History Lecture: Dramatic Shift from Poor Village to Modern City — The Birth of Yokosuka from Old Maps

The volunteer group Yokosuka Old Map Club used a Meiji-period map titled “Yokosuka Meisai Ichiran-zu” to explore how the area transformed from a poor rural village into a modern urban center. At the October 25 lecture, participants examined historical maps to identify landmarks, infrastructure changes, and patterns of urban development that accompanied Yokosuka’s birth and expansion. Organizers aim to deepen local understanding of the town’s history by comparing old and modern maps and discussing the social and economic forces behind the rapid change. The event combined visual materials and commentary to make the region’s historical transition accessible to residents and history enthusiasts.