Akaigawa, Hokkaido

Akaigawa (赤井川村) is a village located in Shiribeshi, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of October 2020, the village has an estimated population of 1,165. The total area is 280.11 km2.

History
The name derives from Ainu word "hure-pet", meaning "red river".
 * 1899: Akaigawa Village split off from Ōe Village (now Niki Town).
 * 1906: Akaigawa became a Second Class Village.
 * 1991: Kiroro Resort opened.

Geography
The center of Akaigawa is in the Akaigawa Caldera and surrounded by mountains on every side.

Kiroro Resort is on the eastern side of the village.
 * Mountains: Mount Yoichi, Mount Ponkuto
 * Rivers: Yoichi River, Shiroigawa River, Akaigawa River

Neighboring cities and towns

 * Minami-ku, Sapporo
 * Otaru
 * Yoichi
 * Niki
 * Kutchan
 * Kyōgoku

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Akaigawa has declined in recent decades.

Education

 * Akaigawa Junior High School
 * Akaigawa Elementary School
 * Miyako Elementary School

Mascot
Akaigawa's mascot is Akarin (あかりん), a 10-year-old farmer girl who is active day and night either through sports or farming. Her favourite food is a mixture of fresh produce and rice. She usually ends her sentences with "desu no" (ですの) which, along with her eyes, are her charm points. She became the mascot on 18 July 2014.