Itako, Ibaraki

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Itako
潮来市
Itako-Ayame-en,JR Kashima-Line,Itako-city,Japan.JPG
Maekawa Iris Park
Flag of Itako Ibaraki.svg
Emblem of Itako, Ibaraki.svg
Itako in Ibaraki Prefecture Ja.svg
Location of Itako in Ibaraki Prefecture
Japan location map with side map of the Ryukyu Islands.svg
Red pog.svg
Itako
 
Coordinates: 35°56′49.7″N140°33′19.3″E / 35.947139°N 140.555361°E / 35.947139; 140.555361
Country Japan
Region Kantō
Prefecture Ibaraki
Area
  Total
71.40 km2 (27.57 sq mi)
Population
 (October 2020)
  Total
27,512
  Density390/km2 (1,000/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
Symbols 
• Tree Populus
• Flower Iris
• Bird Great reed warbler
Phone number0299-23-1111
Address626 Tsuji, Itako-shi, Ibaraki-ken 311-2493
Website Official website
Itako city hall Itako city hall.JPG
Itako city hall

Itako (潮来市, Itako-shi) is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2020, the city had an estimated population of 27,577 in 10,849 households and a population density of 386 persons per km². The percentage of the population aged over 65 was 32.9%. [1] The total area of the city is 71.40 square kilometres (27.57 sq mi). It is known for its annual iris festival (Itako Ayame Matsuri). Much of the city is within the borders of the Suigo-Tsukuba Quasi-National Park.

Contents

Geography

Itako is located in southern Ibaraki Prefecture, bordered by Chiba Prefecture to the south, and sandwiched between Lake Kasumigaura to the west and Lake Kitaura to the east. The Tone River also flows through the city, which has been noted since the Edo period for its network of canals. The city is approximately 80 kilometres north of Tokyo.

Surrounding municipalities

Chiba Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture

Climate

Itako has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light snowfall. The average annual temperature in Itako is 14.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1455  mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.9 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.3 °C. [2]

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, [3] the population of Itako peaked around the year 2000 and has declined slightly since.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1920 17,385    
1930 18,453+6.1%
1940 20,007+8.4%
1950 25,516+27.5%
1960 24,467−4.1%
1970 25,005+2.2%
1980 29,075+16.3%
1990 30,863+6.1%
2000 31,944+3.5%
2010 30,534−4.4%
2020 27,604−9.6%

History

The town of Itako was established within Namegata District with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. Itako merged with the neighboring villages of Tsuwa, Nobukata and Ouhara on February 11, 1955. It was raised to city status on April 1, 2001, by absorbing the town of Ushibori. [4]

Government

Itako has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 16 members. Itako contributes one member to the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Ibaraki 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

Sake barrel in Itako Saka-daru,Sake barrels,Itako-city,Japan.jpg
Sake barrel in Itako

Education

The education system in Itako, Ibaraki, is structured and comprehensive, reflecting Japan's commitment to quality education. Itako has six public elementary schools and four public junior high schools that provide compulsory education for children aged 6 to 15, ensuring free tuition and access to textbooks. For senior high school, there is one public institution where students must pass entrance exams for admission, with tuition fees applicable. The city also offers various options for part-time and correspondence courses to accommodate diverse student needs. Higher education opportunities are available at nearby institutions, such as Ibaraki University, which provides a range of academic programs. Additionally, financial support is accessible for low-income families at all educational levels, helping to ensure that all children have the opportunity to pursue their education without financial barriers. Overall, Itako's education system emphasizes accessibility, quality, and community support.

Transportation

Railway

JR logo (east).svg JR EastKashima Line

Bus

Highway

Local attractions

Notable people from Itako

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. "Ibaraki prefectural official statistics" (in Japanese). Japan.
  2. Itako climate data
  3. Itako population statistics
  4. 潮来市の沿革. Itako official website (in Japanese). Itako City. Archived from the original on October 31, 2011. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  5. "Sake Enjoyed with Friends". chopsticksny.com. Archived from the original on October 22, 2017. Retrieved March 30, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)

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