Kitaakita City HallSnow Monster of Mount MoriyoshiIsedotai RuinsLake Shimiko
Kitaakita (北秋田市, Kitaakita-shi) is a city located in Akita Prefecture, Japan. As of 28 February 2023[update], the city had an estimated population of 29,201,[1] and a population density of 120 persons per km2. and a population density of 25 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 1,152.76 square kilometres (445.08 sq mi).
Geography
Kitaakita is located in the mountains of north-central Akita Prefecture, about 80 kilometers northeast of the prefectural capital of Akita city. It accounts for about 10% of the total area of Akita Prefecture. The city is bordered by the Ōu Mountains on the east. The main urban area is centered around the Takanosu Basin in the middle reaches of the Yoneshiro River, and river basins such as the Ani River and the Koani River, which are tributaries of the Yoneshiro River. The Yoneshiro River originates from the Ōu Mountains, which form the border of the city to the east and south. Much of the city is forest and parts of the city are within the borders of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Due to its inland location, the city is noted for its heavy snowfall in winter.
Kitaakita has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classificationDfa) with large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is heaviest from August to October. The average annual temperature in Kitaakita is 10.5 °C (50.9 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,704.7 mm (67.11 in) with July as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 23.7 °C (74.7 °F), and lowest in January, at around −1.5 °C (29.3 °F).[2]
Climate data for Takanosu, Kitaakita (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1976−present)
Per Japanese census data,[8] the population of Kitaakita has been decreasing rapidly over the past 60 years.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±% p.a.
1950
64,607
—
1960
66,150
+0.24%
1970
55,601
−1.72%
1980
51,210
−0.82%
1990
46,660
−0.93%
2000
42,050
−1.03%
2010
36,397
−1.43%
2020
30,198
−1.85%
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History
The area of present-day Kitaakita was part of ancient Dewa Province. During the Edo period, the area came under the control of the Satake clan, who ruled the northern third of the province from Kubota Domain. After the start of the Meiji period, the area became part of Kitaakita District, Akita Prefecture in 1878 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system.
Kitaakita has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 18 members. The city contributes two members to the Akita Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Akita District 2 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy
The economy of Kitaakita is based on agriculture, forestry, manufacturing of clothing and electronic components, and seasonal tourism.
Kitaakita has seven public elementary schools and three public middle schools operated by the city government and one public high school operated by the Akita Prefectural Board of Education. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped.
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