Niimi

Niimi (新見市, Niimi-shi) is a city located in northwestern Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

For the surname, see Niimi (surname).
Niimi

新見市
City
Niimi City
Flag
Seal
Location of Niimi in Okayama Prefecture
Niimi
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°58′26″N 133°28′23″E
CountryJapan
RegionChūgoku (San'yō)
PrefectureOkayama Prefecture
Government
 • MayorMasao Ishigaki (since 1994)
Area
 • Total793.27 km2 (306.28 sq mi)
Population
 (March 31, 2017)
 • Total30,583
 • Density39/km2 (100/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall addressNiimi 310-3, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture (岡山県新見市新見310-3)
718-0011
Websitehttp://www.city.niimi.okayama.jp/
Symbols
BirdCettia diphone
FlowerAzalea
TreeChamaecyparis

As of March 31, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 30,583 (14,628 males, 15,955 females), with 12,857 households and a population density of 39 persons per km².[1] The total area is 793.27 km². Niimi is located on the upper reaches of the Takahashi River (110.7 kilometres (68.8 mi).[2][3][4]

History

Niimi was known as early as the Heian period (794 – 1185). A shōen manorial estate called Niimi-shō' occupied much of the area of present-day Niimi. Niimi, due to its location on the Takashi River, became an important center of inland trade.[4] In the Sengoku period (1467 – 1573) the Seki clan controlled the area, and established the Niimi Domain.[4] The modern city of Niimi was founded on June 1, 1954.

On March 31, 2005, Niimi absorbed the towns of Ōsa, Shingō, Tessei and Tetta (all from Atetsu District) to become a larger and expanded Niimi.[3]

Attractions

Niimi is known for its limestone caves.[3] They include:

  • Rashomon Stone Arch Gate
  • Ikurado Cave
  • Makido Cave
  • Niimi Museum

Economy

Niimi was historically known for its iron sand quarries and the production of wagyu beef.[4] The principle industries in modern Niimi are limestone quarrying, cement production,[5] forestry, and tourism. Yamasa Company, Ltd., a producer of pachinko slot machines, is headquartered in the city.[6] Farms in Niimi produce tobacco, peaches, and beef.[5] A black tea plantation is also being trialled here.[7]

Education

The city is served by Niimi Kōritsu Tanki Daigaku, known in English as Niimi College.

Transportation

Rail

Niimi is an important railway center.[5] The city is served by three JR West lines, and all meet at Niimi Station.

Bus
  • Niimi Municipal Bus (新見市営バス, Niimi Chōei Basu)
  • Bihoku Bus Company, Ltd. (備北バス, Bihoku Basu)

Highway

Sister/Friendship cities

Niimi maintains the following Sister/Friendship Cities.

References
  1. "Official website of Niimi city" (in Japanese). Japan: Niimi City. Retrieved 12 April 2017.
  2. "高梁川" [Takahashi River]. Kokushi Daijiten (in Japanese). Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. OCLC 683276033. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  3. "新見" [Niimi]. Dijitaru Daijisen (in Japanese). Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. OCLC 56431036. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  4. "新見" [Niimi]. Kokushi Daijiten (in Japanese). Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. OCLC 683276033. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
  5. "Niimi". Encyclopedia of Japan. Tokyo: Shogakukan. 2012. Archived from the original on August 25, 2007. Retrieved 2012-03-06.
  6. 山佐株式会社 (in Japanese)
  7. http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20161102113552065/
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