There are many kinds of otaku (geek) in Japan and many kinds of moe (萌え, -philes). However, this is one of the most unexpected we’ve come across so far.
The last couple of years has seen a boom in “factory love” (工場萌え, koujou-moe), manifesting in numerous night-time cruises around industrial areas, photography books, blogs and mixi communities — all spreading the word that processing plants, manufacturing facilities, chimneys…yes, these can be beautiful! Even the current TV commercials and posters for Suntory’s Boss Black canned coffee tap into this surging interest, with imagery of stylishly lit black-and-white industrial landscapes.
Of course Japan famously already has three particularly beautiful sights (日本三景, Nihon Sankei): Matsushima in Miyagi, Amanodate in Kyoto, and Itsukushima in Hiroshima. Should we also add Mitsubishi, Toyota and Panasonic factories to this list?
[Image via tabism.com]
The cruises (known as “factory night view jungle cruises”) are particularly popular, with boats full even in the winter. Kawasaki and Yokohama, Chiba and the Hanshin area all have cruise services leaving just as the sun goes down, costing around 4,500 JPY ($50) per person for ninety minute tours.
What kind of people are these factory freaks? Photography enthusiasts, of course, and older husbands and wives. However, surprisingly, also groups of females and young couples. Although bay cruises have always been a good place for a date, factory-spotting doesn’t on paper sound like the kind of weekend activity likely to attract that demographic. Many of the boat trips include drinks, though, and on-board guidance, which would make it more of an “experience” and enjoyable for all.
When looking into this we were also reminded of the abandoned former coal mining hub that was Hashima Island in Nagasaki Prefecture, re-opened to tourists last year. Domestic sightseeing might just be going industrial…
William is Editor of JapanTrends.com and a Project Manager at 
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I trust you asked permission to use that image.
“Peter” is that your image?
Web etiquette generally means that if you use an image for non-commercial purposes you don’t ask, but definitely give credit to the source. This is what we have always done, and allow to be done with our own images on other sites.
You have a pretty distorted idea of etiquette if you think it’s OK to use someone’s work in spite of clear instructions to the contrary. Secondly this use is clearly commercial, this is a blog to promote your business.
You’ll probably be hearing from the author directly.
@Peter
It’s definitely an interesting topic for the digital age, but I would argue that ALL websites are “commercial” if they even have google ads.
Our policy is that we would most likely remove the photo if the photographer asked, but would do so out of common courtesy. In all my years of blogging, posting pictures (with citations of course), and being good about linking I’ve never once had someone ask to remove a photo. In the same vein, our own content is constantly being taken from our site, but as long as we are cited with a link why would we be upset?
You’re certainly taking a strong position on this one image. Do you have a personal connection to it?
Things like these mega factories freak me out. Imagine an earthquake hitting one of these. “Factory love” – Japanese are moving further and further from nature. Kind freaky and cool at the same time.
Totally! This is just meca love in disguise!