When people think of Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, the first image that comes to mind is the thousand red “Torii” gates. On one of those gates, you can find the name of the Yokohama Central Wholesale market engraved in the wood. The same god that is enshrined in Fushimi Inari Shrine is also enshrined here at the shrine in this market. This is the god that ensures prosperity for businesses, and since prayers are said to “pass through” these gates on their way to the gods, those who sell goods here are naturally drawn to them. The proof is in how the names of the different oroshi wholesalers and nakaoroshi brokers, whose businesses have been around for generations, are engraved on the stone pillars of this shrine.

The Fushimi Inari gates here in Yokohama have been around since this marketplace was established. Why was this place chosen as the location? At the time, it was close to the city and easy to get to by rail. It was also separated from any factories that could contaminate the goods with dust and debris, creating a more hygienic space.

During WWII, even when air raid bombs punched holes in the market’s roof, even as they watched their homes burning down at a distance, the people who worked in the wholesale market stayed at work. There are also stories of the market pickling whale skin, meant to be used for the soles of shoes, and using it as rations during the war. All these stories are part of the history of this space that we are in now.