Naka (那珂市, Naka-shi) is a city located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 July 2020[update], the city had an estimated population of 53,153 in 20,953 households and a population density of 543.4 persons per km2. The percentage of the population aged over 65 was 32.4%.[1] The total area of the city is 97.82 square kilometres (37.77 sq mi).
Geography
Naka is located in north-central Ibaraki Prefecture, with the Naka River and Kuji River flowing through the city.
Per Japanese census data,[2] the population of Naka peaked around the year 2000 and has declined slightly since.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1920
38,559
—
1930
37,829
−1.9%
1940
37,718
−0.3%
1950
38,427
+1.9%
1960
37,544
−2.3%
1970
38,256
+1.9%
1980
44,768
+17.0%
1990
51,078
+14.1%
2000
55,069
+7.8%
2010
54,240
−1.5%
2020
53,502
−1.4%
History
On March 31, 1955 the town of Sugaya and villages of Godai, Nakata, Kanzaki, Toda, Yoshino and Kizaki were merged to become the town of Naka (within Naka District). The town was the 4th largest population within the prefecture, following the town of Kamisu (from Kashima District), the town of Sōwa (from Sashima District), and the town of Ami (from Inashiki District).
On January 21, 2005 Naka absorbed the town of Urizura (from Naka District) to become the city of Naka.
Government
Naka has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 18 members. Naka contributes one member to the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Ibaraki 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy
Kiuchi Brewery (木内酒造) is a brewery in Naka. It was established in 1823 as a sake and Shōchū producer.
Renesas Electronics has a 300mm fab in Naka, Ibaraki prefecture. This semiconductor factory makes chips for the automotive manufacturing industry.[3]
Education
Naka has nine public elementary schools and five public middle schools operated by the city government, and two public high schools operated by the Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education. The Ibaraki Women's Junior College is also located in Naka.
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