Kesen (気仙郡 Kesen-gun) is a district located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Kesen consists of the cities of Ōfunato and Rikuzentakata and the town of Sumita. The area of Sanriku, home to Kitasato University of Fishery Sciences,[1] was an independent town within Kesen until 2001, when it amalgamated with Ofunato.
Ofunato is a port town for both fishing and trade. Cargo ships, mostly from other Asian countries, dock weekly. Ofunato has a sizable squid, oyster and scallop industry. During the fall a large number of pacific saury are caught, culminating with an annual "sanma matsuri" where a large number of these fish are grilled and served.[2] As of 2008, the city has an estimated population of 41,757. Ofunato boasts a scenic rocky coast, Goishi Kaigan, which is a popular tourist destination.[3] Ofunato is also the birthplace of MOS Burger founder Atsushi Sakurada (櫻田 厚 Sakurada Atsushi)
Rikuzentakata, like Ofunato, is also a fishing town. It is made up of many smaller former villages (now neighborhoods), including Takata-chō, Kesen-chō, Yonesaki-chō, Otomo-chō, Hirota-chō, Yokota-chō and Yahagi-chō. Rikuzentakata has a large, sandy beach popular with the local population. The Kesen river empties into the Pacific Ocean near the beach. The current population (2008) is estimated at 23,687 people. Rikuzentakata is host to several local festivals. In August, several "tanabata matsuri" (Star Festival) are held. One in particular, in Kesen-chō, is famous for its 'Kenka (fighting) Tanabata', in which decorated floats with large logs protruding from the front are gently rammed into each other.[4] In October of each year, Rikuzentakata hosts a taiko festival which draws both performers and spectators from all over Japan.[5]
Sumita is fairly small community comparatively. Nearly 80 percent of the area of Sumita is forested. The economic base is largely agricultural and forestry-related. Its current population (2008) is estimated at 6,452 people.
As of 2007, Kesen District has an estimated population of 71,896. The total area is 334.83 km².
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