About this book:

Discover the untold story of Ōita, a Kyushu gem where volcanic landscapes, ancient traditions, and modern innovation intertwine. From Jomon pottery and Yayoi rice paddies to the rise of the Ōtomo clan and the arrival of Christianity, this meticulously researched chronicle reveals how Ōita’s people have continually adapted to fire, water, and change.

Journey through centuries of spiritual devotion—Buddhist temples, Christian missionaries, and the enduring onsen culture that has healed bodies and forged community bonds. Explore the region’s agricultural roots, samurai rivalries, Tokugawa governance, and the daring spirit that drove Ōita’s Meiji‑era industrial leap and postwar resurgence.

Rich with vivid anecdotes, archaeological insights, and vibrant festivals, *Ōita: A History of Ōita* invites scholars, travelers, and curious readers alike to see Japan through a fresh lens—one where every hot spring, rice field, and fortress tells a tale of resilience, creativity, and enduring identity. Dive in and let Ōita’s past inspire your present.