Okushiri, Hokkaido
| Okushiri 奥尻町 | |
|---|---|
| Town | |
 Location of Okushiri in Hokkaido (Hiyama Subprefecture) | |
  Okushiri Location in Japan | |
| Coordinates: 42°10′N 139°31′E / 42.167°N 139.517°ECoordinates: 42°10′N 139°31′E / 42.167°N 139.517°E | |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Hokkaido |
| Prefecture | Hokkaido (Hiyama Subprefecture) |
| District | Okushiri District, Hokkaido |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Takumi Shimmura |
| Area | |
| • Total | 142.98 km2 (55.20 sq mi) |
| Population (March 2008) | |
| • Total | 3,442 |
| • Density | 24/km2 (62/sq mi) |
| Symbols | |
| • Tree | Japanese Yew |
| • Flower | Rugosa Rose |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| City Hall Address |
806 Okushiri, Okushiri-chō, Okushiri-gun, Hokkaidō 043-1498 |
| Website |
www |
Okushiri (奥尻町 Okushiri-chō) is a town encompassing all of Okushiri Island, located in Okushiri District, Hiyama Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 3,442 and a density of 24.5 persons per km². The total area is 142.98 km².
Hiyama Prefectural Natural Park encompasses the entire island and town.
History
On July 12, 1993,[1] the Southwest Hokkaido Open Sea earthquake (北海道南西沖地震) of magnitude 7.8[1] in the Sea of Japan off southwest Hokkaido created a devastating tsunami. This tsunami killed 198.[1] people in the town, despite a tsunami warning system and Seawall, and also caused landslides on the hills above. Another 32 people were missing, including 3 in Russia and 129 were injured. The subsequent fire burned down much of what remained. The island was reshaped by the tsunami, which was 10 meters high in town. The tsunami struck within five minutes of the earthquake, leaving residents absolutely no warning.
The name Okushiri comes from the Ainu name Ikusyun-shiri. Iku means other side and shiri means island.[2]
- 1906 The village of Okushiri was founded.
- 1966 Okushiri Village became Okushiri Town.
- 1993 Southwest Hokkaido Open Sea earthquake occurred.
Sister city
Transportation
Okushiri Airport serves the island.
Education
- High school
- Hokkaido Okushiri High School[4]
- Junior high school
- Okushiri Junior High School
- Aonae Junior High School
- Elementary school
- Okushiri Elementary School
- Aonae Elementary School
References
- 1 2 3 HIRATA, YUZUKI; MASAKAZU MURAKAMI (Nov 16, 2006). "Island hit by 1993 killer tsunami remains vigilant". Japan Times (The Japan Times Ltd.). Retrieved 2009-06-25.
- ↑ "About location and geography of Okushiri-cho". Official Home Page of Okushiri Town. Okushiri Town. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
- ↑ Okushiri:Links
- ↑ Hokkaido Okushiri High School
External links
Media related to Okushiri, Hokkaidō at Wikimedia Commons- Town website (Japanese)
- Animation of Okushiri tsunami from the Tsunami Research Center at USC
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