Miyakonojō
Miyakonojō (都城市, Miyakonojō-shi) is a city located in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
The city was founded on April 1, 1924. On January 1, 2006 the towns of Takajō, Takazaki, Yamada and Yamanokuchi merged into the city. As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 169,384 and a population density of 259 per km². It covers an area of 653.31 km² making it the largest city in the prefecture.
Current issues
Miyakonojō is experiencing a declining population, which may be due to migration to Tokyo, Osaka and other major cities. Several other cities in Miyazaki are also facing this problem. On January 1, 2006, the towns of Takajō, Takazaki, Yamada and Yamanokuchi, all from Kitamorokata District, were merged into Miyakonojō to form a larger urban area.
Many schools are scheduled to close due to the declining population, which has resulted in fewer children.
Climate
Miyakonojō is cooler than other cities in Miyazaki. The average temperature is about 16°C, and it rains less than in Miyazaki City. The area's climate is influenced by its proximity to mountains.
History
In the Heian period, Miyakonojō became a Manorialism and it prospered. In 1185, Shimazu Tadahisa became the jito of Miyakonojō and Miyakonojō was conquered by the Shimazu family. In the Edo period and Muromachi period, the Hōryō family controlled the area. After the Boshin War, it became one of the cities to abolish the han system. In 1871, it became a prefecture for a year.
Industry
Many of Miyakonojō's citizens work as farmers. They produce gobō, meat, and bell peppers. Miyakonojō is also home to some agriculture-related manufacturing.
Miyakonojō is also famous for producing traditional Japanese archery bows from the abundant bamboo in the area.[1]
Schools
Miyakonojō has 35 elementary schools and 19 middle schools.
Famous residents
- Tomoji Tanabe (田鍋友時), the world's oldest man 1895-2009, was born and lived in Miyakonojō.[2]
- Gōgen Yamaguchi, known as "The Cat", was a renowned martial arts master of the Gōjū-ryū style of Karate.
- Jūzō Yamasaki (やまさき十三), the manga artist was born in Miyakonojō.
- Hideo Higashikokubaru (東国原英夫) a famous comedian and the former Governor of Miyazaki.
Nearby cities
References
- ^ Miyakonojo daikyu (archery bows), Japan National Tourist Organization.
- ^ Oldest man marks 112th birthday, BBC News, 18 September 2007.
External links
| Core city | |
|---|---|
| Cities | |
| Districts | |
