Yamagata (山県市, Yamagata-shi) is a city located in Gifu, Japan. As of 1 January 2019[update], the city had an estimated population of 27,356 in 10,868 households,[2] and a population density of 120 persons per km2. The total area of the city was 221.98 square kilometres (85.71 sq mi).
Geography
Yamagata is located in south-west Gifu Prefecture, north of the prefectural capital of Gifu city. Mount Funabuse, on the border between Motosu and Yamagata is the highest point in the city, with an elevation of 1,040 metres (3,410 ft).
Climate
The city has a climate characterized by hot and humid summers, and mild winters (Köppen climate classificationCfa). The average annual temperature in Yamagata is 15.2 °C. The average annual rainfall is 2086 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.9 °C, and lowest in January, at around 3.7 °C.[3]
Per Japanese census data,[4] the population of Yamagata peaked around 1990 and has declined since.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1970
26,598
—
1980
29,669
+11.5%
1990
30,989
+4.4%
2000
30,951
−0.1%
2010
29,629
−4.3%
2020
25,280
−14.7%
History
The area around Yamagata was part of traditional Mino Province. The name, "Yamagata", can be found in Nara period records, and is thus one of the oldest place names in Japan. During the Edo period, much of the area was tenryō territory under the direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate. In the post-Meiji restoration cadastral reforms, Yamagata District in Gifu prefecture was created. The village of Takatomi was established on July 1, 1889 with the establishment of the modern municipalities system, and was raised to town status on March 19, 1897.
Yamagata has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 14 members.
Economy
Yamagata was traditionally known for its textile industry, and for the production of wooden bobbins for use in textile looms.
Education
Yamagata has nine public elementary schools and three public middle schools operated by the city government. The city has one public high school operated by the Gifu Prefectural Board of Education.
Transportation
Railway
The city does not have any passenger rail service.
