During the period to pioneer the primitive ground of Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Development Commission encouraged the use of bricks as the material to construct buildings in the inland areas. Accordingly, the production of bricks started in 17 factories in 8 districts in Hokkaido and brickes were used for many fine buildings including the former Hokkaido Government Building, which was given the nickname of “Akarenga” or Red Brick.

Since the Taisho period (1912-1926), Ebetsu became the production center of bricks. The Ebetsu brick is characterized by its red or brown colors, which derive from Nopporo clay contained in the local soil.

Bricks were used for railway tunnels, bridges, stations, schools, silos, houses and warehouses, all of which contributed to the modernization of the land. At present, over 400 brick buildings are preserved in good forms in the city of Ebetsu, which is a part of “the projects for preservation and utilization of historic brick buildings.” These buildings are designated together as one of the Hokkaido Heritages. The red brick buildings against clear blue sky look really magnificent.