Shiraoi, Hokkaidō
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Shiraoi's location in Hokkaidō (Iburi), Japan. |
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Location | |
Country | Japan |
Region | Hokkaidō |
Prefecture | Hokkaidō (Iburi) |
District | Shiraoi |
Physical characteristics | |
Area | 425.61 km² (164.33 sq mi) |
Population (as of 31 May 2008) | |
Total | 20,3,731 |
Density | 47.86 /km² (124 /sq mi) |
Location | |
Symbols | |
Tree | Sorbus commixta (ナナカマド Nanakamado?) |
Flower | Lespedeza bicolor (エゾヤマハギ Ezo-yama-hagi?) |
Shiraoi Government Office | |
Address | 〒059-0995 Shiraoi Town Hall 1-1, Omachi 1-chome, Shiraoi-chō, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaidō |
Phone number | 0144-82-2121 |
Official website: Shiraoi Official Web Site |
Shiraoi (白老町 Shiraoi-chō?) is a town located in Shiraoi District, Iburi, Hokkaidō, Japan. As of 31 May 2008, the town had a population of 20,371[1] The town was established in 1867 by the feudal lords of Sendai. Most of the area of the town is forested and parts lie within the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.
Contents |
[edit] History
Shiraoi like the rest of Hokkaidō was populated by the Ainu The name, Shiraoi, supposedly means Rainbows are frequent here in the Ainu language.[2]
In 1867 the Sendai domain established a fort in Shiraoi and work began on Shiogama Shrine (塩釜神社 Shiogama Jinjya?). The following year the Boshin War caused Sendai to retreat from Shiraoi and return to Sendai proper. After the revolt was put down the government dismantled the fort in 1870.
The end of the 19th century saw expansion of the town. A road was established connecting Shiraoi with Muroran, Sapporo, and Hakodate in 1873. 19 year later the first railroad station was established. The villages of Shadai and Shikiu are established. Two events interrupt this expansion: in 1874 Mount Tarumae erupts and in 1881 Emperor Meiji visits.[3].
[edit] Geography
The total area is 425.61 square kilometres (164.33 sq mi)[2].
Shiraoi is crossed by a number of rivers running from the mountains like Mount Horohoro to the Pacific Ocean. These include:
- Shadai River
- Shiraoi River
- Shikyu River
- Betsubetsu River
Mount Horohoro and Lake Kuttara are part of Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. Lake Poroto is also a place of natural beauty.
[edit] Demographics
Shiraoi has a density of 47.86 persons per km².
Year | Households | Population |
---|---|---|
1899 | 848 | 3659 |
1919 | 988 | 4906 |
1920 | 1906 | 6312 |
1925 | 1348 | 6849 |
[edit] Arts and culture
The Shadai Stallion Station is located here.
[edit] Sister cities
Shiraoi has the following twin city relationships:[4]
- Quesnel, Canada since 1981
- Sendai, Japan since 1981
- Morita (now part of Tsugaru), Japan since 1991
[edit] References
- ^ Shiraoi Official Web Page (Japanese). Shiraoi Town (2006-10-03). Retrieved on 2008-06-12.
- ^ a b Local (English). Shiraoi Town (2006-10-03). Retrieved on 2008-06-12.
- ^ History 1800 (English). Shiraoi Official Website (2006-10-03). Retrieved on 2008-06-13.
- ^ Town Profile (English). Shiraoi Official Website. Retrieved on 2008-06-13.
[edit] External links
- (Japanese)Official website (some English content)