Hinokage, Miyazaki

Hinokage
日之影町
Town
Hinokage Town Office

Flag
Emblem

Location of Hinokage in Miyazaki Prefecture
Hinokage
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 32°39′40″N 131°23′22″E / 32.66111°N 131.38944°E / 32.66111; 131.38944Coordinates: 32°39′40″N 131°23′22″E / 32.66111°N 131.38944°E / 32.66111; 131.38944
Country Japan
Region Kyushu
Prefecture Miyazaki Prefecture
District Nishiusuki
Area
 • Total 277.68 km2 (107.21 sq mi)
Population (April 1, 2017)
 • Total 3,848
 • Density 14/km2 (36/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Japanese zelkova
 • Flower Azalea
 • Bird Japanese bush warbler
Time zone UTC+9 (JST)
Website www.hinokage.jp

Hinokage (日之影町, Hinokage-chō) is a town located in Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.

As of April 2017, the town has an estimated population of 3,848[1] and a density of 14 persons per km². The total area is 277.68 km².

Located next to the religio-historically significant town of Takachiho, Hinokage is known primarily for its three large bridges, traditional Kagura dances, and the work of Kazuo Hiroshima, a traditional weaver of bamboo baskets. Like many districts in rural Japan, the area has been struggling with an aging population and an exodus of young people to Tokyo and other major cities. The town's population peaked in the 1950s at 16,199 people, (Cort & Nakamura, 1994) but has steadily declined since the closure of the Mitate mine in March, 1970. (記念編纂部会, 1997) Between 2000 and 2005 four area elementary and middle schools were closed, and more closures are planned in the future.

The region was heavily damaged in the September, 2005 Typhoon Nabi, and local rail service has been suspended indefinitely.

References

  • Cort, Louise Allison and Kenji Nakamura (1994). A Basketmaker in Rural Japan. Washington: Smithsonian Institution. ISBN 0-8348-0336-4.
  • 記念誌編纂部会 (1997). 大空に翔ける: 日之影町立日之影中学校創立５０周年記念誌 日之影町:創立５０周年記念事業実行委員会.
  1. ↑ "Official website of Hinokage Town" (in Japanese). Japan: Hinokage Town. Archived from the original on 4 June 2004. Retrieved 28 April 2017.


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