Historical research on the launch and renovating process of Tokiwa park and Kaguraoka park in Asahikawa from a sociocultural perspective

Abstract

This study examines the historical significance of Tokiwa park and Kaguraoka park in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan, from a sociocultural perspective, utilizing related literature. The paper focuses on the following six points: (1) development of the Kamikawa plains within Asahikawa city area, including the concept of an amusement park; (2) the background and history of the request for park installation in Asahikawa Town; (3) the negotiation process between Asahikawa Town and the 7th Army Corps, which led to the opening of Tokiwa Park; (4) the construction, maintenance, and renovation of Tokiwa Park along with the Ushubetu River amelioration; (5) negotiations with the Imperial Forestry Bureau up to the opening of Kaguraoka Park; and (6) the relationship between the establishment of Kamikawa Shrine and Kaguraoka Park. The three major revelations from the study relate to the park establishment process in preceding cities and the town’s history of the target site in the background of the park setting and site selection. The mediation of disputes among the 7th Army Corps and Asahikwa Town triggered the establishment of Tokiwa Park, while land lease negotiations from the Imperial Forestry Bureau and the establishment of the Kamikawa Shrine led to the conservation of the forest in Kaguraoka Park.