Yawatahama, Ehime
Encyclopedia
is a city
located in the southwestern part of Ehime
, Japan
and has the largest fish market on Shikoku
. The Mikan
is the featured agricultural product.
On March 28, 2005 Yawatahama absorbed the town of Honai
, from Nishiuwa District
, to form the new and expanded city of Yawatahama. Regular bus service connects Honai and Yawatahama.
(八幡) shrine
in Usa, Ōita
, floated up on the beach (浜) in what is now modern-day Yawatahama. In 1889, during the Meiji Period
the Yawatahama became a city under the new municipal system.
Around that time, Yawatahama was referred to as the Manchester
of Shikoku due to rapidly increasing industry. As an industrial center for Ehime, the first bank in Ehime was opened in Yawatahama in 1878. In addition, in 1889, Yawatahama was the first city in Shikoku to burn an electric light.
and Shikoku
. Flat land is exceedingly sparse and the hilly terrain has been used for citrus
production.
To the east of Yawatahama is Ōzu
which is connected by Japan National Road 197's Yoruhiru Tunnel (夜昼トンネル）.
services to the cities of Usuki, Ōita
and Beppu, Ōita
on Kyūshū
.
, Osaka
, and Tokyo
.
s, Yawatahama's agricultural industry centers around the cultivation and production of these citrus fruits. Mikan groves are primarily located on the city's mountain sides in order to receive the maximum amount of sunlight.
Yawatahama's mikan production is governed by the Nishiuwa
Agricultural cooperative, which is responsible for the distribution and branding of Yawatahama mikans. This cooperative distributes the fruits nation-wide under such brand names as "Hinomaru" (日の丸) and "Kawakami" (川上).
Occasional snow during the winter months can deal great damage to the mikan industry.
As a major fishing port for Ehime Prefecture, the town has a daily fish market where marine products are available at wholesale to restaurants and supermarkets. A few times each month, the town offers a weekend fish market which is open to the public. While the Uwa Sea offers a wide variety of fish and shellfish products, Yawatahama's regional specialty is Japanese Jack Mackerel (鯵 "aji").
Yawatahama's marine product industry extends beyond just fresh fish. The town also specializes in fish products including fish paste and fishcakes made from pureed white fish. This is known as kamaboko
(蒲鉾). Yawatahama, along with Uwajima
, have numerous shops selling a variety of kamaboko. One local delicacy is jakoten (じゃこ天), or kamaboko fried tempura
-style.
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Cities of Japan
||A is a local administrative unit in Japan. Cities are ranked on the same level as and , with the difference that they are not a component of...
located in the southwestern part of Ehime
Ehime Prefecture
is a prefecture in northwestern Shikoku, Japan. The capital is Matsuyama.-History:Until the Meiji Restoration, Ehime prefecture was known as Iyo Province...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and has the largest fish market on Shikoku
Shikoku
is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū. Its ancient names include Iyo-no-futana-shima , Iyo-shima , and Futana-shima...
. The Mikan
Mikan
The satsuma is a seedless and easy-peeling citrus mutant of Japanese origin introduced to the West.In Japan, it is known as mikan or formally unshu mikan . In China, it is known as Wenzhou migan . The Japanese name is a result of the local reading of the same characters used in the Chinese...
is the featured agricultural product.
On March 28, 2005 Yawatahama absorbed the town of Honai
Honai, Ehime
was a town located in Nishiuwa District, Ehime, Japan.On March 28, 2005 Honai was merged into the expanded city of Yawatahama.As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 10,686 and a density of 288.73 persons per km². The total area was 37.01 km²....
, from Nishiuwa District
Nishiuwa District, Ehime
The is a district located in Ehime Prefecture. As of 2007 — The district has an estimated population of 12,304 with a total area of 94.34 km².The district consists of one town.*Ikata- History :...
, to form the new and expanded city of Yawatahama. Regular bus service connects Honai and Yawatahama.
History
It is said that name "Yawatahama" (八幡浜) comes from long ago when debris from a festival at the main HachimanHachiman
In Japanese mythology, is the Japanese syncretic god of archery and war, incorporating elements from both Shinto and Buddhism. Although often called the god of war, he is more correctly defined as the tutelary god of warriors. He is also divine protector of Japan and the Japanese people...
(八幡) shrine
Hachiman Shrine
A is a Shinto shrine dedicated to kami Hachiman. It is the second most numerous type of Shinto shrine after those dedicated to Inari.Originally the name was read Yawata or Yahata, a reading still used in some occasions.-Famous Hachiman shrines:...
in Usa, Ōita
Usa, Oita
' is a city located in Ōita Prefecture, Japan. Usa is famous for being the location of the Usa Shrine, built in 725, the head shrine of all of Hachiman shrines in Japan.Usa is made up of three areas.*Usa, the area surrounding the Usa Shrine...
, floated up on the beach (浜) in what is now modern-day Yawatahama. In 1889, during the Meiji Period
Meiji period
The , also known as the Meiji era, is a Japanese era which extended from September 1868 through July 1912. This period represents the first half of the Empire of Japan.- Meiji Restoration and the emperor :...
the Yawatahama became a city under the new municipal system.
Around that time, Yawatahama was referred to as the Manchester
Manchester
Manchester is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Manchester was 498,800. Manchester lies within one of the UK's largest metropolitan areas, the metropolitan county of Greater...
of Shikoku due to rapidly increasing industry. As an industrial center for Ehime, the first bank in Ehime was opened in Yawatahama in 1878. In addition, in 1889, Yawatahama was the first city in Shikoku to burn an electric light.
Town Mergers
- February 11, 1935 Yawatahama combined with Senjo, Hitada, and Kamiyama
- February 1, 1955 One part of Futaiwa, as well as Hizuchi, Maana, and Kawakami were added.
- March 31, 1955 Nishiuwa DistrictNishiuwa District, EhimeThe is a district located in Ehime Prefecture. As of 2007 — The district has an estimated population of 12,304 with a total area of 94.34 km².The district consists of one town.*Ikata- History :...
's Isotsu, Miyauchi, Kawanoishi, and Kisuki towns merge under the name Honai. - March 28, 2005 Yawatahama and Honai merge under the name Yawatahama
Geography
Yawatahama exists as a link between The Sadamisaki Peninsula, Japan's longest Peninsula, and the rest of Shikoku. For a long time, the city's naturally good harbor has served as an important one for Ehime PrefectureEhime Prefecture
is a prefecture in northwestern Shikoku, Japan. The capital is Matsuyama.-History:Until the Meiji Restoration, Ehime prefecture was known as Iyo Province...
and Shikoku
Shikoku
is the smallest and least populous of the four main islands of Japan, located south of Honshū and east of the island of Kyūshū. Its ancient names include Iyo-no-futana-shima , Iyo-shima , and Futana-shima...
. Flat land is exceedingly sparse and the hilly terrain has been used for citrus
Citrus
Citrus is a common term and genus of flowering plants in the rue family, Rutaceae. Citrus is believed to have originated in the part of Southeast Asia bordered by Northeastern India, Myanmar and the Yunnan province of China...
production.
To the east of Yawatahama is Ōzu
Ozu, Ehime
is a city located in Ehime, Japan.On January 11, 2005 Ōzu absorbed the towns of Hijikawa and Nagahama, and the village of Kawabe, all from Kita District, to form the new and expanded city of Ōzu....
which is connected by Japan National Road 197's Yoruhiru Tunnel (夜昼トンネル）.
Nearby Cities and Towns
- ŌzuOzu, Ehimeis a city located in Ehime, Japan.On January 11, 2005 Ōzu absorbed the towns of Hijikawa and Nagahama, and the village of Kawabe, all from Kita District, to form the new and expanded city of Ōzu....
- IkataIkata, Ehimeis a small town located in Nishiuwa District, Ehime, Japan. Following a recent merger with the neighboring towns of Misaki and Seto, the town now spans the mountainous Sadamisaki Peninsula, the narrowest peninsula in Japan and the westernmost point on the island of Shikoku.This unique geography has...
- SeiyoSeiyo, Ehimeis a city located in Ehime, Japan.The city was formed on April 1, 2004 from the merger of the towns of Akehama, Nomura, Shirokawa and Uwa, all from Higashiuwa District, and the town of Mikame, from Nishiuwa District.-Kannon Spring Water:...
Transportation
Train
An express JR Shikoku Station is located in the town giving Yawatahama frequent train service throughout the day.Ferry
Yawatahama has a small port which provides regular ferryFerry
A ferry is a form of transportation, usually a boat, but sometimes a ship, used to carry primarily passengers, and sometimes vehicles and cargo as well, across a body of water. Most ferries operate on regular, frequent, return services...
services to the cities of Usuki, Ōita
Usuki, Oita
is a city located on the east coast of Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure, and its soy sauce production. Recently it has become known for having the look and feel of a Japanese castle town...
and Beppu, Ōita
Beppu, Oita
is a city located in Ōita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu, Japan, at the west end of Beppu Bay. As of January 1, 2011, the city has an official population of 125,664 and a total area of 125.13 km², with a population density of 977 persons per km²....
on Kyūshū
Kyushu
is the third largest island of Japan and most southwesterly of its four main islands. Its alternate ancient names include , , and . The historical regional name is referred to Kyushu and its surrounding islands....
.
Bus
Private and public bus companies including Iyotetsu and Uwajima Unyu companies provide intra and inter-city transport. Some companies offer long distance bus trips as far as KobeKobe
, pronounced , is the fifth-largest city in Japan and is the capital city of Hyōgo Prefecture on the southern side of the main island of Honshū, approximately west of Osaka...
, Osaka
Osaka
is a city in the Kansai region of Japan's main island of Honshu, a designated city under the Local Autonomy Law, the capital city of Osaka Prefecture and also the biggest part of Keihanshin area, which is represented by three major cities of Japan, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe...
, and Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
.
Agriculture
Known as Japan's best producer of mikanMikan
The satsuma is a seedless and easy-peeling citrus mutant of Japanese origin introduced to the West.In Japan, it is known as mikan or formally unshu mikan . In China, it is known as Wenzhou migan . The Japanese name is a result of the local reading of the same characters used in the Chinese...
s, Yawatahama's agricultural industry centers around the cultivation and production of these citrus fruits. Mikan groves are primarily located on the city's mountain sides in order to receive the maximum amount of sunlight.
Yawatahama's mikan production is governed by the Nishiuwa
Nishiuwa District, Ehime
The is a district located in Ehime Prefecture. As of 2007 — The district has an estimated population of 12,304 with a total area of 94.34 km².The district consists of one town.*Ikata- History :...
Agricultural cooperative, which is responsible for the distribution and branding of Yawatahama mikans. This cooperative distributes the fruits nation-wide under such brand names as "Hinomaru" (日の丸) and "Kawakami" (川上).
Occasional snow during the winter months can deal great damage to the mikan industry.
Marine Products
Yawatahama Port is located on the cost of Ehime, bordering the Uwa Sea, at the Sadamisaki Peninsula. Because of its location as well as its proximity to the Inland Sea, Yawatahama's fishing and marine products industry had been able to prosper for many years.As a major fishing port for Ehime Prefecture, the town has a daily fish market where marine products are available at wholesale to restaurants and supermarkets. A few times each month, the town offers a weekend fish market which is open to the public. While the Uwa Sea offers a wide variety of fish and shellfish products, Yawatahama's regional specialty is Japanese Jack Mackerel (鯵 "aji").
Yawatahama's marine product industry extends beyond just fresh fish. The town also specializes in fish products including fish paste and fishcakes made from pureed white fish. This is known as kamaboko
Kamaboko
is a type of cured surimi, a Japanese processed seafood product, in which various white fish are pureed, combined with additives such as MSG, formed into distinctive loaves, and then steamed until fully cooked and firm. The steamed loaves are then sliced and served unheated with various dipping...
(蒲鉾). Yawatahama, along with Uwajima
Uwajima, Ehime
is a city located in Ehime, Japan. In 1595, what is now Uwajima was known as Itajima village. Takatora Tohdo became lord of the Uwa region, and ordered the restoration of Marugushi Castle...
, have numerous shops selling a variety of kamaboko. One local delicacy is jakoten (じゃこ天), or kamaboko fried tempura
Tempura
], is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep fried.-Batter:A light batter is made of cold water and soft wheat flour . Eggs, baking soda or baking powder, starch, oil, and/or spices may also be added...
-style.
Junior High Schools
- Atago Junior High School
- Yashiro Junior High School
- Matsukaya Junior High School
- Maana Junior High School
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- Futaiwa Junior High School
- Ōshima Junior High School
- Honai Junior High School
- Seiseki Junior High School>
Famous residents
- Moriyuki KatoMoriyuki Katois the governor of Ehime Prefecture in Japan. He was elected first in 1999. A native of Yawatahama, Ehime and graduate of the University of Tokyo, he joined the Ministry of Education in 1957.- External links :*...
, the governorGovernorA governor is a governing official, usually the executive of a non-sovereign level of government, ranking under the head of state...
of Ehime Prefecture - Chūhachi NinomiyaChuhachi Ninomiyawas a Japanese aviation pioneer. He is remembered for his unique aircraft designs - the "Karasu-gata mokei hikouki" and the "Tamamushi-gata hikouki"...
, a Japanese aviation pioneer - Maedayama EigorōMaedayama EigoroMaedayama Eigorō was a sumo wrestler from Ehime Prefecture, Japan. He was the sport's 39th Yokozuna.-Career:...
, a sumo wrestler who was the sport's 39th Yokozuna - Jōkō NinomiyaJoko Ninomiyais the founder and director of Enshin Karate. He presides over the Enshin organization from the headquarters in Denver, Colorado. His title as head of the Enshin organization is "Kancho" .-Early history:...
, founder and director of Enshin KarateEnshin Karateis a style of "full contact karate", or Knockdown karate, founded in 1988 with dojo and students in various countries around the world. The core emphasis in Enshin is use of the Sabaki Method, a system of techniques employed with the goal of turning an opponent's power and momentum against him or...
External links
- Yawatahama official website
- Yawatahama Sea Road
- Yawatahama Mountain Biking in Japanese and English