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Yokohama's Foreigner Cemetery, also known as the Yokohama Yamate Western Cemetery, is a peaceful resting place for foreigners who have lived and died in Japan. It is a unique cultural landmark that reflects the history of the foreign community in Yokohama and its contribution to the city's growth and development.
Established in 1854, the cemetery is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in Japan. It was originally created to provide a final resting place for foreign residents who were not permitted to be buried in Japanese cemeteries. The cemetery was later expanded in 1870 to accommodate the growing number of foreigners who came to Yokohama as a result of the city's growing trade and commerce.
Today, the cemetery is home to over 4,000 graves of various shapes, sizes, and designs. The gravestones are a testament to the diversity of the people who once lived in Yokohama and their contributions to the city's growth and development. Among the notable figures buried in the cemetery are British diplomat Sir Harry Parkes, American educator Edwin Dun, and Japanese novelist Toson Shimazaki.
Walking through the cemetery, one can't help but be struck by the quiet beauty of the surroundings. The grounds are well-maintained, and the trees and flowers offer a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The atmosphere is serene, and the silence is only interrupted by the occasional bird chirping or leaf rustling in the breeze.
But beyond the beauty and tranquility lies a fascinating history. The cemetery serves as a reminder of the early days of Yokohama's foreign community, a time when Western influence was just beginning to take hold in Japan. It was a time of great change, both for Yokohama and for Japan as a whole. The cemetery is a tangible link to that era, and a reminder of the individuals who lived and died during that time.
For those interested in history or those seeking a moment of quiet contemplation, a visit to Yokohama's Foreigner Cemetery is a must. The stones may be silent, but they speak volumes about the history of Yokohama and the people who helped shape it.