Takamatsu

Coordinates: 34°21′N 134°3′E / 34.350°N 134.050°E / 34.350; 134.050
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For other uses, see Takamatsu (disambiguation).
Takamatsu
高松市
Core city
From top left: Central Takamatsu, Chūō dōri street, Takamatsu Castle, Marugame-machi shopping mall, Ritsurin Garden
From top left: Central Takamatsu, Chūō dōri street, Takamatsu Castle, Marugame-machi shopping mall, Ritsurin Garden
Flag of Takamatsu
Flag
Official seal of Takamatsu
Seal
Map
Location of Takamatsu in Kagawa Prefecture
Takamatsu is located in Japan
Takamatsu
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°21′N 134°3′E / 34.350°N 134.050°E / 34.350; 134.050
Country Japan
RegionShikoku
PrefectureKagawa
Government
 • MayorHideto Ōnishi
Area
 • Total375.41 km2 (144.95 sq mi)
Population
 (November 1, 2022)
 • Total414,134
 • Density1,100/km2 (2,900/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address1-8-15 Banchō, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa-ken 760-8571
ClimateCfa
WebsiteOfficial website
Symbols
FlowerAzalea
TreePine
Takamatsu City Hall
Aerial view of Takamatsu city center
View from Yashima to Takashima port

Takamatsu (高松市, Takamatsu-shi, Japanese: [takaꜜmatsɯ]) is a capital city located in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 November 2022, the city had an estimated population of 414,134 in 190,120 households and a population density of 1,100 persons per km2.[1] The total area of the city is 375.41 square kilometres (144.95 sq mi). It is the capital city of the prefecture.

Geography[edit]

Takamatsu is located in central Kagawa Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. The city is located in the Takamatsu Plain, which is part of the Sanuki Plain, and is occupied by a gentle slope as a whole. The northern part faces the Seto Inland Sea, forming a semicircular urban area centered on Takamatsu Port and Takamatsu New Port (commonly known as Shinminato).The western part of the city consists of an alluvial fan formed by the sedimentation of the Koto River. The eastern part is a flooded plain formed by the Kasuga River and Shinkawa River. In the northeastern part of the island, there is Yashima, a table-shaped plateau protruding into the Seto Inland Sea, which was the site of the Battle of Yashima in the Genpei War, and Cape Takei, the northernmost tip of the main island of Shikoku. Parts of the city are located within the borders of the Setonaikai National Park. The city area also includes a number of small inhabited islands in the Seto Inland Sea.

Neighbouring municipalities[edit]

Kagawa Prefecture

Tokushima Prefecture

Climate[edit]

Takamatsu has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with hot, humid summers, and cool winters. Some rain falls throughout the year, but the months from May to September have the heaviest rain.

Climate data for Takamatsu (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1941−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 18.9
(66.0) 		24.0
(75.2) 		25.5
(77.9) 		30.9
(87.6) 		32.6
(90.7) 		36.5
(97.7) 		38.2
(100.8) 		38.6
(101.5) 		37.6
(99.7) 		34.0
(93.2) 		26.6
(79.9) 		21.2
(70.2) 		38.6
(101.5)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 9.7
(49.5) 		10.5
(50.9) 		14.1
(57.4) 		19.8
(67.6) 		24.8
(76.6) 		27.5
(81.5) 		31.7
(89.1) 		33.0
(91.4) 		28.8
(83.8) 		23.2
(73.8) 		17.5
(63.5) 		12.1
(53.8) 		21.1
(70.0)
Daily mean °C (°F) 5.9
(42.6) 		6.3
(43.3) 		9.4
(48.9) 		14.7
(58.5) 		19.8
(67.6) 		23.3
(73.9) 		27.5
(81.5) 		28.6
(83.5) 		24.7
(76.5) 		19.0
(66.2) 		13.2
(55.8) 		8.1
(46.6) 		16.7
(62.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.1
(35.8) 		2.2
(36.0) 		5.0
(41.0) 		9.9
(49.8) 		15.1
(59.2) 		19.8
(67.6) 		24.1
(75.4) 		25.1
(77.2) 		21.2
(70.2) 		15.1
(59.2) 		9.1
(48.4) 		4.3
(39.7) 		12.8
(55.0)
Record low °C (°F) −7.7
(18.1) 		−6.0
(21.2) 		−4.4
(24.1) 		−2.4
(27.7) 		2.8
(37.0) 		7.5
(45.5) 		15.3
(59.5) 		15.8
(60.4) 		9.4
(48.9) 		2.0
(35.6) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		−5.3
(22.5) 		−7.7
(18.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 39.4
(1.55) 		45.8
(1.80) 		81.4
(3.20) 		74.6
(2.94) 		100.9
(3.97) 		153.1
(6.03) 		159.8
(6.29) 		106.0
(4.17) 		167.4
(6.59) 		120.1
(4.73) 		55.0
(2.17) 		46.7
(1.84) 		1,150.1
(45.28)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 0
(0) 		1
(0.4) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		0
(0) 		1
(0.4)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.5 mm) 7.5 8.0 10.8 10.1 9.4 11.5 10.5 7.9 10.5 9.3 7.8 7.9 111.3
Average relative humidity (%) 63 63 62 62 64 72 73 70 72 70 69 66 67
Mean monthly sunshine hours 141.4 143.8 175.0 194.5 210.1 158.2 191.8 221.2 159.6 164.6 145.5 142.7 2,046.5
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency[2]
Climate data for Kōnan, Takamatsu (2003−2020 normals, extremes 2003−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 16.6
(61.9) 		22.8
(73.0) 		25.2
(77.4) 		29.6
(85.3) 		31.9
(89.4) 		34.8
(94.6) 		36.0
(96.8) 		37.8
(100.0) 		35.5
(95.9) 		31.9
(89.4) 		26.1
(79.0) 		19.4
(66.9) 		37.8
(100.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 8.2
(46.8) 		9.3
(48.7) 		13.1
(55.6) 		18.8
(65.8) 		23.7
(74.7) 		26.4
(79.5) 		30.2
(86.4) 		31.7
(89.1) 		27.5
(81.5) 		21.9
(71.4) 		16.3
(61.3) 		10.5
(50.9) 		19.8
(67.6)
Daily mean °C (°F) 4.1
(39.4) 		4.9
(40.8) 		8.0
(46.4) 		13.3
(55.9) 		18.3
(64.9) 		21.8
(71.2) 		25.6
(78.1) 		26.7
(80.1) 		22.8
(73.0) 		17.3
(63.1) 		11.8
(53.2) 		6.5
(43.7) 		15.1
(59.2)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 0.4
(32.7) 		0.7
(33.3) 		3.0
(37.4) 		7.9
(46.2) 		13.0
(55.4) 		17.7
(63.9) 		22.0
(71.6) 		22.8
(73.0) 		19.1
(66.4) 		13.3
(55.9) 		7.7
(45.9) 		2.7
(36.9) 		10.9
(51.5)
Record low °C (°F) −5.6
(21.9) 		−5.5
(22.1) 		−3.6
(25.5) 		−1.1
(30.0) 		2.9
(37.2) 		9.7
(49.5) 		16.3
(61.3) 		15.9
(60.6) 		11.0
(51.8) 		4.6
(40.3) 		−0.4
(31.3) 		−4.9
(23.2) 		−5.6
(21.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 41.0
(1.61) 		54.8
(2.16) 		84.8
(3.34) 		77.8
(3.06) 		105.5
(4.15) 		160.7
(6.33) 		193.2
(7.61) 		150.1
(5.91) 		214.4
(8.44) 		148.4
(5.84) 		64.4
(2.54) 		59.0
(2.32) 		1,353.9
(53.30)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 6.6 8.4 10.1 9.8 8.3 11.1 10.5 8.7 10.2 8.5 8.0 7.9 108.1
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency[3][4]

Demographics[edit]

Per Japanese census data, the population of Takamatsu in 2020 is 417,496 people.[5] Takamatsu has been conducting censuses since 1920.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1920 186,963—    
1925 199,141+6.5%
1930 213,001+7.0%
1935 222,545+4.5%
1940 219,082−1.6%
1945 246,809+12.7%
1950 269,159+9.1%
1955 284,684+5.8%
1960 295,178+3.7%
1965 307,549+4.2%
1970 327,170+6.4%
1975 360,024+10.0%
1980 386,547+7.4%
1985 401,020+3.7%
1990 406,853+1.5%
1995 412,626+1.4%
2000 416,680+1.0%
2005 418,125+0.3%
2010 419,291+0.3%
2015 420,748+0.3%
2020 417,496−0.8%
Takamatsu population statistics[5]

History[edit]

The area of Takamatsu was part of ancient Sanuki Province. During the Heian and Kamakura period, as the closest port to Honshu from Shikoku island, the area was a transportation center and gateway for pilgrims to the Kotohira Shrine. During the Sengoku period, Ikoma Chikamasa suit the first Takamatsu Castle in 1588. In 1642, Matsudaira Yorishige, the son of Tokugawa Yorifusa of Mito Domain and grandson of Tokugawa Ieyasu, was awarded the 120,000 koku Takamatsu Domain, which his descendants would continue to rule until the Meiji restoration.[6]

Following the Meiji restoration, the city of Takamatsu was created with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on February 15, 1890. The castle tower formerly used as the symbol of the city was destroyed during the Meiji period. The city borders expanded in several iterations by the annexation on neighboring villages and towns. During World War II, Takamatsu was selected as a target by the United States' XXI Bomber Command because the city was an important focal point of Shikoku's rail and road transit systems, and containing some industry vital to supporting the war effort. On July 3, 1945, at 6:40 PM (JST) 128 B-29 Superfortress bombers dropped over 800 tons of incendiary bombs on Takamatsu, destroying 78% of the built-up areas of the city and killing 1359 people.[7]

The city quickly recovered after the war, and its borders continued to expand. On April 1, 1999 it was designated a core city with increased local autonomy.

On September 26, 2005, the town of Shionoe (from Kagawa District) was merged into Takamatsu. On January 10, 2006, Takamatsu absorbed the following towns: Aji and Mure (from Kita District), Kagawa and Kōnan (from Kagawa District), and Kokubunji (from Ayauta District).

Government[edit]

Takamatsu has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 40 members. Takamatsu contributes 15 members to the Kagawa Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between Kagawa 1st district and Kagawa 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Crime and safety[edit]

The Shinwa-kai yakuza syndicate is based in Takamatsu. The Shinwa-kai is the only designated yakuza group based in the Shikoku region.[8]

In October 2017, Japan Today reported 5 people received minor injuries when a wild boar entered a local Aeon mall.[9]

Economy[edit]

Symbol Tower

Takamatsu is the largest municipality in Shikoku and is a city with a large concentration of nationwide companies' branch offices, which play a large role in its economy. It also contains most of the national government's branch offices for Shikoku. In 2004, construction of the Symbol Tower, the new symbol of Takamatsu, was completed. The Symbol Tower is in the Sunport area of the city. The Symbol Tower is the tallest building in Takamatsu, and is right next to another tall building The JR Clement Hotel (formerly the ANA Clement Hotel), which is also part of the Sunport complex. Sunport Takamatsu is also connected to the ports of Takamatsu.

Companies headquartered in the city include:

Education[edit]

Takamatsu has 48 public elementary schools, 22 public middle schools and one public high school operated by the city government. The city has eight public high schools and one combined middle/high school operated by the Kagawa Prefectural Board of Education. There are also two private combined middle/high schools, seven private high schools and one national elementary, one national middle and one national high school.The Kagawa Prefectural government also operates three special education schools for the handicapped.

Universities[edit]

Transportation[edit]

The main train station is Takamatsu Station, operated by JR Shikoku. Trains from here run to destinations around Shikoku, as well as Okayama Station on Honshū via the Seto-Ōhashi Bridge. The private Kotoden railway connects much of Takamatsu, with a hub and department store at Kawaramachi Station, and Takamatsu-Chikko Station nearby Takamatsu Station. Buses and trains operated by Kotoden accept a contactless payment card for travel called an IruCa.[12]

Airports[edit]

Railways[edit]

Shikoku Railway Company - Yosan Line

Shikoku Railway Company - Kōtoku Line

Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad - Kotoden Kotohira Line

Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad - Kotoden Nagao Line

Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad - Kotoden Shido Line

Highways[edit]

Ports[edit]

Local attractions[edit]

  • Ritsurin Garden, a Japanese garden designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government
  • Takamatsu Castle is known for using seawater in its moat and recently the old keep of the castle was successfully restored and opened for public viewing.[13]
  • Yashima plateau which is home to various sightseeing spots. At the base of the mountain is the open air museum Shikoku Mura where aspects of regional history and culture are exhibited. On the mountain itself is Yashima-ji, number 84 of the Shikoku pilgrimage. At the top of the mountain there is also an observation deck which offers views across the Seto Inland Sea.
  • Takamatsu also acts as a hub to access various islands of the Seto Inland Sea. These include, Megijima, Ogijima, Naoshima, Teshima and Shōdoshima. Since 2010, Takamatsu, along with these islands and more, has been host to the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival with many outdoor exhibitions by prominent artists from across the world.

Sports teams[edit]

International relations[edit]

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Japan

Twin towns – Sister cities[edit]

Takamatsu is twinned with:

Friendship cities[edit]

Takamatsu has friendship arrangements with:

In literature[edit]

Shikoku Mura

Notable people from Takamatsu[edit]

The following politicians, celebrities, and other well-known people are from Takamatsu (listed alphabetically by surname):

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Takamatsu city official statistics" (in Japanese). Japan.
  2. ^ 気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）. Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  3. ^ 観測史上1～10位の値（年間を通じての値）. JMA. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  4. ^ 気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）. JMA. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Takamatsu population statistics
  6. ^ Nakayama, Yoshiaki (2015). 江戸三百藩大全 全藩藩主変遷表付. Kosaido Publishing. ISBN 978-4331802946.(in Japanese)
  7. ^ "21st Bomber Command Tactical Mission Report 247, 250, Ocr | Aviation | Armed Conflict".
  8. ^ "2021 Police White Paper Chapter 2 : Furtherance of Organized Crime Countermeasures", 2021, National Police Agency (in Japanese)
  9. ^ "5 injured after wild boar goes on rampage through Kagawa mall, 2007, Japan Today (in English)
  10. ^ "Company Information Archived 2010-03-24 at the Wayback Machine." Shikoku Railway Company. Retrieved on March 27, 2010.
  11. ^ "Corporate Profile Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine." Tadano Limited. Retrieved on April 15, 2015.
  12. ^ "Takamatsu Japan, what to do there". 20 December 2009. Retrieved 2010-03-13.
  13. ^ 高松城天守閣復元. www.takamatsujyo.com. Retrieved 2016-01-19.
  14. ^ "St. Petersburg". Takamatsu city. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
  15. ^ "Tours". Takamatsu city. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
  16. ^ "Nanchang". Takamatsu city. Archived from the original on 2009-06-11. Retrieved 2009-05-26.
  17. ^ "Nanchang City and Sister Cities Intercommunion". Nanchang Municipal Party Committee of the CPC and Nanchang Municipal Government. Nanchang Economic Information Center. Archived from the original on 2013-05-22. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  18. ^ Hara, Tameichi (1961). "Born A Samurai". Japanese Destroyer Captain. New York & Toronto: Ballantine Books. ISBN 978-1-59114-354-3. OCLC 255849609.

External links[edit]

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