Matsumoto (松本市, Matsumoto-shi) is a city located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan.[1] Matsumoto is designated as a core city since 1 April 2021.[2] As of 1 March 2019[update], the city had a population of 239,466 in 105,207 households[3] and a population density of 240 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 978.47 square kilometres (377.79 sq mi).
On February 1, 1925, Matsumoto absorbed the village of Matsumoto (from Higashichikuma District).
The city expanded further by annexing the Kanda hamlet of the village of Nakayama from Higashichikuma District on April 1, 1943, the villages of Nakayama, Shimadachi and Shimauchi (all from Higashichikuma District) on April 1, 1954, the villages of Wada, Niimura, Kanbayashi, Sasaga, Yoshikawa, Kotobuki, Okada, Iriyamabe, Satoyamabe and Imai (all from Higashichikuma District) on August 1, 1954. Kitauchida and Gakenoyu hamlets were annexed from the Minamiuchida ward of the village of Kataoka in the city of Shiojiri on April 1, 1960 and April 1, 1961. The village of Hongo (from Higashichikuma District) on May 1, 1974 and parts of Seba hamlet (the hamlet of Kukohigashi) were annexed from Shiojiri on April 1, 1982.
Between the days of June 27 and June 28, 1994, the Matsumoto Incidentsarin gas attack occurred.
Matsumoto was proclaimed a special city with increased local autonomy on November 1, 2000. Matsumoto annexed the villages of Azumi, Azusagawa and Nagawa (all from Minamiazumi District), and the village of Shiga (from Higashichikuma District) on April 1, 2005. This was followed by the town of Hata (from Higashichikuma District,) on March 31, 2010. Matsumoto was proclaimed a core city with increased local autonomy on April 1, 2021.
Geography
Matsumoto is located in the Matsumoto Basin of central Nagano Prefecture surrounded by mountains and is acclaimed for its beautiful views. It is approximately 75 kilometers south of the prefectural capital at Nagano City, and 167 kilometers from central Tokyo. The 3000 meter Hida Mountains are to the west of the city, with 3190 meter Mount Hotakadake on the border of Matsumoto with Takayama, Gifu as the highest point within the city limits.
Matsumoto has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification: Dfa) bordering on a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa), with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is quite high in summer, but the weather is somewhat drier in winter. The average annual temperature in Matsumoto is 12.2 °C (54.0 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,045.1 mm (41.15 in) with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.1 °C (77.2 °F), and lowest in January, at around −0.3 °C (31.5 °F).[4]
Climate data for Matsumoto (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1898–present, elevation 610m)
Bunshichiro Matsuoka(松岡文七郎) April 1951 to January 1957
Tokuya Furuhata (降旗徳弥) March 1957 to March 1969
Matsumi Fukasawa (深沢松美) March 1969 to March 1976
Shoji Wago (和合正治) March 1976 to March 1992
Tadashi Aruga (有賀 正) March 1992 to March 2004
Akira Sugenoya (菅谷 昭) March 2004 to March 2020
Yoshinao Gaun (臥雲義尚) March 2020 to present
Economy
Matsumoto is a regional commercial center and noted for traditional woodworking and silk spinning, electronics and its dairy industry. Seasonal tourism to the surrounding mountains and onsen hot spring resorts is also an important source of local income.[11]
Matsumoto has 29 public elementary schools operated by the city government, one operated by the national government and one private elementary school. The city also manages 19 public middle schools, with one more middle school shared between Matsumoto and neighbouring Asahi. There is one public middle school operated by the national government and one private middle school. The city has seven public high schools operated by the Nagano Prefectural Board of Education and six private high schools. The city also has a North Korean school, Nagano Korean Elementary and Junior High School (長野朝鮮初中級学校).
Kaichi School opened in 1876; farmers gave 70% of the funds to have it built. According to Philippe Mesmer of Le Monde, Kaichi "was one of the first modern schools built in Japan."[12] After the school closed, it was converted into a museum.[12]
Matsumoto is attractive to travelers not only because of its traditional culture but also its moderate climate and local products. Matsumoto soba is famous for its delicate taste.[14] Local attractions include:
Outside the rail station is also a statue of a little girl with a violin, remembering the Suzuki method of teaching music, created by Shinichi Suzuki who lived in the city in his later life.
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