Rust

The history of Kobe is largely a story of its ports. Kobe city established itself within Japan and abroad after the opening of Hyogo Port (in the Hyogo area of Kobe), in 1868. Hyogo-tsu has a naturally good port because it rests on the calm Seto Inland Sea, and Wada cape and Mt.Rokko block the wind - especially in winter. As Kobe city grew, newer port facilities were constructed eastward one after the other, forming the more modern ports in what is now called Kobe port. Consequently, Hyogo-tsu has not maintained the same prosperity and vitality as it had in the past. The area is now less commercial than industrial, and some areas are falling into disrepair. However, I am attracted to these older buildings and I am especially attracted to rust - on signs, doors, and other objects. The atmosphere can be a bit odd in this area, as not many people are about - but it is full of visual history.