About 15 kilometers from the city of Nagasaki, Japan is the enigmatic island of Hashima, better known as ‘Gunkanjima’, which means “War Ship Island.” The name is due to its shape, which resembles a fortified war ship. Today, it is a completely uninhabited ‘ghost’ island, marked by ruined buildings, giving it a post-apocalyptic look that fascinates tourists and researchers.
Hashima’s story goes back to the late nineteenth century, when Japan was in full industrialization. In 1890, Mitsubishi bought the island to explore its underwater coal mines, reveals the. For decades, Hashima was one of the country’s leading coal extraction centers, playing a crucial role in Japan’s economic growth.
To accommodate workers and their families, concrete buildings were built, making Hashima one of the most densely populated places in the world. In the 1950s, the island was about 5,300 inhabitants, living in a space of only 6.3 hectares. The lifestyle was unique: there were schools, shops, hospitals and even theaters, all built in height to maximize the available space.
However, with the change in the global energy matrix and the growing bet of Japan in oil, coal began to lose importance. The Hashima Mine was no longer profitable and ended up ending in 1974. Without reason to stay, the inhabitants abandoned the island, leaving behind buildings, personal effects and an environment that looks frozen in time.
After decades of abandonment, nature began to complain about the space. The buildings of concrete, once robust, were being worn out by the winds and storms, creating a surreal landscape of collapse buildings and empty streets. The absence of maintenance and isolation made Hashima a scenario worthy of a science fiction film.
For years, this ‘ghost’ island has been closed to the public and could only be seen at a distance. However, in 2009, Japan began to allow controlled tourist visits. A small route was created to ensure the safety of visitors, allowing them to explore part of the ruins without danger. Nevertheless, most of the island remains inaccessible due to the risk of collapse.
Interest in Hashima grew even more when, in 2015, UNESCO recognized the island as a world heritage, highlighting its role in the Japan Industrial Revolution. However, this recognition generated controversy, as the island was also the scene of forced labor during World War II, involving Korean and Chinese workers.
In addition to its historical value, Hashima has become an icon of popular culture. His desolate landscape inspired movies, documentaries and video games. One of the most famous examples was his recreation in the movie “007: Skyfall” (2012), where he served as the basis for villain Silva. It also appeared in video games like Call of Duty: Ghosts, consolidating its fame as one of the most mysterious islands in the world.
For those visiting hashima, the sensation is almost surreal. The silence is only interrupted by the wind and the sound of the waves beating the concrete walls. When walking through the designated tracks, visitors can glimpse broken windows, moss -covered staircases and the rubble of what was once one of Japan’s busiest places.
The island has also attracted urban explorers and photographers, who seek to capture the decaying beauty of their ruins. However, due to structural dangers, illegal visits are strongly discouraged.
The future of Hashima’s ‘ghost’ island is uncertain. Some advocate partial restoration to preserve the island’s memory, while others believe it should be left as it is, allowing nature to continue its process of destruction and renewal.
Regardless of what happens, Hashima will remain a symbol of the rise and fall of the Japanese industrial age, a silent testimony of the past that continues to intrigue the world.
Whether for its historical value, its appearance of ghost town, or its influence on popular culture, Hashima remains one of Japan’s most fascinating and mysterious places. For those who like history and urban exploitation, this island represents a true trip To the past, where time seems to have stopped more than four decades ago.
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