Itoshima, Fukuoka



Itoshima (糸島市) is a city located in western Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 103,655 in 46,192 households, and a population density of 480 persons per km². The total area of the city is 215.69 km2.

Geography
Itoshima is located on the Itoshima Peninsula at the northwestern edge of Fukuoka Prefecture. The northern and western ends face the Genkai Sea, and the eastern side borders Fukuoka City. It is a mountainous area with the Sefuri Mountains in the south, bordering Saga Prefecture, the southwest bordering Karatsu City, and the southeast bordering Saga City.

Neighboring municipalities
Fukuoka Prefecture Saga Prefecture
 * Fukuoka
 * Saga
 * Karatsu

Climate
Itoshima has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cfa). The average annual temperature in Itoshima is 16.4 C. The average annual rainfall is 1701.0 mm with July as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.6 C, and lowest in January, at around 6.2 C. The highest temperature ever recorded in Itoshima was 38.9 C on 5 August 2017; the coldest temperature ever recorded was -4.7 C on 28 February 1981.

Demographics
Per Japanese census data, the population of Itoshima in 2020 is 98,877 people. Itoshima has been conducting censuses since 1920.

History
The area of Itoshima was part of ancient Chikuzen Province. From the large number of Yayoi Period ruins found in the town are and by its location and geography, it is assumed to be the location of ancient Itokoku mentioned in the Wajinden and other ancient Chinese records. During the Edo period, the area was part of Fukuoka Domain. After the Meiji restoration, the villages of Fukuyoshi, Fukae, Ichikisan, Nagaihon (renamed Nagaito in 1892), Kafuri, Raiyama, Ito, Maehara, Hatae, Kaya, Kofuji, Keya, Nokita, and Sakurai were established on May 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system. Maehara was raised to town status on September 15, 1901 and annexed Hatae and Kafuri on April 1, 1931. On January 1, 1955 Maebaru annexed Raiyama and Nagaito, followed by Ido on April 1 of the same year. Kaya, Sakurano, Kofuji, and Keya merged on January 1, 1955 to form the village of Shima, which became town on April 1, 1965. Likewise Ichikiyama, Fukae, and merged on January 1, 1955 to form the village of Nijo, which became town on April 1, 1965. Maebaru was raised to city status on October 1, 1992. Maebaru annexed Shima and Nijo on April 16, 2009 and was renamed Itoshima.

Government
Itoshima has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 20 members. Itoshima contributes two members to the Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Fukuoka 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy
The economy of Itoshima is centered on agriculture, commercial fishing and tourism. There is one industrial park. An increasing proportion of the local workforce commutes to neighboring Fukuoka.

Universities

 * Kurume University
 * Kurume University Hospital
 * Kurume Institute of Technology
 * St.Mary's College
 * Kurume Shin-Ai Women's College

Primary and secondary education
Itoshima has 16 public elementary schools and six public junior high schools operated by the city government and two public high schools operated by the Fukuoka Prefectural Board of Education. Kyushu University and Nishi-nippon Junior College have campuses in Itoshima.

Railways
JR Kyushu - Chikuhi Line
 * Hatae - Itoshimakōkō-mae - Chikuzen-Maebaru - Misakigaoka - Kafuri - Ikisan - Chikuzen-Fukae - Dainyū - Fukuyoshi - Shikaka

Highways

 * JP Expressway E35.svg Nishi-Kyūshū Expressway

National Historic Sites

 * Asakura Sue Ware Kiln Sites
 * Kamatsuka Kofun
 * Shito Dolmen Cluster
 * Shinmachi Dolmen Cluster
 * Sone Sites
 * Ikisan Chōshizuka Kofun
 * Raizan Kōgoishi
 * Ito Castle ruins
 * Mikumo-Iwara Site

Culture & Tourism
Itoshima is known for its seaside resorts, beaches, and natural beauty. It is a popular site for surfing and hiking. A summer music festival, SUNSET LIVE, takes place each year.

Notable people from Itoshima

 * Dairoku Harada, Japanese archaeologist.
 * Ryuji Ichioka, Japanese professional baseball player (Pitcher - Hiroshima Toyo Carp, Central League, Nippon Professional Baseball).
 * Mariko Shinoda, Japanese singer, actress, fashion model, and former member of the Japanese idol group AKB48
 * Mako "Hakata Speedster" Yamada, Japanese kickboxer and former boxer.