Mining for Copper began in Ashio over 400 years ago, on the chance discovery of a surface lode by 2 farmers tilling their rocky topsoil. Shafts were dug and miners sent in, the process was commandeered by the Shogunate of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and production went into overdrive. Soon the copper coming out of Ashio made up 40% of the nation`s supply, driving the engines of Japan`s industrialization, providing coinage, plumbing, roofing, wiring, and material for a wide range of household goods.
The Mine Complex, wooden rails and roofs in broken cascades around it.
The Power Hub was the first building Su Young and I came across after shooting the factory from across the river and crossing the oldest bridge in Japan (made in Germany). From the exterior it looked bland, there were no extensive bundles of wires going into or out of it- at best we expected a warehouse with a few bits and pieces in it.
The warehouse front looks pretty basic.
We got off our bikes, rounded the side-fence which hung out over a smaller rivulet (“Be careful!” I keep saying to SY, “Hug the tree!” She laughs at me…) and cruised round to the back entrance.
I followed Su Young in and was instantly rewarded. In the center of the dusty space amidst shafts of light thrown through holes in the roof lay some hulks of huge rusted machinery.
Something out of a steam-punk fantasy.
Ceramic pylon heads look like deep-sea mines.
Ingersoll-Rand manufacturer`s mark
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Fusebox.
After toying with levers and switches a little, we left. Feeling peckish we sat down in the middle of he road (SY`s idea, because it was in the sun) and ate trail mix. Neither of us had any real food.
Next came the first sign of a mine. It was a 3 or 4-building complex gathered round a mine-mouth, heavily fenced-off and across the river. I approached the fence and judged the best place to cross- the razor wire on top had been cut at one point at the edge, a little too close to the drop though for comfort. I wandered round to the side and through some reeds looking for a safer way- down to the river, across, then back up.
*Come on then!” called Su Young. I turned back to see her. Of course, she had already gone over.
I suppose I’m actually quite timid when it comes to these things. I like to know the lay of the land utterly before I make a move, to know for sure I’ve done everything I can to minimize any risk of being hurt or being caught. Su Young on the other hand just goes for it. I think that’s pretty awesome.
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Those long narrow windows make it look like a bird-blind.
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Me standing overlooking the wreckage, like a still shot from an apocalypse movie.
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Mine entrance and wrench. SY was ready to bolt, a security guy had just given the place a once over (us flattening ourselves against walls to remain hidden), so going even further in just didn’t register.
Next, the final part, the Factory and Train Station.
Sulphuric acid tanks on left, factory on right, one remaining smelter tower out of shot right.
CONTENTS
Ashiodozan Mining Town- 1. History and Relics
Ashiodozan Mining Town- 2. Shrine and Apartments
Ashiodozan Mining Town- 3. Power Hub and Mine Complex
Ashiodozan Mining Town- 4. Train Station and Factory
You can see all MJG’s Ruins / Haikyo explorations here:
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