mosaic tiles
A Gift of Gratitude: Yokohama’s Indian Memorial Fountain
横浜・山下公園の「インド水塔」：関東大震災に感謝を込めた記念碑
Yokohama began exchanging goods and culture with India in the 19th century, and Indian immigrants played a key role in the local silk trade. The Great Kantō Earthquake of 1923, which wasa one of the most devastating natural disasters in Japanese history, claimed over 100,000 lives across the Tokyo and Yokohama regions. Yokohama, a major port city, suffered extensive damage. Among the victims were 28 Indian merchants who had settled in the Yamashita district.
In response, the city provided relief to affected Indian residents, including the construction of emergency housing.
In 1930, Yokohama transformed a former earthquake debris dumping ground into what would become one of its most iconic tourist destinations: Yamashita Park.
To express their gratitude to the Japanese people who assisted them after the disaster, and to honor those who perished, the Indian community built the Indian Memorial Water Fountain in Yamashita Park. The memorial was donated to the city in 1939.
Constructed from reinforced concrete and topped with a copper dome, the fountain reflects architectural influences from the Mughal period (1526–1857), blending Indian, Islamic, and Japanese design elements.
A closer look at the fountain’s ceiling reveals a striking bronze lamp casing framed by a vivid mosaic of floral tiles. The intricate design exemplifies the fusion of Mughal and Japanese aesthetics, with its symmetrical patterns and vibrant colors.
In March 2023, the memorial underwent its first major renovation in 84 years. The restoration addressed typhoon-related damage and included seismic retrofitting to protect the structure against future earthquakes.
Location: Yamashita Park, Yokohama, Japan
Timestamp: 2025/05/28・13:10
Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
ISO 160 for 1/125 sec. at ƒ/2
Velvia/Vivid film simulation
References:
