Flaming Smokestacks

Abstract

In Japan, the trend for ‘factory love’ (Kojo Moe) — appreciating and photographing sites of heavy industry — has led to the development of organized night-time tours to industrialized locations within cities and city-ports. These night-time factory tours (Kojo Yakei) are primarily aimed at the domestic market and are particularly popular with small groups of young Japanese women. This photo essay considers the experience and aesthetics of these night-time urban tours, their social and performative aspects and their relationship to other types of industrial tourism.

Local and Glocal: The specifics of the formation and development of tourism brands of industrial locations

“…It also seems important to promote the aesthetics of industrial spaces within the framework of the common brand of industrial cities. A case in point is the popular Japanese trend kojo moe ("factory love"), triggered by the release of Ken Oyama and Tetsu Ishii's photo album (2007), containing photographs with views of chemical plants, oil refineries, steel and cement works, portal cranes and list of viewing locations [19]. As a result of the great success of the book, organized night-time factory viewing tours (so called "kojo yakei") appeared in the travel market.…”

Exploring the factors and spatial patterns of national night cultural tourism consumption agglomeration zones in China

“…Urban facilities with extended opening hours, including cultural venues such as museums and zoos, also play a crucial role in nighttime tourism by offering unique experiences [ 32 , 37 ]. Night markets, industrial sites, local culture and leisure and entertainment venues are essential for nighttime tourism [ 16 , 38 , 39 ]. For example, night markets in Taiwan and Thailand are popular among residents and foreign tourists because they offer local specialties, products, entertainment and leisure activities.…”

“…Scholars have paid considerable attention to the development of nighttime tourism. However, existing studies have focused mainly on the impact of night tourism [ 15 ], night tourism products [ 16 ], night tourism experience [ 17 ] and nighttime tourism stakeholders [ 18 ] but placed relatively less emphasis on the nighttime consumption agglomerations that are being created in China. Therefore, analysing the spatial distribution pattern of NNCTCAZs and their influencing factors is of great theoretical and practical significance for strengthening the overall planning and layout of the nighttime economy, promoting regional economic development, meeting the diversified needs of tourists and improving residents’ living standards.…”

Industrial Tourism as a Factor of Sustainability and Competitiveness in Operating Industrial Companies

“…In Japan, proposals are presented for night tours in coastal areas to observe old, illuminated factories [37,38], with digital effects changing and enriching the viewer's experience of industrial factories. With the assistance of a guide, these tours also offer a brief overview of the local industry, geography, and function of the facilities [37].…”