Yakumo, Hokkaido

Yakumo (八雲町, Yakumo-chō) is a town in Oshima Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of September 2016, the town's population was estimated as 17,299, with a density of 18 persons per km². The total area is 955.98 km².

On October 1, 2005, the town of Kumaishi was merged into Yakumo; 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.)