Tokushima (city)

Tokushima (徳島市, Tokushima-shi, Japanese: [tokɯꜜɕima]) is the capital city of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku island in Japan.

Tokushima

徳島市
City
Tokushima City

Flag

Emblem
Location of Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°4′N 134°33′E
CountryJapan
RegionShikoku
PrefectureTokushima Prefecture
Government
 • MayorAkiyoshi Endo (since April 2016)
Area
 • Total191.39 km2 (73.90 sq mi)
Population
 (June 1, 2019)
 • Total255,439
 • Density1,300/km2 (3,500/sq mi)
Symbols
 • TreeElaeocarpus
 • FlowerCherry blossom
Time zoneUTC+9 (JST)
City hall address2-5 Saiwai, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima-ken
770-8571
Websitewww.city.tokushima.tokushima.jp
Tokushima
Japanese name
Kanji徳島市
Hiraganaとくしまし
Katakanaトクシマシ

As of June 1, 2019, the city had an estimated population of 255,439 and a population density of 1,335 persons per km². Its total area is 191.39 km². The city is situated in the north-eastern part of Tokushima Prefecture at the mouth of the Yoshino River. In terms of layout and organization, Tokushima displays the typical characteristics of a Japanese castle town. Tokushima was developed under the Hachisuka clan. Its prosperity was built on a strong indigo dye industry.

The modern city of Tokushima was founded on October 1, 1889. At the time, it was the 10th largest city in Japan. The city is served by Tokushima Airport (recently renamed to Awa Odori Airport), in nearby Matsushige.

History

World War II air raid

Tokushima was selected as a target by the United States' XXI Bomber Command during World War II because of the city's role as an agricultural center for the region. On July 3, 1945 at 5:45 PM (JST) 137 aircraft took off to bomb Tokushima. 1,050 tons of incendiary bombs were dropped on Tokushima, destroying 74% of the built up areas of the city.[1]

Culture

Every August, during the Obon Festival, Tokushima holds a cultural dance festival, the Awa Odori. Awa Odori literally translates as "Awa Dance" (Awa being Tokushima Prefecture's ancient name). During the festival, residents ranging from young children to professional dance troupes perform a distinctive style of Japanese traditional dance in regional costumes, accompanied by strings, drums, and singing (usually by the dancers themselves).

Climate

Tokushima has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is high, but there is a pronounced difference between the wetter summers and drier winters.

Climate data for Tokushima, Tokushima
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 9.3
(48.7)		 9.7
(49.5)		 13.0
(55.4)		 18.7
(65.7)		 23.0
(73.4)		 25.8
(78.4)		 29.7
(85.5)		 31.1
(88.0)		 27.4
(81.3)		 22.2
(72.0)		 17.0
(62.6)		 12.0
(53.6)		 19.9
(67.8)
Daily mean °C (°F) 5.4
(41.7)		 5.7
(42.3)		 8.7
(47.7)		 14.3
(57.7)		 18.6
(65.5)		 22.1
(71.8)		 26.1
(79.0)		 27.2
(81.0)		 23.7
(74.7)		 18.1
(64.6)		 12.9
(55.2)		 7.9
(46.2)		 15.9
(60.6)
Average low °C (°F) 1.9
(35.4)		 2.1
(35.8)		 4.6
(40.3)		 10.0
(50.0)		 14.5
(58.1)		 18.9
(66.0)		 23.2
(73.8)		 24.0
(75.2)		 20.6
(69.1)		 14.6
(58.3)		 9.1
(48.4)		 4.1
(39.4)		 12.3
(54.2)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 46.2
(1.82)		 56.3
(2.22)		 83.1
(3.27)		 130.9
(5.15)		 136.6
(5.38)		 229.6
(9.04)		 168.6
(6.64)		 178.4
(7.02)		 307.8
(12.12)		 141.7
(5.58)		 96.9
(3.81)		 37.9
(1.49)		 1,614
(63.54)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 3
(1.2)		 3
(1.2)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 0
(0)		 6
(2.4)
Average relative humidity (%) 62 62 63 67 70 76 79 76 74 69 67 63 69
Mean monthly sunshine hours 156.3 143.0 169.2 173.3 191.6 147.8 190.2 213.3 150.9 158.2 145.9 154.1 1,993.8
Source: NOAA (1961-1990)[2]

Education
  • University of Tokushima
  • Tokushima Bunri University
  • Shikoku University

Geography

Mountains
NameHeightNotes
Bizan
(眉山)		 277 m
Shiroyama
(城山)		 62 m
Nakatsu Mineyama
(中津峰山)		 773 mThe highest mountain in the Tokushima City district.
Nishi Ryuo-san
(西竜王山)		 495 m
Higashi Ryuo-san
(東龍王山)		 408m
Kinobeyama
(気延山)		 212 m
Bentenzan
(弁天山)		 6.1 mClaimed to be the smallest natural mountain in Japan.

Rivers
  • Akui River
  • Imagire River
  • Shinmachi River
  • Suketō River
  • Yoshino River

Sister cities
  • Tokushima Station Bus Terminal
  • Awa Dancing Festival, wellknown Bon Festival
  • statue of Hachisuka Iemasa

References
  1. https://www.scribd.com/doc/61702152/21st-Bomber-Command-Tactical-Mission-Report-247-250-Ocr
  2. "Tokushima Climate Normals 1961-1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved January 7, 2013.
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