area. Today a plaque marking the site of Shinzenkōji Castle can be seen at Shōgaku-ji temple in Echizen, and remains of other castles can be found throughout the city.

Muromachi period

Shiba Takatsune's victories in the Nanboku-chō period allowed him to become a powerful daimyō, independent of the position given to him by the shogunate. He changed his name from Shiba to Kuratani, and control of Echizen became hereditary, remaining in his family instead of reverting to the shogunate. He made his home around the Ajimano area of Echizen city.

Sengoku period

Echizen prospered under the leadership of the Asakura daimyōs, who had moved the capital of the province from Echizen-Fuchū to Ichijōdani, near Fukui city. Under Asakura Yoshikage, Echizen enjoyed peace and stability far greater than the rest of Japan during the chaotic Warring States period, thanks to his negotiations with the Ikkō-ikki. As a result, Echizen became a refuge for people fleeing the violence further south.

When Oda Nobunaga invaded Echizen, he completely defeated the Asakura clan, burning Ichijōdani to the ground and re-establishing the provincial capital at Echizen-Fūchu. To maintain the peace and keep the Ikkō-ikki under control, he divided Echizen-Fuchū among his generals Fuwa Mitsuharu, Sassa Narimasa, and Maeda Toshiie. These three were known as fuchū sanninshū (府中三人衆, lit. "The Fuchū Three") for their cooperation in governing the area. Part of Sassa Narimasa's castle, Komaru Castle, still stands today. Maeda Toshiie took residence in Echizen-Fuchū Castle, on the current location of the Echizen city hall. Fuwa Mitsuharu took charge of Ryūmon-ji Castle, whose stone foundations and parts of the moat can be seen today at Ryūmon-ji temple.

Edo period

After the Battle of Sekigahara, Yūki Hideyasu became head of Echizen Domain. The provincial capital was moved for the last time, from Echizen to Fukui. The Matsudaira clan remained in control of the area throughout the Edo period. Eventually Echizen Domain became known as Fukui Domain.

During this time, Honda Tomimasa, highly trusted by Tokugawa Ieyasu, was appointed as Hideyasu's chief retainer. Honda received a small piece of land and became governor of Echizen-Fuchū. Devastated by years of war, Echizen-Fuchū had lost its castles, roads, and buildings, and Honda is responsible for a major reconstruction of the area. He rebuilt the roads, walls, and buildings, as well as irrigation systems connected to the Hino river. Honda started the industries that still make up Echizen's base economy: blades, textiles, and industrial machinery. The Honda clan ruled the Echizen-Fuchū area for nine generations, until the Meiji Restoration. Their graves can be seen at Ryūsen-ji temple in Echizen.

Meiji period

According to an ancient Min'yō (folk song) called "Saibara", the area of Fuchū was known as Takefu during the Nara and Heian periods. In the second year of Meiji (1869), this ancient name was restored. In 1889 the town of Takefu was officially established.

During the Meiji Restoration, the daimyō system of the Edo period was abolished and the daimyōs were reorganized into the kazoku class of nobles. However, Honda, being only a retainer and not a daimyō, was moved into the lower shizoku class. In 1870 the outraged Honda clan rebelled against the Meiji government in protest against this demotion. This riot is known as the Takefu Soudou. In 1879 Honda Sukemoto was promoted to kazoku, and finally to danshaku in 1884.

Shōwa and Heisei periods

In 1948 Takefu city was officially established. During the next 11 years, Takefu absorbed seven neighbouring villages and greatly increased in size and population.

On September 20, 1949, an incident known as the Takefu Jiken took place. At around 5 am the District Court and the District Public Prosecutor's Office caught fire. Within an hour, all of the court records and documents were destroyed. The fire was blamed on arson related to gang activity, and scenes from the movie Battles Without Honor and Humanity are said to be reminiscent of this incident.

On October 1, 2005, Takefu and Imadate were merged to create Echizen City. The newly created city became home to the largest number of cultural assets in Fukui Prefecture. Today Echizen has several large electronics and apparel factories, but it is known for the large number of small businesses that flourish there; it is said that the local joke is that everyone in town addresses each other as "shacho" ("company president"). Echizen is home to a small community of Brazilians, who mostly work in ceramic capacitor factories, and to a smaller Chinese community, largely linked to the textile industry. A number of foreign English teachers also live in Echizen, teaching at local high schools, middle schools and elementary schools.

Rail

Takefu Station, the city's central railway station, is a major stop on the JR West Hokuriku Main Line. The city also serves as a terminus for the Fukui Railway Fukubu Line.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen, currently under construction, will ultimately extend from Tokyo via Nagano and Kanazawa to Osaka.

Bus

Regular services are provided primarily by Fukui Railway.

Roads

The Hokuriku Expressway provides access through the city to the north and south; the Takefu Interchange is located within the city limits.

National Route 8, also known as the Fukui Bypass, runs parallel to the Hokuriku Expressway through the city. National Route 305/365 also runs through the city.

Shrines

Temples

Parks

Castles and forts

As an important military center for centuries, Echizen contains the sites of a number of former castles. Some remains, including former gates, sections of moats, and mounds, can be seen in the city. Archaeological digs have also uncovered roof tiles, tools, weapons, and other artifacts at these sites.

Other

Festivals and events

Local foods

Traditional crafts

Notable people from Echizen

Sister cities