When open coal mining was legalized in the Meiji era, people from all over the country came to Wakamatsu to get their foot in the business. And that was great for increasing the city population, but the upshot was that the value of coal began to decrease as the number of sellers increased. Fukuoka worked hard to standardize the price of coal by establishing the Wakamatsu Port Alliance Coal Wholesalers Association. Not only individuals but also companies such as Mitsui and Furukawa also had to participate in this agreement.

This office, now known as “Coal Hall,” is the oldest existing Western-style building in Wakamatsu.
The hall, a gorgeous building both inside and out, was used as a social gathering place in addition to union meetings.
The exterior looks like stone but it’s made of wood.

As I look into the hall, I can imagine people coming here after working in the coal mines, looking to relax with their peers and find the strength to work another day. The building itself is very elegant-- from the entrance, the columns, the stairs… I can look at each piece individually and the whole scene starts to come to life.

※Only the entrance hall on the first floor is open to the public.