Miyakonojō


Miyakonojō is a city in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. The city was founded on April 1, 1924.
As of June 1, 2019, the city has an estimated population of 161,137, with 70,549 households and a population density of 247 per km². The total area is 653.36 km² making it the largest city in the prefecture in terms of area.
On January 1, 2006, the towns of Takajō, Takazaki, Yamada and Yamanokuchi were merged into Miyakonojō.

History

Miyakonojō is known as the birthplace of the Shimazu Estate, the largest shōen of medieval Japan. In the 1020s, a powerful official named Taira no Suemoto developed a small manor named Shimazu-in. Expanded substantially in the first half of the 12th century, it eventually covered large portions of Satsuma, Ōsumi and Hyūga Provinces. In 1185, Koremune no Tadahisa was appointed as jitō of the Shimazu Estate and thereafter claimed the clan name of Shimazu. It is said that one of Tadahisa's residences, called Iwayoshi Gosho, was located at Miyakonojō. Between the Muromachi period and Edo period, the Hōngō family, which was a branch family of the Shimazus, controlled the area. After the Boshin War, it became one of the cities to abolish the han system. In 1871, it became a prefecture for a year.

Industry

Many of Miyakonojō's citizens work as farmers. They produce gobō, meat, and bell peppers. Miyakonojō is also home to some agriculture-related manufacturing.
Miyakonojō is also famous for producing traditional Japanese archery bows from the abundant bamboo in the area.

Schools

Miyakonojō has 35 elementary schools and 19 junior high schools.

Notable residents

Miyakonojō has a humid subtropical climate, but is cooler than other cities in Miyazaki. The average temperature is about 16 °C, and it rains less than in Miyazaki City. The area's climate is influenced by its proximity to mountains.

Current issues

Miyakonojō is experiencing a declining population. Several other cities in Miyazaki Prefecture are also facing this problem. Many schools are scheduled to close due to the declining population, which has resulted in fewer children.