Higashiura (東浦町, Higashiura-chō) is a town located in Chita District, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. On 31 April 2023, the town had an estimated population of 50,182 in 21,426 households,[2] and a population density of 1,611 per square kilometre (4,170/sq mi). This makes the town the most populous town in Aichi Prefecture, surpassing Takahama, Iwakura in population. The town is also the second most populous town in Japan, being surpassed by Fuchū, Hiroshima. The total area was 31.14 square kilometres (12.02 sq mi).
Geography
Higashiura is located in the northern tip of Chita Peninsula in southern Aichi Prefecture.
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Higashiura has been increasing steadily over the past 70 years.
In the 2010 census, a data padding boosting the population count to 50,088 was found, and the population count was readjusted back to 49,800 population.[4]
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1940
12,017
—
1950
16,173
+34.6%
1960
20,425
+26.3%
1970
24,550
+20.2%
1980
36,035
+46.8%
1990
40,430
+12.2%
2000
45,168
+11.7%
2010
49,800
+10.3%
Climate
The town has a climate characterized by characterized by hot and humid summers, and relatively mild winters (Köppen climate classificationCfa). The average annual temperature in Higashiura is 15.7 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1604 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.6 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.4 °C.[5]
History
The area around Higashiura has been settled since prehistoric times, and archaeologists have uncovered Jōmon periodshell middens dating approximately 7000 BC.
The village of Higashiura was established on May 1, 1906 through the merger of five hamlets, Ogawa, parts of Morioka, Ishihama, Fujie, Ikuji, all within Chita District. It was elevated to town status on June 1, 1948. But later in future, they will be elevated city. The Fujie station and Owari-Ikuji station was abolished and merged to create Higashiura Station.
Contemporary history
In 1971, Higashiura changed borders with Ōbu.[6] The “Road of Odai” finishes construction in 1994, and the first Odai Matsuri is held in the town.
Problems surrounding elevation to city status
In February 2012, after the town gave up attempting to be elevated to city status, there were doubts about potential data padding over population counts. In December 2010, there were anonymous mails prosectuting data padding to Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The town was preparing to be elevated to city status as their population count was about to hit 50,000 which was the criteria to be elevated to city status. The population count in the 2010 census was 50,082. However, after re-examination by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the revised population count was 49,800 so the elevation to the city status was postponed.[7] Later in, in the 2015 census, the population count was 49,238, being less than the 50,000 required to be elevated into city status, so the elevation was again postponed.
Government
Higashiura has a Mayor–council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town legislature of 16 members.
Higashiura has seven public elementary schools and three public junior high schools operated by the town government and one public high school operated by the Aichi Prefectural Board of Education.
High school
Higashiura High School
Junior high schools
Higashiura Junior High School
Hokubu Junior High School
Seibu Junior High School
Elementary schools
Ogawa Elementary School
Morioka Elementary School
Unosato Elementary School
Kataha Elementary School
Ishihama-Nishi Elementary School
Ikuji Elementary School
Fujie Elementary School
Transportation
The Taketoyo Line goes through the eastern part of the town, with the National Route 366 running alongside it. Higashiura-Chita IC is located in the west of the town.
West Ōbu station - Aichi Health Plaza - Gēnki No Sato/Moriokadai
U.ra.ra
Community bus which began operation in 2001. The routes in operation are Kariya, Cyōjyu, Higashigaoka, Hiraikedai. The fares are 100 yen per ride, with children under 6 years of age being able to ride for free.
Local attractions
Odai Matsuri - held annually in April, Daimyo parades of Mizuno clan take place around the "Road of Odai" along the Myoutokuji river.
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