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Ōita (city): Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 33°14′0″N 131°36′24″E / 33.23333°N 131.60667°E / 33.23333; 131.60667
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{{More citations needed|date=January 2010}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name = Ōita
| name = Ōita
| official_name = Ōita City
| official_name =
| native_name = {{nobold|大分市}}
| native_name = {{nobold|大分市}}
| native_name_lang = ja
| native_name_lang = ja
Line 8: Line 7:
| other_name =
| other_name =
| image_skyline = Oita montage.jpg
| image_skyline = Oita montage.jpg
| image_caption = From top left: [[Funai Castle]], Monkeys in [[Mount Takasaki]], Motomachi Stone Buddhas, [[Ōita Stadium]], Old Ōita Bank, Shopping street in central Ōita
| image_caption = From top, left to right: [[Funai Castle]], Monkeys in [[Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden|Mount Takasaki]], [[Ōita Motomachi Stone Buddhas|Motomachi Stone Buddhas]], [[Ōita Stadium]], {{ill|Old Ōita Bank|ja|大分銀行赤レンガ館}}, {{ill|Shopping street in central Ōita|ja|セントポルタ中央町}}
| image_flag = Flag of Oita, Oita.png
| image_flag = Flag of Oita, Oita.svg
| image_seal = Symbol of Oita Oita.svg
| image_seal = Emblem of Oita, Oita.svg
| image_map= {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=8}}
| image_map = Oita in Oita Prefecture Ja.svg
| map_caption = Location of Ōita in [[Ōita Prefecture]]
| image_map1 = Oita in Oita Prefecture Ja.svg
| map_caption = Location of Ōita in Ōita Prefecture
| pushpin_map = Japan
| pushpin_map = Japan
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Japan
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Japan
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| subdivision_name1 = [[Kyushu]]
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kyushu]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| subdivision_type2 = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Ōita Prefecture]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Ōita Prefecture| Ōita]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Districts of Japan|District]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[Districts of Japan|District]]
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = [[:ja:佐藤樹一郎|Kiichiro Sato]] (since April 2015)
| leader_name = Shinya Adachi <small>(since April 2023)</small>
| leader_title1 = Vice Mayor
| leader_title1 = Vice Mayor
| leader_name1 =
| leader_name1 =
| unit_pref = Metric
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 = 502.38
| area_total_km2 = 502.38
| population_total = 477715
| population_total = 474804
| population_as_of = June 1, 2019
| population_as_of = November 30, 2023
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_density_km2 = auto
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
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| postal_code =
| postal_code =
| blank_name_sec1 = City hall address
| blank_name_sec1 = City hall address
| blank_info_sec1 = 2–31 Niage-machi, Ōita-shi, Ōita-ken<br />870-8504
| blank_info_sec1 = 2–31 Niage-machi, Ōita-shi, Ōita-ken 870-8504
| website = {{URL|http://www.city.oita.oita.jp}}
| website = {{Official|1=http://www.city.oita.oita.jp}}
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| tree = ''[[Elaeocarpus sylvestris]]''
| tree = ''[[Elaeocarpus sylvestris]]''
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}}
}}
}}
}}
[[file:Oita City Hall.jpg|thumb| Ōita City Hall]]
[[File:Oita Chuo Dori.jpg|right|thumb|Main street of Ōita]]
[[File:Oita takasago.jpg|thumb|right|City view from city centre]]
{{nihongo|'''Ōita'''|大分市|Ōita-shi}} is the capital [[Cities of Japan|city]] of [[Ōita Prefecture]], located on the island of [[Kyushu]], [[Japan]]. {{As of|2023|11|30}}, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 474,804 in 230,867 households, and a [[population density]] of 950 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. <ref name="Ōita-hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.city.oita.oita.jp/o001/shisejoho/annai/1269847174200-3.htmll|title= Ōita City official statistics|location= Japan|language= ja}}</ref> The total area of the city is {{cvt|502.38|km2}}.


==Geography==
{{nihongo|'''Ōita'''|大分市|Ōita-shi}} is the capital [[Cities of Japan|city]] of [[Ōita Prefecture]], located on the island of [[Kyushu]], [[Japan]].
Ōita city is located in east-central Ōita Prefecture, facing Beppu Bay on the [[Seto Inland Sea]]. The Ōno River flows from the south to the east, and the Ōita River flows from the west to the west, with the main urban center on the west side of the mouth of the Ōita River, with the Ōita Plain consisting of deltas and alluvial plains formed by the Ōita River and the Ōno River, and surrounding hills. The Takashima area in of the city is within the borders of the [[Seto Inland Sea National Park]].


===Neighboring municipalities===
On January 1, 2005, the town of [[Notsuharu, Ōita|Notsuharu]] (from [[Ōita District, Ōita|Ōita District]]) and the town of [[Saganoseki, Ōita|Saganoseki]] (from [[Kitaamabe District, Ōita|Kitaamabe District]]) were merged into Ōita.
[[Ōita Prefecture]]
*[[Beppu, Ōita|Beppu]] to the northwest
*[[Yufu, Ōita|Yufu]] to the west
*[[Taketa, Ōita|Taketa]] to the southwest
*[[Bungo-Ōno, Ōita|Bungo-Ōno]] to the south
*[[Usuki, Ōita|Usuki]] to the southeast


===Climate===
== Demographics and geography ==
Ōita has a [[humid subtropical climate]] (Köppen ''Cfa'') characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Ōita is 15.6&nbsp;°C. The average annual rainfall is 1663&nbsp;mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.3&nbsp;°C, and lowest in January, at around 5.1&nbsp;°C.<ref>[https://en.climate-data.org/asia/japan/oita/oita-4528/ Ōita climate: Average Temperature, weather by month]</ref>
[[File:Oita takasago.jpg|thumb|left|City view from city centre]]


{{Weather box
Ōita is the most populous city in Ōita Prefecture. As of March 31, 2017, the city has an estimated [[population]] of 478,491, with 216,853 [[household]]s and a [[population density]] of 950 persons per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.city.oita.oita.jp/|title= Official website of Ōita city|publisher= Ōita City|location= Japan|language= ja|access-date= 19 April 2017}}</ref> The total area of the city is 502.39&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.
|collapsed = Y

The city is bordered by [[Beppu, Ōita|City of Beppu]] to the northwest, [[Yufu, Ōita|City of Yufu]] to the west, [[Taketa, Ōita|City of Taketa]] to the southwest, [[Bungo-ōno, Ōita|City of Bungo-ōno]] to the south, and [[Usuki, Ōita|City of Usuki]] to the southeast. The north of the city faces [[Beppu Bay]] and the [[Seto Inland Sea]].

[[File:Oita Chuo Dori.jpg|left|thumb|Main street of Ōita]]

== Economy ==
During the 1960s and 1970s, an [[industrial region]] was formed along the Beppu Gulf coast. Among the plants in the region were flagship plants of [[Nippon Steel]] and [[Showa Denko]].

In the 1970s, [[Toshiba]] and [[Canon (company)|Canon]] built and expanded their plants in inland area. By then, the city emerged as a major production center of electronics products such as [[Integrated circuit#SSI, MSI, LSI|LSIs]] and [[digital camera]]s.

The downtown and shopping districts are located to the north of [[Oita Station]]. Recently, however, the area has been gradually declining, because the main commercial areas have been dispersed due to the construction of big [[shopping mall]]s in the suburbs.

== History ==
The Ōita area is historically known as {{nihongo|Funai|府内}}, the capital of {{nihongo|[[Bungo Province]]|豊後国}}.

During the [[Sengoku period]] (15th–16th centuries), the powerful [[Ōtomo clan]] based in Funai and the area prospered as a key port of trade with [[Portugal]] and [[Ming dynasty|Ming-dynasty]] China. [[Ōtomo Sōrin]], a famous Christian ''[[daimyō]]'', first introduced western culture. It was in Funai that the first western style hospital was built and the first Japanese choir was formed.

==Climate==
Ōita has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') with hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter.

{{Weather box|width=auto
|location = Oita (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1887–present)
|single line = Y
|single line = Y
|metric first = Y
|metric first = Y
|location = Oita City Nagahama District、elevation 5 meters
|Jan record high C = 24.6
|Jan record high C = 24.6
|Feb record high C = 25.5
|Feb record high C = 25.5
Line 86: Line 77:
|Apr record high C = 31.2
|Apr record high C = 31.2
|May record high C = 32.7
|May record high C = 32.7
|Jun record high C = 35.3
|Jun record high C = 35.4
|Jul record high C = 37.8
|Jul record high C = 37.8
|Aug record high C = 37.6
|Aug record high C = 37.6
|Sep record high C = 36.5
|Sep record high C = 36.5
|Oct record high C = 32.8
|Oct record high C = 33.1
|Nov record high C = 28.0
|Nov record high C = 28.0
|Dec record high C = 25.0
|Dec record high C = 25.0
|Jan record low C = -7.3
|year record high C = 37.8

|Feb record low C = -7.8
|Mar record low C = -5.2
|Apr record low C = -2.1
|May record low C = 1.7
|Jun record low C = 7.2
|Jul record low C = 14.0
|Aug record low C = 14.1
|Sep record low C = 8.8
|Oct record low C = 2.0
|Nov record low C = -2.0
|Dec record low C = -6.1
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 49.8
|Feb precipitation mm = 64.1
|Mar precipitation mm = 99.2
|Apr precipitation mm = 119.7
|May precipitation mm = 133.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 313.6
|Jul precipitation mm = 261.3
|Aug precipitation mm = 165.7
|Sep precipitation mm = 255.2
|Oct precipitation mm = 144.8
|Nov precipitation mm = 72.9
|Dec precipitation mm = 47.1
|year precipitation mm = 1727.0
|Jan mean C = 6.5
|Feb mean C = 7.2
|Mar mean C = 10.2
|Apr mean C = 14.8
|May mean C = 19.3
|Jun mean C = 22.6
|Jul mean C = 26.8
|Aug mean C = 27.7
|Sep mean C = 24.2
|Oct mean C = 19.1
|Nov mean C = 13.8
|Dec mean C = 8.7
|year mean C = 16.8
|Jan high C = 10.7
|Jan high C = 10.7
|Feb high C = 11.5
|Feb high C = 11.5
Line 145: Line 99:
|Dec high C = 13.0
|Dec high C = 13.0
|year high C = 21.1
|year high C = 21.1

|Jan mean C = 6.5
|Feb mean C = 7.2
|Mar mean C = 10.2
|Apr mean C = 14.8
|May mean C = 19.3
|Jun mean C = 22.6
|Jul mean C = 26.8
|Aug mean C = 27.7
|Sep mean C = 24.2
|Oct mean C = 19.1
|Nov mean C = 13.8
|Dec mean C = 8.7
|year mean C = 16.8

|Jan low C = 2.6
|Jan low C = 2.6
|Feb low C = 3.0
|Feb low C = 3.0
Line 158: Line 127:
|Dec low C = 4.6
|Dec low C = 4.6
|year low C = 12.8
|year low C = 12.8

|Jan humidity = 62
|Feb humidity = 63
|Jan record low C = -7.3
|Mar humidity = 65
|Feb record low C = -7.8
|Apr humidity = 65
|Mar record low C = -5.2
|May humidity = 68
|Apr record low C = -2.1
|Jun humidity = 77
|May record low C = 1.7
|Jul humidity = 77
|Jun record low C = 7.2
|Aug humidity = 75
|Jul record low C = 14.0
|Sep humidity = 74
|Aug record low C = 14.1
|Oct humidity = 70
|Sep record low C = 8.8
|Nov humidity = 69
|Oct record low C = 2.0
|Dec humidity = 64
|Nov record low C = -2.0
|Dec record low C = -6.1
|year humidity = 69
|Jan sun = 149.4
|year record low C = -7.8

|Feb sun = 149.1
|Mar sun = 175.0
|Jan precipitation mm = 49.8
|Apr sun = 190.1
|Feb precipitation mm = 64.1
|May sun = 194.6
|Mar precipitation mm = 99.2
|Jun sun = 135.7
|Apr precipitation mm = 119.7
|Jul sun = 180.8
|May precipitation mm = 133.6
|Aug sun = 202.8
|Jun precipitation mm = 313.6
|Sep sun = 151.5
|Jul precipitation mm = 261.3
|Oct sun = 164.2
|Aug precipitation mm = 165.7
|Nov sun = 148.2
|Sep precipitation mm = 255.2
|Dec sun = 151.2
|Oct precipitation mm = 144.8
|Nov precipitation mm = 72.9
|year sun = 1992.4
|Dec precipitation mm = 47.1
|year precipitation mm = 1727.0

|Jan snow cm = 0
|Jan snow cm = 0
|Feb snow cm = 0
|Feb snow cm = 0
Line 197: Line 169:
|Dec snow cm = 0
|Dec snow cm = 0
|year snow cm = 1
|year snow cm = 1

|Jan humidity = 62
|Feb humidity = 63
|Mar humidity = 65
|Apr humidity = 65
|May humidity = 68
|Jun humidity = 77
|Jul humidity = 77
|Aug humidity = 75
|Sep humidity = 74
|Oct humidity = 70
|Nov humidity = 69
|Dec humidity = 64
|year humidity = 69

|unit precipitation days = 0.5 mm
|unit precipitation days = 0.5 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 5.9
|Jan precipitation days = 5.9
Line 211: Line 198:
|Dec precipitation days = 5.5
|Dec precipitation days = 5.5
|year precipitation days = 111.0
|year precipitation days = 111.0

|source 1 = Japan Meteorological Agency<ref>{{cite web
|Jan snow days = 6.4
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/index.php?prec_no=83&block_no=47815&year=&month=&day=&view=
|Feb snow days = 4.6
|script-title=ja:気象庁 / 平年値(年・月ごとの値)
|Mar snow days = 1.5
| publisher = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]]
|Apr snow days = 0.0
| access-date = May 19, 2021}}</ref>
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Nov snow days = 0.1
|Dec snow days = 4.6
|year snow days = 17.3

|Jan sun = 149.4
|Feb sun = 149.1
|Mar sun = 175.0
|Apr sun = 190.1
|May sun = 194.6
|Jun sun = 135.7
|Jul sun = 180.8
|Aug sun = 202.8
|Sep sun = 151.5
|Oct sun = 164.2
|Nov sun = 148.2
|Dec sun = 151.2
|year sun = 1992.4
|source = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (Averages:1991-2020, Peaks:1887-present)<ref>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/view/nml_sfc_ym.php?prec_no=83&block_no=47815&year=&month=&day=&view=
| title = 平年値ダウンロード
| accessdate = December 16, 2023
| publisher = Japan Meteorological Agency
| lang = ja}}
</ref>}}

== Demographics==
Ōita is the most populous city in Ōita Prefecture. Per Japanese census data, the population of Ōita is as shown below

{{Historical populations
| 1960 | 242001
| 1970 | 289951
| 1980 | 385635
| 1990 | 429927
| 2000 | 454424
| 2010 | 473955
| 2020 | 477393
|align = none
| footnote =
}}
}}


==History==
== Landmarks and points of interest ==
The area of Ōita city was part of ancient [[Bungo Province]], and the location of the [[Bungo Kokubun-ji]] and presumably the Bungo ''[[kokufu]]'' were located in this area. According to the [[Fudoki|''Bungo no Kuni Fudoki'']], the name ''Ōita'' was given by [[Emperor Keiko]] when he visited this area in the late [[Kofun period]]; however, the main urban center was the port of {{nihongo|Funai|府内}} on the coast. During the [[Kamakura period]], the [[Ōtomo clan]] was appointed ''[[shugo]]'' of the province, and made Funai their ''[[jōkamachi]]''. By the [[Sengoku period]], the Ōtomo has conquered most of Kyushu and had embraced [[Nanban trade|Nanban culture]], with Funai becoming a stronghold of the [[Kirishitan]] religion and western technology. However, the Ōtomo were destroyed by the [[Shimazu clan]] and after the establishment of the [[Tokugawa shogunate]], their territories were divided, with Funai becoming the center of [[Funai Domain]] ruled by the [[Matsudaira clan|Ogyū-Matsudaira clan]].
[[File:Marine Palace UmiTamago.jpg|thumb|Marine Palace AKA "Umi Tamago"]]


The town of Ōita was established on May 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system, and was raised to city status in 1911. On April 1, 1997, it was designated as a [[Core cities of Japan|core city]] with greater local autonomy.
[[File:Takasaki Mountain.JPG|right|thumb|Takasaki Mountain]]


On January 1, 2005, the town of [[Notsuharu, Ōita|Notsuharu]] (from [[Ōita District, Ōita|Ōita District]]) and the town of [[Saganoseki, Ōita|Saganoseki]] (from [[Kitaamabe District, Ōita|Kitaamabe District]]) were merged into Ōita.
{{Nihongo|Takasaki mountain|高崎山}} that borders [[Beppu]] is famous for wild monkeys, specifically the [[Japanese macaque]].


==Government==
At the entrance to the Takasaki-yama park is the "Marine Palace" aquarium, also known as "Umi Tamago", or "Sea Egg".<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://umitamago.jp/ | title=大分マリーンパレス水族館「うみたまご」公式サイト | access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref>
Ōita has a [[mayor-council]] form of government with a directly elected mayor and a [[unicameral]] city council of 44 members. Ōita contributes 13 members to the Ōita Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the [[Ōita 1st district]] and [[Ōita 2nd district]] of the [[House of Representatives of Japan|lower house]] of the [[Diet of Japan]].


== Economy ==
The [[Ōita Stadium]], also known as Big Eye or Kyushu Oil Dome, is situated along the city expressway. It is the home field of the [[J. League]] football club [[Oita Trinita]] and is used for large local events.
{{Unreferencedsect|date=December 2023}}
During the 1960s and 1970s, an [[industrial region]] was formed along the Beppu Gulf coast. Among the plants in the region were flagship plants of [[Nippon Steel]] and [[Showa Denko]].


In the 1970s, [[Toshiba]] and [[Canon (company)|Canon]] built and expanded their plants in inland area. By then, the city emerged as a major production center of electronics products such as [[Integrated circuit#SSI, MSI, LSI|LSIs]] and [[digital camera]]s.
In the middle of the city, there are many shops and department stores. Some major departmental stores include Tokiwa, [[Parco (retailer)|Parco]], Frespo Kasugaura, and D Plaza. There are also [[shopping mall]]s in the suburbs, such as [[Tokiwa Wasada Town]] and [[Park Place Oita]].


The downtown and shopping districts are located to the north of [[Oita Station]]. However, the area has been gradually declining because the main commercial areas have been dispersed due to the construction of big [[shopping mall]]s in the suburbs.
Outside the city, scenic spots include mountain plateaus, seaside villages and towns renowned for [[onsen]] (geothermal hot springs).


==Education==
Ōita is also famous for the intestines of [[puffer fish]].
===National universities===
*[[Oita University]]


===Prefectural universities===
''[[Toriten]]'' is another famous food in this city.
*[[Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences]]
*[[Oita Prefectural College of Arts and Culture]]


===Private universities===
== Transportation ==
*[[Nippon Bunri University]]
*[[Beppu University]] – Oita Campus
*[[Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University]]
*[[Oita Junior College]]

===Primary and secondary schools===
Ōita has 54 public elementary schools, 25 public junior high schools, and two combined elementary/junior high schools operated by the city government. The city has 14 public high schools and one combined middle/high school operated by the Ōita Prefectural Board of Education, six private high schools and three private combined middle/high schools. The city also operates four and the prefecture operates one special education schools for the handicapped.

==Transportation==
===Airports===
*[[Oita Airport]] is located in neighbouring [[Kunisaki, Oita|Kunisaki]], and used to be accessible in 30 minutes via [[hovercraft]]. This service has been suspended since late 2009, but the hovercraft service is planned to resume in fall of 2024.<ref>[https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20230903-134235/ "Hovercraft to Return to Oita, Ferrying Passengers to Airport"] ''The Japan News''  September 3, 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024. </ref> Other ways of accessing the airport include by bus, taxi or private vehicle.

===Railways===
The luxury ''[[Aru Ressha]]'' train was designed by [[Eiji Mitooka]]. It runs between Ōita and Hita and is in service to also revive tourism and the local economy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/08/national/luxury-dream-train-designed-over-100-years-ago-goes-into-service-in-kyushu/#.VeV_hn3Qgse |title=Luxury 'dream train' designed over 100 years ago goes into service in Kyushu |date=August 8, 2015 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |location=Tokyo |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929083551if_/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/08/national/luxury-dream-train-designed-over-100-years-ago-goes-into-service-in-kyushu/#.VgpNduj7SUk |archive-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>
[[File:JR logo (west).svg|frameless|20x20px]] [[Kyushu Railway Company|JR Kyushu]] - [[Nippō Main Line]]
* {{STN|Nishi-Ōita}} - {{STN|Ōita}} - {{STN|Maki|Ōita}} - {{STN|Takajō}} - {{STN|Tsurusaki}} - {{STN|Ōzai}} - {{STN|Sakanoichi}} - {{STN|Kōzaki|Ōita}}
[[File:JR logo (west).svg|frameless|20x20px]] [[Kyushu Railway Company|JR Kyushu]] - [[Hōhi Main Line]]
* {{STN|Takenaka}} - {{STN|Naka-Handa}} - {{STN|Ōita-Daigaku-mae}} - {{STN|Shikido}} - {{STN|Takio}} - {{STN|Ōita}}
[[File:JR logo (west).svg|frameless|20x20px]] [[Kyushu Railway Company|JR Kyushu]] - [[Kyūdai Main Line]]
* {{STN|Bungo-Kokubu}} - {{STN|Kaku}} - {{STN|Minami-Ōita}} - {{STN|Furugō}} - {{STN|Ōita}}

=== Highways ===
[[File:Japan National Route 10 at Oita Oita.JPG|thumb|Japan National Route 10 at Oita, Oita]]
[[File:Japan National Route 10 at Oita Oita.JPG|thumb|Japan National Route 10 at Oita, Oita]]
* [[File:JP Expressway E10.svg|25px|link=|alt=]] [[Higashikyushu Expressway]]
The principal railway station of the city is [[Ōita Station]] where [[Nippō Main Line]], [[Kyūdai Main Line]], and [[Hōhi Main Line]] of [[Kyushu Railway Company|JR Kyushu]] gathers. The luxury ''[[Aru Ressha]]'' train was designed by [[Eiji Mitooka]]. It runs between Ōita and Hita and is in service to also revive tourism and the local economy.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/08/national/luxury-dream-train-designed-over-100-years-ago-goes-into-service-in-kyushu/#.VeV_hn3Qgse |title=Luxury ‘dream train’ designed over 100 years ago goes into service in Kyushu |date=August 8, 2015 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |location=Tokyo |language=en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929083551if_/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/08/08/national/luxury-dream-train-designed-over-100-years-ago-goes-into-service-in-kyushu/#.VgpNduj7SUk |archive-date=29 September 2015}}</ref>
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|10}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|57}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|197}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|210}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|217}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|442}}


===Ports===
Buses are the primary mode of transportation in Oita, run by two main bus service companies. The [[Oita Bus Company]] operates bus routes in the city. The [[Oita Kotsu Company]] runs north of the city. For long-distance bus services, these two companies, as well as [[Kamenoi Bus Company]] operate bus routes from Oita to main place of Kyushu, such as [[Fukuoka, Fukuoka|Fukuoka]] and [[Kumamoto]], and [[Osaka]], [[Nagoya]] and more.
*[[Port of Oita]]

==Sister city relations==
* {{flagdeco|Portugal}} - [[Aveiro, Portugal]], sister city since October 1978
* {{flagdeco|USA}} - [[Austin, Texas]], United States, sister city since October 1990
* {{flagdeco|China}} - [[Wuhan]], China, friendship city since September 1979
* {{flagdeco|China}} - [[Guangzhou]], China, Exchange promotion city partnership since September 1997

== Local attractions ==
[[File:Marine Palace UmiTamago.jpg|thumb|Marine Palace AKA "Umi Tamago"]]
[[File:Takasaki Mountain.JPG|right|thumb|Takasaki Mountain]]


* {{Nihongo|[[Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden|Takasaki Mountain]]|高崎山}} that borders [[Beppu]] is famous for wild monkeys, specifically the [[Japanese macaque]]. Facing the entrance to the Takasaki-yama park is the "[[Oita Marine Palace Aquarium]]", also known as "Umi-Tamago", or "Sea Egg".<ref>{{Cite web | url = http://umitamago.jp/ | title=大分マリーンパレス水族館「うみたまご」公式サイト | access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref>
[[Oita Airport]] is located nearby, at [[Kunisaki, Oita|Kunisaki]], and used to be accessible via [[hovercraft]], which takes about 30 minutes. However, this service has been suspended since late 2009. Other ways of accessing the airport is by bus, taxi or a private vehicle.
*[[Resonac Dome Oita]] (originally the Ōita Stadium), also known as Big Eye, is situated along the city expressway. It is the home field of the [[J.League]] football club [[Oita Trinita|Ōita Trinita]] and is used for large local events.


== Festivals and events ==
The [[Ōita Expressway]], [[Higashikyushu Expressway]], [[Japan National Route 10|National Route 10]] and [[Japan National Route 210|National Route 210]] all run through the city.


* The Ōita [[Tanabata]] Festival ([[:ja:大分七夕まつり|大分七夕まつり]], ''Ōita Tanabata Matsuri'') is annually held on the first weekend of August. On the first night of the festival, an event called Funai Pacchin ([[:ja:府内戦紙|府内戦紙]]) in which [[Matsuri float|''Matsuri'' floats]] depicting [[samurai|warriors]] are paraded through the central streets of the city is held.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Funai Pacchin Festival :: Discover Oita {{!}} Oita, Japan {{!}} Tourism Information |url=https://www.discover-oita.com/en/destinations/oita-city/funai-pacchin-festival/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=www.discover-oita.com}}</ref> [[File:Funai-Pacchin_-_01.jpg|thumb|Funai Pacchin float ]]
Many ships depart from the [[Port of Oita]], to places such as [[Kansai]], and [[Shikoku]].


== Sports ==
== Sports ==
Line 271: Line 350:
! Established
! Established
|-
|-
| [[Oita Trinita]]
| [[Oita Trinita|Ōita Trinita]]
| [[Football (soccer)|Football]]
| [[Football (soccer)|Football]]
| [[J. League]]<br />Division 1
| [[J.League]]<br />Division 1
| [[Ōita Stadium]]
| [[Resonac Dome Oita]]
| 1994 (as Oita Trinity, changed to current name from 1999)
| 1994 (as Ōita Trinity, changed to current name in 1999)
|-
|-
| [[Vasagey Oita]]
| [[Vasagey Oita]]
| [[Futsal]]
| [[Futsal]]
| [[F. League]]
| [[F.League]]
| [[Oita Prefectural General Gymnasium]]
| Oita Prefectural General Gymnasium
| 2003
| 2003
|-
|-
Line 287: Line 366:
| [[V.League (Japan)|V.League]]
| [[V.League (Japan)|V.League]]
| [[Toto Ltd.|Toto]] Oita factory gymnasium
| [[Toto Ltd.|Toto]] Oita factory gymnasium
| 1996 (as Miyoshi Department of Cardiology EKG, changed to current name from 2006)
| 1996 (as Miyoshi Department of Cardiology EKG, changed to current name in 2006)
|}
|}

== Education ==
Oita City operates all public elementary and junior high schools, while the prefecture operates the high schools.

===National universities===
*[[Oita University]]

===Prefectural universities===
*[[Oita University of Nursing and Health Sciences]]

===Private universities===
*[[Nippon Bunri University]]
*[[Beppu University]] – Oita Campus
*[[Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University]]

===High schools===
* Ōita Uenogaoka High School
* Ōita Oginodai High School
* Ōita Kōgyō High School
* Ōita Shōgyō High School
* Ōita Tsurusaki High School
* Ōita Nishi High School
* Ōita Higashi High School
* [[Oita Hofu High School|Ōita Hofu High School]] (middle and high school)
* Ōita Maizuru High School
* Ōita Minami High School
* Geijutsu Midorigaoka High School
* Jōhō Kagaku High School
* Tsurusaki Kōgyō High School


==Notable people from Ōita==
==Notable people from Ōita==
Line 324: Line 374:
*[[Yuya Ando]], baseball player
*[[Yuya Ando]], baseball player
*[[Chiyotaikai Ryūji]], sumo wrestler
*[[Chiyotaikai Ryūji]], sumo wrestler
*[[Misa Etō]], former [[Nogizaka46]]
*[[Eri Fukatsu]], actress
*[[Eri Fukatsu]], actress
*[[Sōsuke Genda]], baseball player
*[[Arata Isozaki]], architect
*[[Arata Isozaki]], architect
*[[Yūko Kotegawa]], actress
*[[Yūko Kotegawa]], actress
Line 333: Line 385:
*[[Yūsuke Santamaria]], [[tarento]]
*[[Yūsuke Santamaria]], [[tarento]]
*[[Rino Sashihara]], [[HKT48]], former [[AKB48]]
*[[Rino Sashihara]], [[HKT48]], former [[AKB48]]
*[[Kenichi Shinoda]], [[yakuza]], sixth chairman of the [[Yamaguchi-gumi]]
*[[Skull Reaper A-ji]], professional wrestler, [[Japanese mahjong|mahjong]] player and politician
*[[Seiichi Uchikawa]], baseball player
*[[Seiichi Uchikawa]], baseball player
*[[Naomi Zaizen]], actress
*[[Naomi Zaizen]], actress
*[[Misa Eto]], former [[Nogizaka46]]
*[[Sosuke Genda]], baseball player
*[[Kenichi Shinoda]] (also known as [[Shinobu Tsukasa]]), [[Oyabun|Yakuza boss]], current ''kumicho'' of [[Yamaguchi-gumi]], [[Japan]]'s largest [[Yakuza]] organization

== Sister cities ==
* {{flagdeco|Portugal}} [[Aveiro, Portugal|Aveiro]], Portugal (1978){{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* {{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], China (1979){{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* {{flagdeco|United States}} [[Austin, Texas]], United States (1990){{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* {{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Guangzhou]], [[Guangdong]], China (1997){{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* {{flagdeco|Venezuela}} [[San Cristóbal, Táchira|San Cristóbal]], [[Táchira]], Venezuela{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* {{flagdeco|Brazil}} [[Vitória, Brazil|Vitória]], [[Espírito Santo]], Brazil{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}
* {{flagdeco|Switzerland}} [[Lausanne]], Switzerland{{citation needed|date=January 2021}}


==References==
==References==
Line 358: Line 400:


{{Oita}}
{{Oita}}

{{Metropolitan cities of Japan}}
{{Metropolitan cities of Japan}}
{{Most populous cities in Japan}}
{{Most populous cities in Japan}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}



Revision as of 14:32, 31 July 2024

Ōita
大分市
From top, left to right: Funai Castle, Monkeys in Mount Takasaki, Motomachi Stone Buddhas, Ōita Stadium, Old Ōita Bank [ja], Shopping street in central Ōita [ja]
Flag of Ōita
Official seal of Ōita
Map
Location of Ōita in Ōita Prefecture
Location of Ōita
Ōita is located in Japan
Ōita
Ōita
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 33°14′0″N 131°36′24″E / 33.23333°N 131.60667°E / 33.23333; 131.60667
CountryJapan
RegionKyushu
Prefecture Ōita
Government
 • MayorShinya Adachi (since April 2023)
Area
 • Total502.38 km2 (193.97 sq mi)
Population
 (November 30, 2023)
 • Total474,804
 • Density950/km2 (2,400/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address2–31 Niage-machi, Ōita-shi, Ōita-ken 870-8504
WebsiteOfficial website
Symbols
FlowerCamellia sasanqua
TreeElaeocarpus sylvestris
Ōita City Hall
Main street of Ōita
City view from city centre

Ōita (大分市, Ōita-shi) is the capital city of Ōita Prefecture, located on the island of Kyushu, Japan. As of 30 November 2023, the city had an estimated population of 474,804 in 230,867 households, and a population density of 950 persons per km2. [1] The total area of the city is 502.38 km2 (193.97 sq mi).

Geography

Ōita city is located in east-central Ōita Prefecture, facing Beppu Bay on the Seto Inland Sea. The Ōno River flows from the south to the east, and the Ōita River flows from the west to the west, with the main urban center on the west side of the mouth of the Ōita River, with the Ōita Plain consisting of deltas and alluvial plains formed by the Ōita River and the Ōno River, and surrounding hills. The Takashima area in of the city is within the borders of the Seto Inland Sea National Park.

Neighboring municipalities

Ōita Prefecture

Climate

Ōita has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Ōita is 15.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1663 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.3 °C, and lowest in January, at around 5.1 °C.[2]

Climate data for Oita City Nagahama District、elevation 5 meters
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 24.6
(76.3)
25.5
(77.9)
29.3
(84.7)
31.2
(88.2)
32.7
(90.9)
35.4
(95.7)
37.8
(100.0)
37.6
(99.7)
36.5
(97.7)
33.1
(91.6)
28.0
(82.4)
25.0
(77.0)
37.8
(100.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 10.7
(51.3)
11.5
(52.7)
14.6
(58.3)
19.7
(67.5)
24.1
(75.4)
26.5
(79.7)
30.9
(87.6)
32.2
(90.0)
28.2
(82.8)
23.3
(73.9)
18.1
(64.6)
13.0
(55.4)
21.1
(70.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 6.5
(43.7)
7.2
(45.0)
10.2
(50.4)
14.8
(58.6)
19.3
(66.7)
22.6
(72.7)
26.8
(80.2)
27.7
(81.9)
24.2
(75.6)
19.1
(66.4)
13.8
(56.8)
8.7
(47.7)
16.8
(62.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.6
(36.7)
3.0
(37.4)
5.9
(42.6)
10.3
(50.5)
15.0
(59.0)
19.3
(66.7)
23.5
(74.3)
24.3
(75.7)
20.9
(69.6)
15.2
(59.4)
9.5
(49.1)
4.6
(40.3)
12.8
(55.0)
Record low °C (°F) −7.3
(18.9)
−7.8
(18.0)
−5.2
(22.6)
−2.1
(28.2)
1.7
(35.1)
7.2
(45.0)
14.0
(57.2)
14.1
(57.4)
8.8
(47.8)
2.0
(35.6)
−2.0
(28.4)
−6.1
(21.0)
−7.8
(18.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 49.8
(1.96)
64.1
(2.52)
99.2
(3.91)
119.7
(4.71)
133.6
(5.26)
313.6
(12.35)
261.3
(10.29)
165.7
(6.52)
255.2
(10.05)
144.8
(5.70)
72.9
(2.87)
47.1
(1.85)
1,727
(67.99)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
1
(0.4)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.5 mm) 5.9 7.7 10.0 10.0 9.7 14.0 12.0 10.6 11.1 7.7 6.9 5.5 111.0
Average snowy days 6.4 4.6 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 4.6 17.3
Average relative humidity (%) 62 63 65 65 68 77 77 75 74 70 69 64 69
Mean monthly sunshine hours 149.4 149.1 175.0 190.1 194.6 135.7 180.8 202.8 151.5 164.2 148.2 151.2 1,992.4
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (Averages:1991-2020, Peaks:1887-present)[3]

Demographics

Ōita is the most populous city in Ōita Prefecture. Per Japanese census data, the population of Ōita is as shown below

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1960 242,001—    
1970 289,951+19.8%
1980 385,635+33.0%
1990 429,927+11.5%
2000 454,424+5.7%
2010 473,955+4.3%
2020 477,393+0.7%

History

The area of Ōita city was part of ancient Bungo Province, and the location of the Bungo Kokubun-ji and presumably the Bungo kokufu were located in this area. According to the Bungo no Kuni Fudoki, the name Ōita was given by Emperor Keiko when he visited this area in the late Kofun period; however, the main urban center was the port of Funai (府内) on the coast. During the Kamakura period, the Ōtomo clan was appointed shugo of the province, and made Funai their jōkamachi. By the Sengoku period, the Ōtomo has conquered most of Kyushu and had embraced Nanban culture, with Funai becoming a stronghold of the Kirishitan religion and western technology. However, the Ōtomo were destroyed by the Shimazu clan and after the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate, their territories were divided, with Funai becoming the center of Funai Domain ruled by the Ogyū-Matsudaira clan.

The town of Ōita was established on May 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system, and was raised to city status in 1911. On April 1, 1997, it was designated as a core city with greater local autonomy.

On January 1, 2005, the town of Notsuharu (from Ōita District) and the town of Saganoseki (from Kitaamabe District) were merged into Ōita.

Government

Ōita has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 44 members. Ōita contributes 13 members to the Ōita Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the Ōita 1st district and Ōita 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

During the 1960s and 1970s, an industrial region was formed along the Beppu Gulf coast. Among the plants in the region were flagship plants of Nippon Steel and Showa Denko.

In the 1970s, Toshiba and Canon built and expanded their plants in inland area. By then, the city emerged as a major production center of electronics products such as LSIs and digital cameras.

The downtown and shopping districts are located to the north of Oita Station. However, the area has been gradually declining because the main commercial areas have been dispersed due to the construction of big shopping malls in the suburbs.

Education

National universities

Prefectural universities

Private universities

Primary and secondary schools

Ōita has 54 public elementary schools, 25 public junior high schools, and two combined elementary/junior high schools operated by the city government. The city has 14 public high schools and one combined middle/high school operated by the Ōita Prefectural Board of Education, six private high schools and three private combined middle/high schools. The city also operates four and the prefecture operates one special education schools for the handicapped.

Transportation

Airports

  • Oita Airport is located in neighbouring Kunisaki, and used to be accessible in 30 minutes via hovercraft. This service has been suspended since late 2009, but the hovercraft service is planned to resume in fall of 2024.[4] Other ways of accessing the airport include by bus, taxi or private vehicle.

Railways

The luxury Aru Ressha train was designed by Eiji Mitooka. It runs between Ōita and Hita and is in service to also revive tourism and the local economy.[5] JR Kyushu - Nippō Main Line

JR Kyushu - Hōhi Main Line

JR Kyushu - Kyūdai Main Line

Highways

Japan National Route 10 at Oita, Oita

Ports

Sister city relations

  • - Aveiro, Portugal, sister city since October 1978
  • - Austin, Texas, United States, sister city since October 1990
  • - Wuhan, China, friendship city since September 1979
  • - Guangzhou, China, Exchange promotion city partnership since September 1997

Local attractions

Marine Palace AKA "Umi Tamago"
Takasaki Mountain

Festivals and events

  • The Ōita Tanabata Festival (大分七夕まつり, Ōita Tanabata Matsuri) is annually held on the first weekend of August. On the first night of the festival, an event called Funai Pacchin (府内戦紙) in which Matsuri floats depicting warriors are paraded through the central streets of the city is held.[7]
    Funai Pacchin float

Sports

Annual sporting events include:

Sporting events held in Oita include:

Sports teams and facilities

Club Sports League Venue Established
Ōita Trinita Football J.League
Division 1
Resonac Dome Oita 1994 (as Ōita Trinity, changed to current name in 1999)
Vasagey Oita Futsal F.League Oita Prefectural General Gymnasium 2003
Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler Volleyball V.League Toto Oita factory gymnasium 1996 (as Miyoshi Department of Cardiology EKG, changed to current name in 2006)

Notable people from Ōita

References

  1. ^ "Ōita City official statistics" (in Japanese). Japan.
  2. ^ Ōita climate: Average Temperature, weather by month
  3. ^ "平年値ダウンロード" (in Japanese). Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved December 16, 2023.
  4. ^ "Hovercraft to Return to Oita, Ferrying Passengers to Airport" The Japan News  September 3, 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Luxury 'dream train' designed over 100 years ago goes into service in Kyushu". The Japan Times. Tokyo. August 8, 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015.
  6. ^ "大分マリーンパレス水族館「うみたまご」公式サイト". Retrieved 10 January 2019.
  7. ^ "Funai Pacchin Festival :: Discover Oita | Oita, Japan | Tourism Information". www.discover-oita.com. Retrieved 2024-07-29.
  8. ^ Beppu-Oita Mainichi Marathon. ARRS (2009-12-24). Retrieved on 2010-02-08.