Nankin-machi originated in 1868 , when Kobe 's port was opened to foreigners including Chinese immigrants from Guangdong and Fujian . The newcomers settled in the western end of Kobe 's foreign district , which soon became the focal point for subsequent Chinese migrants . During that time , the Chinese people were referred to as " people from Nanking " by the Japanese , hence the name " Nankinmachi " ( Nanking Town ) . By the early 1920s , Nankinmachi was a vibrant area bustling with businesses , restaurants , and homes . That all changed , however , during the next two decades when many Chinese returned to China in response to Japan 's expansion of Northeastern China , the Second Sino-Japanese War , and World War II . Destroyed during the allied bombings of Kobe , Nankinmachi was re-built after the war by the remaining Chinese community that stayed behind . In 1995 , it was severely damaged during the Great Hanshin earthquake . It was quickly rebuilt , and once again thrives as a center of Chinese culture and activity throughout the Kansai region . There are currently 10,000 people residing in Nankin-machi
Great Hanshin earthquake
Great Hanshin earthquake
Nankin-machi