Title A Study of Early Urban Space Formation in Hakodate’s Opening Port Focused on Foreign Settlements
Authors 조재득(Cho, Jae-Deuk) ; 유재우(Yoo, Jae-Woo)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.1.243
Page pp.243-254
ISSN 2733-6247
Keywords Hakodate; Open-port; Foreign Concession; Urban Formation; Urban Spatial Structure
Abstract This study examines the relationship between foreign settlement formation and urban spatial structure in Hakodate, Japan's first open port, from its opening in 1854 to just before the great fire of 1878. Drawing on the Hakodate City History, documents from the Hakodate Foreign Settlement Research Association, historical maps, and photographs, this study identifies the distinctive spatial structure development specific to Hakodate. The findings reveal distinctive spatial formation characteristics that set Hakodate apart from other Japanese port cities. The city developed into an open and flexible settlement, shaped by both topographical constraints and sociocultural influences. This study highlights the unique case of Hakodate in East Asian port city research and provides foundational data for future comparative studies of port cities in the region.