Haikyo Corner
Gunkanjima
NAMEGunkanjima, Hashima Island LOCATION Nagasaki (Kyushu). BACKGROUNDHashima Island has two nicknames: Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) and Prison Island. The first nickname is because of its haunted battleship looking appearance. Among explorers this nickname has become much more popular than its original name. The second nickname, Prison Island, references the severe working conditions on the island when it was a...

Dec 8, 2011 | No Comments | 597 views
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Matsuo Mine

name Matsuo Mine LOCATION Hachimantai, Iwate BACKGROUND Once the biggest sulfur mine in Japan, Matsuo Mine used to employ over 10,000 people in the mid-20th century. To improve the working conditions for its employees, concrete apartment blocks were built well before they became popular in Japan. Inside they had flush toilets and central heating, as ...

Nov 10, 2011 | No Comments | 1,222 views
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Sports World

Name: Sports World Location: Izunokuni-shi, Shizuoka Background: This large-scale amusement and sports complex opened in 1988 at the height of Bubble era prosperity. The park featured a giant wave pool, water slides, putting greens and other attractions, but its middle-of-nowhere location proved to be a handicap. Sports World shut its doors in 1993 and began ...

Jun 10, 2010 | 2 Comments | 3,295 views
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International Motel Hokuriku

Name: International Motel Hokuriku Location: Bungyomachi, Kaga-shi, Ishikawa Background: Opened in 1963, IMH was Japan’s first motel—and the predecessor to the modern love hotel. It was built along a national highway at a time when Japan was fast becoming a car-oriented society, and the site has come to be seen as a symbol of that ...

May 19, 2010 | No Comments | 1,759 views
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Camp Drake

Name: Camp Drake Location: Asaka City, Saitama Background: This haikyo spot is one of many former American bases around Tokyo. Originally a golf club, it became the site of an army uniform factory during World War II, and was subsequently used as a training camp by the US army. After being returned to Japan in ...

May 13, 2010 | No Comments | 2,436 views
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Hotel Kotei

Name: Hotel Kotei Location: Kochi, Shikoku Background: Not much is known about the history of this former love hotel, but the remnants of its past glories have proven irresistible to haikyo enthusiasts. Empty, leaf-strewn pools, plush red sofas and circular beds give a slightly creepy atmosphere of faded luxury. Access: Take the shinkansen to Okayama, ...

Apr 15, 2010 | No Comments | 1,767 views
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