Yakumo, Hokkaido

Template:Infobox city Japan

Yakumo (八雲町, Yakumo-chō) is a town in Futami District (formerly located in Yamakoshi District), Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of 2008, the town's population was estimated as 19,543, with a density of 23.08 persons per km². The total area is 955.98 km².

On October 1, 2005, the town of Kumaishi (from Nishi District, Hiyama Subprefecture) was merged into Yakumo (formerly part of Yamakoshi District); now in the newly created Futami District. The former town of Kumaishi joined Oshima Subprefecture at the same time.

Geography

Yakumo is the only municipality which faces both the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. The Yakumo area and the Kumaishi area are separated by mountains.

The name comes from the word "Yakumo" in the Waka composed by Susanoo-no-Mikoto.^[1]

Neighboring municipalities

Oshima Subprefecture
- Oshamanbe
- Mori
Hiyama Subprefecture
- Otobe
- Setana
- Imakane
- Assabu

History

1881 The village of Yakumo was founded in Yamakosi District.
1902
- Yakumo village and Yamakoshinai village was merged to form the new village of Yakumo.
- Kumaishi village was founded in Nishi District, Hiyama Subprefecture.
1919 Yakumo village became Yakumo town.
1957 Otoshibe village in Kayabe District was merged into Yakumo town.
1962 Kumaishi village became Kumaishi town.
2005 Yakumo town and Kumaishi town was merged to form new town of Yakumo in Futami District. (Because of it, Hiyama Subprefecture was divided between north and south.)