Kobe

From long ago, Kobe developed as western Japan's gateway to the sea, and it is a city with a strongly international flavor. In January 1995 a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked Kobe; many buildings were destroyed, and about 6,400 people lost their lives. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Kobe received lots of aid and assistance from across Japan and around the world. The city of Kobe hopes to use the occassion of hosting World Cup matches to once again express its gratitude.

World Cup Games to Be Held in Kobe
Russia vs. Tunisia (June 5)
Sweden vs. Nigeria (June 7)
Winner, Group C vs. Second-place, Group H (June 17)

Fun Facts About the Stadium
Kobe Wing Stadium has no running track, and the nearest seats are only nine meters (about 30 feet) from the touch line. Perhaps the most amazing fact about the stadium is that a computerized system is used to manage the growth of the field's grass. The grass can recover quickly after a match, so the field can be used quite often.

Famous Local Foods
Kobe is famous for its production of chocolate, as well as bread and beef. Interestingly, many of the companies that make food bear the names of foreigners, such as Morozoff, Goncharoff, Juchheim, and Freundlieb. Many of these companies were founded by foreign residents of Kobe during the period between World War I and World War II.

Famous Sights
In one part of the city there are a number of old buildings that were constructed as houses for foreigners living there in the 1880s and 1890s; many of these buildings have been preserved to this day. This exotic neighborhood also has facilities built for such religions as Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Jainism. And a section of Meriken Wharf, which was destroyed by the earthquake, has been preserved as part of a memorial park, where visitors can see firsthand the terrible damage that took place.

Festivals
The Kobe Festival lasts for three days every year, ending on the third Sunday in May. Entertainment is held all over town, including local arts, performances by bands, and folk dances from around the world. There are also many parades of all kinds of groups involving folk dancers and marching bands. At sea, meanwhile, there are yacht races and cutter races. Around the time of the festival, the entire city is caught up in the excitement.

Dancing the samba at the Kobe Festival. (Kobe City)


The port of Kobe. (Kobe City)

Uroko House, one of Kobe's Western-style buildings. (Kobe City)