Kure District Headquarters Representatives' Office Sponsors Community Association’s History Walk
IHI’s Kure District Headquarters Representatives’ Office sponsored the Kure City Miyahara Residents Association’s history walk on October 5. It opened part of its premises to the public for the event. That body organizes these walks to foster local wellbeing. A total of 31 people took advantage of the excellent weather to take part.
An IHI employee started the tour with an overview of Kure Works. The site was originally the Kure Naval Arsenal (see note). IHI (then the Kure Dock of Harima Shipbuilding & Engineering) took over the site and facilities after World War II. The site once central to IHI’s shipbuilding business, is currently the world’s biggest production facility for aero-engine shafts. The buildings have been beautifully preserved since the time of their construction. The IHI Group uses them for offices and other purposes.
The white main building serves as offices for Group employees. Engineers originally used it as the Kure Naval Arsenal Machinery Department’s office for designing and drafting. The brick Kure General Office Annex, which houses the archives, was an office for the arsenal’s Shipbuilding Department. Arsenal executives are said to have had offices there.
Note: The arsenal was under direct military control, developing, manufacturing, repairing, storing, and supplying arms and ammunition. The famous Yamato battleship was built there.
After touring the main building, participants moved to the monument commemorating the completion of the dock where the Yamato was built. They then perused the archives in the annex building. They were free to roam around the exhibits, and all enjoyed the experience. One said on seeing the sheet music for the Kure Shipyard’s corporate song that, “I wish I had been able to hear it sung live.” Others enjoyed reminiscing about old times.
After the tour, participants expressed much gratitude for this effort, which reinforced solid ties with the community.
The Kure District Headquarters Representatives’ Office will continue to deepen connections with the community as part of its ongoing commitment to good corporate citizenship.
