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March 11, 2024
Niantic and the Replica of the San Juan Bautista Ship

The Niantic, a ship bound for San Francisco during the Gold Rush era, was unearthed during construction in the financial district of San Francisco in the 1970s. Near the excavation site at the intersection of Clay street and Sansome street, there stands a small plaque recounting the history of the Niantic ship.

Taking a leisurely stroll and observing your surroundings can reveal the rich history and culture woven into a place, often unnoticed in the rush of everyday life. It is with a desire to unearth hidden narratives and encourage exploration that we created Niantic.

Recently, we adorned the reception area of our Niantic Tokyo office with a logo crafted by artisans in Ishinomaki City that incorporates materials salvaged from the San Juan Bautista replica, once exhibited in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, and dismantled in 2022.

The San Juan Bautista, constructed by the Date clan in 1613, was a galleon ship and a cherished exhibit in Ishinomaki for many years. However, it was dismantled due to damage from the Great East Japan earthquake and aging.

Thus, the San Juan Bautista, treasured by the people of Ishinomaki, transformed into the Niantic, embarking on a new journey.

We have positioned this logo at the reception of the Niantic Tokyo office to share its story to visitors and promote disaster preparedness, all in an effort to preserve the memory of the Great East Japan earthquake.

We urge all to explore Tohoku, engage with locals, and uncover the narratives of communities diligently rebuilding.


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