Takahama (高浜市, Takahama-shi) is a city located in central Aichi Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 October 2019[update], the city had an estimated population of 48,736 in 20,500 households,[1] and a population density of 3,717 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 13.11 square kilometres (5.06 sq mi).
Geography
Takahama is situated in south-central Aichi Prefecture, on Kinuura Bay at the head of Atsumi Peninsula.
Climate
The city has a climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and relatively mild winters (Köppen climate classificationCfa). The average annual temperature in Takahama is 15.7 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1592 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.8 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.4 °C.[2]
Demographics
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Takahama has been relatively steady over the past 50 years.
Takahama Village was created within Hekikai District on October 1, 1889.
It was raised to town status on July 9, 1900, and annexed neighboring Yoshihama and Takatori villages on May 1, 1906.
Contemporary history
In 1956, Kinuura bridge, connecting Takahama and Handa was opened.
Takahama was raised to city status on December 1, 1970, causing Hekikai District to cease to exist, along with Higashi-Kasugai District which ceased to exist following the elevation of Owariasahi to city status at the same date.
Government
Takahama has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 16 members.
The city contributes one member to the Aichi Prefectural Assembly.
In terms of national politics, the city is part of Aichi District 13 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Takahama has five public elementary schools and two public junior high schools operated by the city government, and two public high school operated by the Aichi Prefectural Board of Education. There is also one private high school.