Shiriyazaki Lighthouse

Shiriyazaki Lighthouse (尻屋埼灯台, Shiriyazaki tōdai) is a lighthouse located on the outermost extremity of Cape Shiriyazaki, the northeasternmost point of Honshu, in Higashidōri, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. It received protection as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property in 2017.[2]

Shiriyazaki Lighthouse
Shiriyazaki tōdai
尻屋埼灯台
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse
Shiriyazaki Lighthouse (Japan)
LocationHigashidōri
Aomori Prefecture
Japan
Coordinates41°25′49.4″N 141°27′43.6″E
Year first constructed1876 (first)
Year first lit1951 (current)
Foundationbrick and concrete
Constructionbrick and concrete tower
Tower shapetapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markings / patternwhite tower and lantern
Tower height32.82 metres (107.7 ft)
Focal height45.70 metres (149.9 ft)
Original lensSecond Order Fresnel
Intensity2,000,000 candela
Range34 kilometres (18 nmi)
CharacteristicFl W 10s.
Admiralty numberM6628
NGA number3860
ARLHS numberJPN-578
Japan numberJCG-1604[1]

History

The Shiriyazaki Lighthouse was one of the 26 lighthouses built in Meiji period Japan by British engineer Richard Henry Brunton. The lighthouse was completed on October 20, 1876 (after Brunton had departed from Japan), and was the first western-style lighthouse in the Tōhoku region. On November 20, 1877, a fog bell was installed due to the high incidence of fogs and days of poor visibility in the area. This was the first fog bell in Japan, but the sound proved to be too weak, so on December 20, 1879 it was replaced by the first fog horn in Japan.[3] Other noteworthy events include the installation of the first electric power generator for a lighthouse in Japan in 1901.[3]

In 1945, during World War II, Shiriyazaki Lighthouse was bombarded by United States Navy warships, cracking its Fresnel lens and causing severe damage to its structure, killing its attendant. However, the following year, on several occasions, fishermen reported being able to see a light in the ruined lighthouse, which enabled them to land safely despite a deep fog. However, when authorities investigated, they found that the stairs were blocked with rubble and the light room was completely destroyed. A temporary light was installed in the ruined structure from August 1946, and the rumors ceased.[4] The lighthouse was repaired and went back into operation in 1951. The lighthouse is maintained by the Japan Coast Guard.[5]

The Shiriyazaki Lighthouse is registered with the Japanese government as an "A-grade Lighthouse" for historic preservation and is listed as one of the "50 Lighthouses of Japan" by the Japan Lighthouse Association.[6]

See also

Notes
  1. Lighthouse Directory
  2. "尻屋埼灯台". Cultural Heritage Online (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  3. Historical Lighthouses of Japan
  4. Anecdotes related to Aids to Navigation
  5. Japan Coast Guard 2nd Division
  6. Japan Lighthouse Association home page (in Japanese)

References
  • Brunton, Richard. Building Japan, 1868-1879. Japan Library, 1991. ISBN 1-873410-05-0
  • Pedlar, Neil. The Imported Pioneers: Westerners who Helped Build Modern Japan. Routledge, 1990. ISBN 0-904404-51-X

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