Red Bricks and Rays of Hope: Fukuoka City Red Brick Culture Hall and War Reconstruction Memorial Statues

Nestled in a corner of the bustling Tenjin district in Fukuoka, the Fukuoka City Red Brick Culture Hall stands quietly with its striking red brick and white stone exterior. Designed in 1909 by renowned architects Kingo Tatsuno and Yasushi Kataoka, this building originally served as the Kyushu branch of Nippon Life Insurance. Its elegant and varied appearance, featuring spires and domes, reflects the British architectural style of the late 19th century. After restoration, the interior retains its original Meiji-era charm and now serves as a space for cultural exchange and meetings. The second-floor conference room is also available for cultural activities such as book clubs, making it a rare and refined corner in the city center. Not far away in Nishinakasu Park stands a bronze statue titled "Rising, Being Born, Walking," created by sculptor Chodo Tominaga. This War Reconstruction Memorial Statue was erected in 1972 to commemorate the citizens who perished during the Fukuoka air raid on June 19, 1945, and the city's journey of recovery. During the raid, B-29 bombers devastated 4 square kilometers of the city, destroying 13,000 homes. After 25 years of reconstruction, Fukuoka was finally rebuilt in February 1972. The statue symbolizes the citizens' resilience, rising from the ashes and moving toward hope and rebirth. 📍 Red Brick Culture Hall: 1-15-30 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City (Open 9:00 AM–10:00 PM, closed on the last Monday of each month) 📍 War Reconstruction Memorial Statues: 1-16 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City (Nishinakasu Park) 🚇 Access: About a 3-minute walk from Tenjin Station 📷 Highlights: European-style red brick architecture, cultural exhibitions, war memories, and symbols of peace