Miyoshi, Hiroshima Explained

Miyoshi
Native Name Lang:ja
Settlement Type:City
Seal Type:Emblem
Image Map1:Miyoshi in Hiroshima Prefecture Ja.svg
Pushpin Map:Japan
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Japan
Coordinates:34.8°N 183°W
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:Japan
Subdivision Type1:Region
Subdivision Name1:Chūgoku (San'yō)
Subdivision Type2:Prefecture
Subdivision Name2:Hiroshima
Subdivision Type3:District
Extinct Title:Now part of
Leader Title:Mayor
Leader Name:Satoshi Fukuoka
Leader Title1:Vice Mayor
Unit Pref:Metric
Area Total Km2:778.14
Population Total:49,106
Population As Of:March 31, 2023
Population Density Km2:auto
Timezone1:JST
Utc Offset1:+09:00
Blank Name Sec1:City hall address
Blank Info Sec1:2-8-1, Tōkaichi Naka, Miyoshi-shi, Hiroshima-ken 728-8501
Blank Name Sec2:Climate
Blank Info Sec2:Cfa
Module:
Embedded:yes

right|thumb|270px|Panorama of central Miyoshiright|thumb|270px|Aerial photo of central Miyoshi is a city located in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan., the city had an estimated population of 49,106 in 23154 households and a population density of 63 persons per km².[1] The total area of the city is 778.14sqkm.

Geography

Miyoshi is located almost in the middle of the Chugoku region, with the Chugoku Mountains to the north and a flat agricultural area to the south. Together with the neighboring city of Shōbara, it forms the northern part of the prefecture called the "Bihoku region". Because the tributaries of the Enokawa River meet at the Miyoshi Basin, it prospered as a river port and has long functioned as a strategic point for culture, economy, and transportation connecting the San'in and San'yō regions. About one-third of the rain that falls in Hiroshima Prefecture is collected here, and it has abundant water. Due to the confluence of rivers, fog tends to occur in this area from late autumn to early spring. The center of urban area is the Miyoshi Basin, which is located between the Chugoku Mountains and the Kibi Plateau at an elevation of 150 to 250 meters. Miyoshi developed as a twin settlement, with "Itsukaichi", as the castle town of the Miyoshi clan towards the west, and the current city center district where Miyoshi Station is located as a market town called 'Tokaichi-machi' to the east.

Adjoining municipalities

Hiroshima Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture

Climate

Miyoshi has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) characterized by cool to mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average annual temperature in Miyoshi is . The average annual rainfall is with July as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around, and lowest in January, at around . The highest temperature ever recorded in Miyoshi was on 16 July 2018; the coldest temperature ever recorded was on 27 February 1981.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Miyoshi in 2020 is 50,681 people. Miyoshi has been conducting censuses since 1950.

History

The area of Miyoshi was part on ancient Bingo Province. During then Edo Period, it was largely the territory of Hiroshima Domain. Following the Meiji restoration, the town of Miyoshi was established with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. Miyoshi was raised to city status on March 31, 1954.

On April 1, 2004, Miyoshi absorbed the towns of Kisa, Mirasaka and Miwa, the villages of Funo, Kimita and Sakugi (all from Futami District), and the town of Kōnu (from Kōnu District) to create the new and expanded city of Miyoshi. Futami District was dissolved as a result of this merger.

Government

Miyoshi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 24 members. Miyoshi contributes one member to the Hiroshima Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Hiroshima 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

The economy of Miyoshi is largely agricultural, with grapes and wineries predominant. Light manufacturing is centered on automobile engines and components for Mazda, which also has its test and proving grounds located in the city.

Education

Miyoshi has 22 public elementary schools, 12 public junior high schools and one public high school operated by the city government, and three public high school operated by the Hiroshima Prefectural Board of Education. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the disabled.

Transportation

Railway

JR West (JR West) - Geibi Line

JR West (JR West) - Fukuen Line

Highways

Sister city relations

Notable people from Miyoshi

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Miyoshi city official statistics. Japan. ja.