Santo, Hiroshima Outdoor Space, Japan, Japanese Factory Shop, Commercial Building, Architecture Images
Santo Shop in Hiroshima
9 Jan 2023
Architecture: UID Architects
Location: Kamisanna 91, Numakuma-cho, Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture 720-0401, Japan

Photos: Koji Fujii / TOREAL
Santo, Japan
Architectural project that resembles the products manufactured by the client that encourages public participation in an industrial area

Innovative efforts during the coronavirus pandemic
An ironworks factory, SANGYO Corporation, was established in 1951 in Kaji-cho, which translates to ?blacksmith town?. Kaji-cho is in Tomonoura, Fukuyama city in Hiroshima prefecture. In 1965, Sangyo moved to the Ironworks area in Tomonoura that was newly established on reclaimed ground. Currently, Sangyo manufactures fittings by combining manufacturing techniques using machine tools and robots, as well as traditional free forging. The free forging technique has been used to make ?Tomo Ikari? (translates to anchors in Tomonoura) and has been designated as a tangible local cultural asset. This project is part of a larger government funded strategy.
As part of that strategy, this specific project aims to support Sangyo to transition from traditional anchor-making to furniture-making. In addition, Sangyo will have a marketing plan to sell their products, and has opened up to the public to experience the manufacturing process. This restructuring of the company is taking place in the wider context of ec...