Kunisaki (国東市, Kunisaki-shi) is a small coastal city located in Ōita Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan. As of 30 November 2023[update], the city had an estimated population of 25,721 in 13082 households, and a population density of 81 persons per km². [1] The total area of the city is 318.10 km2 (122.82 sq mi).
Geography
Kunisaki covers the northeastern part of Ōita Prefecture and almost the eastern half of the Kunisaki Peninsula (excluding the southeastern part), and faces the Gulf of Iyo on the Seto Inland Sea to the north and east. Settlements are scattered in areas near the sea, and the city center is located near the sea in the central eastern part of the city. The western part of the city is located in the central part of the Kunisaki Peninsula and is mountainous. The city center is located approximately 60 km by road (approximately 40 km in a straight line) from Ōita City, the prefectural capital.
Kunisaki has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classificationCfa) with hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter. The average annual temperature in Kunisaki is 16.2 °C (61.2 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,641.6 mm (64.63 in) with June as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.3 °C (81.1 °F), and lowest in January, at around 6.1 °C (43.0 °F).[2] The highest temperature ever recorded in Kunisaki was 37.3 °C (99.1 °F) on 10 August 2013; the coldest temperature ever recorded was −7.9 °C (17.8 °F) on 8 January 2021.[3]
Climate data for Kunimi, Kunisaki (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1977−present)
On June 25, 2008, the City of Kunisaki declared itself a 'Nuclear-free Peace City" in wishing the abolition of nuclear weapons and world permanent peace.[7]
Government
Kunisaki has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 18 members. Kunisaki, together with the village of Himeshima, Ōita contributes one member to the Ōita Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Ōita 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy
The main industry is agriculture, including fruit and vegetable cultivation and commercial fishing. Industries include factories operated by Oita Canon and Sony Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Education
Kunisaki has seven public elementary schools and three public junior high schools and one public high school operated by the city government and one public high school operated by the Ōita Prefectural Board of Education.
