Kyushu Maxell Red Brick Memorial Hall: A Living Legacy of Japan's Coal Mining Era
Tucked away in the quiet town of Fukuchi in Fukuoka Prefecture, the Kyushu Maxell Red Brick Memorial Hall (九州マクセル赤煉瓦記念館) stands as a powerful reminder of Japan's industrial transformation. Originally built around 1904 as the Mitsubishi Hojo Coal Mine Workshop (三菱方城炭礦坑務工作室), this striking red brick building is one of the best-preserved coal mining structures in the entire Chikuho region — an area once considered the beating heart of Japan's coal industry.
For international visitors fascinated by industrial heritage, this memorial hall offers a rare and intimate encounter with the architecture, engineering, and human stories that fueled Japan's modernization during the Meiji and Taisho periods.
A Brief History of the Hojo Coal Mine
The story of this building begins with the Mitsubishi Corporation's ambitious expansion into the Chikuho coalfield. In 1896, Mitsubishi began geological surveys in the Hojo area, and by 1902, construction of vertical mine shafts was underway. The mine grew rapidly — by 1908, it was producing 120,000 tons of coal annually, and by 1913 that figure had more than doubled to 260,000 tons.
The Hojo Coal Mine became one of the most productive operations in the Chikuho coalfield, featuring state-of-the-art vertical shaft technology that descended 270 meters below ground. Giant 21-meter iron towers and red brick chimneys dominated the skyline, transforming the formerly rural village into a bustling mining town.
The mine operated until 1962, when the shift from coal to petroleum forced its closure. While many of the original structures were demolished, the red brick buildings — including this workshop — survived and continue to tell the story of this transformative era.
Why It Is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property
The Kyushu Maxell Red Brick Memorial Hall was registered as a national Registered Tangible Cultural Property on September 3, 1997, and further recognized as a Heritage of Industrial Modernization by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2007.
The building earned these designations for several compelling reasons. It is one of very few surviving structures from the early development phase of the Hojo Coal Mine, constructed during a period of rapid industrialization modeled after European coal mining facilities. The bricks used in its construction were specially fired for the mine's development and are of exceptionally high quality. The structure has demonstrated remarkable durability, withstanding both the catastrophic Hojo Coal Mine explosion of 1914 — one of the worst mining disasters in Japanese history — and the 2005 Fukuoka earthquake without significant damage.
Together with several other red brick structures remaining on the grounds, the building provides invaluable physical evidence of the Chikuho coalfield's industrial past.
Architectural Highlights and Things to See
The memorial hall is a two-story red brick building with a floor area of approximately 300 square meters. It was originally designed as a ventilation fan room, and the section that once housed the large ventilation fans rises to a height that gives the impression of being three stories tall. This distinctive silhouette is one of the building's most recognizable features.
The building was designed under the guidance of German engineers and modeled after European coal mine offices, giving it a notably modern appearance for its time and location. Visitors stepping inside will notice that the second floor ceiling has been removed to reveal the original iron framework above. These iron beams are assembled using rivets rather than bolts and nuts — the same riveting technique famously employed in the construction of the battleship Yamato. This exposed structural detail offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century industrial engineering.
The exterior of the building is covered in climbing ivy that changes with the seasons — lush green in summer, fiery red and gold in autumn, and bare in winter, revealing the full beauty of the red brick walls beneath. This natural ornamentation adds a romantic, almost timeless quality to the structure.
Today, the first floor serves as a product exhibition space for Maxell Corporation (the current owner of the site), while the second floor functions as a reception area. Several other red brick buildings from the coal mining era also remain on the surrounding grounds, creating an atmospheric ensemble of industrial heritage.
The Hojo Coal Mine Disaster of 1914
Visitors to the memorial hall should be aware of one of the most significant and solemn chapters in the history of this site. On December 15, 1914, a massive coal dust explosion tore through the Hojo Coal Mine, claiming the lives of 687 people according to official records — making it one of the deadliest mining disasters in Japanese history. The tragedy, known locally as the "Great Emergency" (大非常), sent shockwaves through the nation and even prompted an imperial envoy to be dispatched to the site.
The memorial hall, having survived this devastating event, stands not only as an architectural monument but also as a quiet testament to the sacrifices made by the workers who powered Japan's industrial growth.
Nearby Attractions
Fukuchi Town and the surrounding Tagawa area offer a wealth of experiences that complement a visit to the memorial hall.
The Tagawa City Coal and History Museum, located about 15 minutes away by car, provides a comprehensive look at the Chikuho coalfield's history. The museum houses the Yamamoto Sakubei Collection — a UNESCO Memory of the World-registered series of paintings and documents depicting coal mine life — along with restored mining equipment, a replica coal miners' residence, and a preserved shaft tower and twin chimneys.
Agano Ware (上野焼), a nationally designated traditional craft with over 400 years of history, is produced in the hills of Fukuchi Town. More than 20 active kilns are scattered throughout the Agano district, and visitors can try their hand at pottery making at the Agano Ware Ceramics Hall.
Nature lovers will enjoy Ueno Gorge (上野峡), part of the Kitakyushu Quasi-National Park. The gorge features the 25-meter Shiraito Falls, the historic Kajika Bridge, and clear mountain streams — all set within forests recognized as one of Japan's Top 100 Water Source Forests. Mount Fukuchi (福智山), a popular hiking destination, offers trails through bamboo grasslands with panoramic views from the summit.
In spring, the ancient Torao Cherry Tree (虎尾桜), estimated to be 600 years old, blooms with distinctive crimson flowers, while the Koujou Wisteria (迎接の藤) at Jouzenji Temple, a prefectural natural monument over 500 years old, drapes the temple grounds in cascades of pale purple.
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Q＆A
- Can I visit the Kyushu Maxell Red Brick Memorial Hall without a reservation?
- Advance reservation is required. The memorial hall is open on weekdays (Monday through Friday) from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is closed on weekends and public holidays. Please contact the facility in advance to arrange your visit.
- Is there an admission fee?
- Admission is free of charge. The building is located within the Maxell Corporation factory grounds, and visitors are guided to the memorial hall area upon arrival.
- How do I get to the memorial hall by public transportation?
- The nearest train station is Kanada Station on the Heisei Chikuho Railway. From there, the memorial hall is approximately a 5-minute taxi ride. If driving, it is about 30 minutes from the Yahata Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.
- Is English-language guidance available?
- As this is a small facility located within a corporate site, English-language guides or signage may be limited. It is recommended to prepare basic information about the building beforehand, or to visit together with a Japanese-speaking companion.
- What is the best season to visit?
- Each season offers a different experience. In spring and summer, the building is beautifully covered in green ivy. Autumn brings stunning red and gold foliage on the ivy-covered walls. Winter reveals the full architectural detail of the exposed red brickwork. Combining a visit with spring cherry blossoms or autumn foliage in nearby Ueno Gorge makes for an especially memorable trip.
Basic Information
| Official Name | Kyushu Maxell Red Brick Memorial Hall (Kyushu Maxell Akarenga Kinenkan) |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Mitsubishi Hojo Coal Mine Workshop (Mitsubishi Hojo Tanko Koumu Kosakushitsu) |
| Construction | Circa 1904 (Meiji 37) |
| Structure | Brick construction, 2 stories (partially appearing as 3 stories), approximately 300 m² |
| Designation | Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property (September 3, 1997); Heritage of Industrial Modernization (2007) |
| Owner | Maxell, Ltd. |
| Address | 4680 Ikata, Fukuchi-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Opening Hours | Weekdays 9:00–15:00 (reservation required); closed on weekends and public holidays |
| Admission | Free |
| Access | Approximately 5 minutes by taxi from Kanada Station (Heisei Chikuho Railway); approximately 30 minutes by car from Yahata IC (Kyushu Expressway) |
References
- 九州マクセル赤煉瓦記念館（旧三菱方城炭礦坑務工作室） — Cultural Heritage Online
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/146925
- 九州マクセル赤煉瓦記念館(旧三菱方城炭礦坑務工作室) — Fukuchi Town Official Website
- https://www.town.fukuchi.lg.jp/soshiki/gakushu/syakaikyoiku/bunkazai/bunkazai1/302.html
- 九州マクセル赤煉瓦記念館 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/九州マクセル赤煉瓦記念館
- 方城炭鉱 — Wikipedia
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/方城炭鉱
- 上野焼 — Fukuchi Town Official Website
- https://www.town.fukuchi.lg.jp/fukuchi_trip/aganoyaki/318.html
- 田川市石炭・歴史博物館 — Crossroad Fukuoka
- https://www.crossroadfukuoka.jp/experience/13249
Last verified: 2026.03.03