July 2003 Chronological Table : History of Oita Prefecture Post Old Stone Age〜Yayoi Era The obsidian produced in Himeshima was used as a material for stone implement in Western Japan. Jomon Era Sozudai Ruins (Hiji Town) The 3rd Century A Theory mentions Yamatai Kingdom was established in Usa 713 "Bungo Fudoki (Oita Regional Description)" was edited according to the command to edit a regional description. 731 Usa Hachiman Shrine became a "Kanpeisha" which was designated by the old time Imperial Household Agency. At the almost same time Mirokuji Temple were built as a "Jinguji" which is specially revered by the government. Because of their contribution to build a great image of Buddha of Todaiji Temple, the Shrine received "Fuko", the right to levy tax, and became a biggest lord of the manor. Combination of the creeds of Usa Hachiman Shrine and Tendai Buddhist denomination developed mountain worship and "Rokugomanzan Culture", and had developed around Kunisaki Peninsula as a center of the culture. 769 "Dokyo Incident" occured. Dokyo was a Buddhist priest who had a great power to Emperor but he falsely accused of betrayal. An officer Wake-no Kiyomaro was sent to settle down the situation, and got an oracle. 860 Usa Hachiman Shrine divided its spirit to Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine. The second half of 11th century〜 Usuki Stone Buddha had started to be built. Also many stone Buddhas were curved in every part of Bungo province. 1184 Usa Hachiman Shrine was burnd out by OGATA Koreyoshi in disturbance of Taira-Minamoto War. 1185 Bungo and other provinces became separated domains of Kanto. 1196 A theory says OTOMO Yoshinao entered into Bungo province as a guard. 1272 It is said that the guard OTOMO Yoriyasu came from the capital. 1274 Troops from Bungo and Buzen provinces were dispatched to the Mongol Invasions (Bunei-no Eki) as well as its 2nd expedition of "Koan-no Eki" in 1281. They were also called out to build stonewall or other constructions. Temples and shrines were involved for praying for surrender of foreign countries. (Kunisakito-pagoda at Iwatoji-temple etc.) 1429 OTOMO Mochinao sent ambassadors to Korea for the first time. 1451 OTOMO Chikashige sent ambassadors to Ming (ancient China). 1545 A battle between the Otomo and the Ouchi out broke. Portuguese made a landing at Bungo-Okinohama. 1550 Incident of "OTOMO Nikai Kuzure-no Hen" occurred. OTOMO Yoshishige (Sorin) became the 21st Master. 1551 Christian Missionary Francisco Xavier came to Bungo-Funai via Yamaguchi. OTOMO Yoshishige gave a permission of propagation of Christianity. 1555 Luis de Almeida built a hospital and a child nursing facility in Funai. 1562 OTOMO Yoshishige built "Nyujimajo-castle" in Usuki, and became a priest called "Sorin". Foreign flag ship came to Usuki. 1571 OTOMO Sorin became an official Guard for 6 provinces in Kyushu. 1578 Sorin dispatch troops to Hyuga province. He baptized and called himself "Don Francisco". 1582 Envoys of Sorin departed from Nagasaki. 1587 TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi subjugated Kyushu. Bungo province was granted to OTOMO Yoshimune and Buzen-Nakatsu province to KURODA Yoshitaka (KURODA Jyosui). 1593 Domain of OTOMO Yoshimune was confiscated because of mismanagement at the battle of Korea Invasion. Feudal domain of Bungo began to be separated into some small semi-independent areas. 1596 Huge earthquake attacked Bungo province and Okinohama submerged. 1600 Dutch merchant ship "De Liefde" drifted ashore to Bungo with crew of William Adams, an Englishman who became a Shogun's right hand. After the battle of Sekigahara, TOKUGAWA Ieyasu subdivided domain to feudal lords who were granted special favor. 1614 Christian in Bungo province suffered tortures because of persecution. Father Petoro Kasui Kibe from Imi in Kunimi Town exiled to Manila. The Christianities in Bungo province were strictly banned and their religious faith was completely destroyed by suppression in 1622, 1633, and 1659. 1639 Hita became a Shogun's demesne. 1658 The OGYU-MATSUDAIRA came into Funai, and established structure of feudal domain system. 1742 It is said MIURA Baien made an astronomical globe. 1817 HIROSE Tanso established a private school of "Kangien" and started to educate disciples. 1836 HOASHI Banri completed books of science "Kyuritsu" (8 volumes). 1860 FUKUZAWA Yukichi visited America by "Kanrinmaru" ship. 1868 Shogun's demesnes of Shimoge, Hita, Kusu incorporated in Hita Prefecture, and MATSUKATA Masayoshi became the Prefectural Governor. 1871 Abolishing domain system and establishing prefectures. Oita prefectural area had 12 prefectures. On November 14th all over Bungo were incorporated in Oita Prefecture and Buzen in Kokura Prefecture. FUKUZAWA Yukichi established a school in Nakatsu. 1876 Shimoge and Usa Districts were incorporated from Fukuoka Prefecture to Oita Prefecture. Present Oita Prefecture was settled. 1916 Nippo Honsen Rail Line opened to Saiki. 1921 Kyushu and Okinawa 8 Prefectures Allied Mutual Aid Association Meeting was held. Oita Prefecutural Government Office building was completed. 1928 Whole Hohi Honsen Rail Line opened. 1934 Whole Kyudai Honsen Rail Line opened. 1945 The World War2 ended. 1947 HOSOKAWA Tokuju was elected as the first Governor of Oita Prefecture by public election. 1959 Ground-breaking ceremony for construction of coastal industrial zone was held. 1962 Office operation was begun at the new building of the Prefectural Government Office. 1963 Oita City was inaugurated by a consolidation, and the new Oita City was designated as "New Industrial Cities". 1966 The National Sports Festival was held in Oita and won the Emperor's Trophy. 1971 New Oita Airport was opened. 1972 First blast furnaces at Nippon Steel Corporation start operated. 1973 Pollution problems out broke. 1979 "One Village One Product" movement was advocated by the Governor HIRAMATSU Morihiko. 1984 "Northern Oita and Kunisaki Area Technopolis Project" was approved. 1994 MURAYAMA Tomiichi was appointed as the first Prime Minister from Oita Prefecture. 1996 Whole Line of Trans-Kyushu Oita Expressway opened. 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Oita was held at Big Eye Stadium.