View source for Tosashimizu, Kōchi

{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Tosashimizu
| official_name            =
| native_name              = {{nobold|{{nobold|{{lang|ja|土佐清水市}}}}}}
| native_name_lang         = ja
| settlement_type          = [[Cities of Japan|City]]
| other_name               =
| image_skyline            = Ashizuri Cape 07.JPG
| image_caption            = View of Pacific Ocean and Cape Ashizuri
| image_flag               = Flag of Tosashimizu, Kochi.svg
| image_seal               = Emblem of Tosashimizu, Kochi.svg
| image_map                = {{maplink|frame=yes|frame-align=center|plain=yes|frame-width=265|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=8}}
| map_caption              = Location of Tosashimizu in Kōchi Prefecture
| image_map1               = Tosashimizu in Kochi Prefecture Ja.svg
| map_caption1             =
| pushpin_map              = Japan
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in Japan
| coordinates              = {{coord|32|47|N|132|57|E|region:JP-39|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = Japan
| subdivision_type1        = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Shikoku]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Kōchi Prefecture|Kōchi]]
| subdivision_type3        = [[Districts of Japan|District]]
| subdivision_name3        =
| leader_title             = Mayor
| leader_name              = Shinichirō Nishimura
| leader_title1            = Vice Mayor
| leader_name1             =
| unit_pref                = Metric
| area_total_km2           = 266.34
| population_total         = 12407
| population_as_of         = 31 July 2022
| population_density_km2   = auto
| timezone1                = [[Japan Standard Time|JST]]
| utc_offset1              = +09:00
| postal_code_type         =
| postal_code              =
| blank_name_sec1          = City hall address
| blank_info_sec1          = 11-2 Tenjinmachi, Tosashimizu-shi, Kōchi-ken 787-0392
| blank_name_sec2          = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank_info_sec2          = [[Humid subtropical climate|Cfa]]
| website                  = {{Official website|1=www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp}}
| module                   = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| tree = Akō {{small|([[Ficus]] superba Miq. var. japonica Miq.)}}
| flower = [[Camellia]]
| bird = [[Blue rock thrush]]
| butterfly =
| fish = [[Auxis|Mejika]]
}}
}}
[[file:Tosashimizu-city-hall feb2007.jpg|thumb|Tosashimizu City Hall]]
[[file:Tosashimizu city center area Aerial photograph.2019.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of central Tosashimizu City]]
{{nihongo|'''Tosashimizu'''|土佐清水市|Tosashimizu-shi}} is a [[Cities of Japan|city]] located in the southwest of [[Kōchi Prefecture]], Japan. {{As of|2022|07|31}}, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 12,407 in 7004 households, and a [[population density]] of 47 persons per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="Tosashimizu-hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/kurashi/outline/jinkou.html|title= Tosashimizu city official statistics|location= Japan|language= ja}}</ref> The total area of the city is {{convert|266.34|sqkm|sqmi}}.
==Geography==
Tosashimizu is located in far western Kochi Prefecture on the island of [[Shikoku]]. Parts of the city are within the borders of the [[Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park]].
=== Neighbouring municipalities ===
Kōchi Prefecture
* [[Mihara, Kōchi|Mihara]]
* [[Ōtsuki, Kōchi|Ōtsuki]]
* [[Shimanto, Kōchi (city)|Shimanto City]]
* [[Sukumo, Kōchi|Sukumo]]
===Climate===
Tosashimizu has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') with hot, humid summers and cool winters. There is significant precipitation throughout the year, especially during June and July. The average annual temperature in Tosashimizu is {{convert|18.4|C}}. The average annual rainfall is {{cvt|2563.9|mm}} with June as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around {{convert|27.7|C}}, and lowest in January, at around {{convert|8.9|C}}.<ref name=normals/> The highest temperature ever recorded in Tosashimizu was {{cvt|35.5|C}} on 30 July 1942; the coldest temperature ever recorded was {{cvt|-5.0|C}} on 26 February 1981.<ref name=extremes/>
{{Weather box
|width = auto
|collapsed =
|single line = Y
|metric first = Y
|location = [[Cape Ashizuri]], Tosashimizu (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1940−present)
|Jan record high C = 22.5
|Feb record high C = 22.3
|Mar record high C = 25.2
|Apr record high C = 26.9
|May record high C = 31.3
|Jun record high C = 31.7
|Jul record high C = 35.5
|Aug record high C = 35.0
|Sep record high C = 33.8
|Oct record high C = 31.3
|Nov record high C = 27.7
|Dec record high C = 23.7
|Jan record low C = -4.3
|Feb record low C = -5.0
|Mar record low C = -3.4
|Apr record low C = 3.2
|May record low C = 9.2
|Jun record low C = 14.6
|Jul record low C = 17.3
|Aug record low C = 20.1
|Sep record low C = 14.0
|Oct record low C = 7.3
|Nov record low C = 2.4
|Dec record low C = -2.0
|Jan high C = 12.4
|Feb high C = 13.4
|Mar high C = 16.2
|Apr high C = 20.1
|May high C = 23.4
|Jun high C = 25.4
|Jul high C = 28.9
|Aug high C = 30.4
|Sep high C = 28.3
|Oct high C = 24.3
|Nov high C = 19.7
|Dec high C = 14.7
|Jan mean C = 8.9
|Feb mean C = 9.8
|Mar mean C = 12.8
|Apr mean C = 16.9
|May mean C = 20.4
|Jun mean C = 23.0
|Jul mean C = 26.5
|Aug mean C = 27.7
|Sep mean C = 25.5
|Oct mean C = 21.4
|Nov mean C = 16.5
|Dec mean C = 11.3
|Jan low C = 5.5
|Feb low C = 6.2
|Mar low C = 9.1
|Apr low C = 13.5
|May low C = 17.6
|Jun low C = 20.9
|Jul low C = 24.6
|Aug low C = 25.6
|Sep low C = 23.2
|Oct low C = 18.6
|Nov low C = 13.4
|Dec low C = 7.9
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 98.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 116.4
|Mar precipitation mm = 183.9
|Apr precipitation mm = 221.8
|May precipitation mm = 232.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 400.2
|Jul precipitation mm = 222.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 231.5
|Sep precipitation mm = 362.4
|Oct precipitation mm = 254.2
|Nov precipitation mm = 146.9
|Dec precipitation mm = 97.0
|year precipitation mm = 2563.9
|unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 5.8
|Feb precipitation days = 7.3
|Mar precipitation days = 10.8
|Apr precipitation days = 10.0
|May precipitation days = 10.4
|Jun precipitation days = 14.1
|Jul precipitation days = 10.5
|Aug precipitation days = 10.7
|Sep precipitation days = 12.4
|Oct precipitation days = 9.7
|Nov precipitation days = 8.3
|Dec precipitation days = 6.1
|Jan snow cm = trace
|Feb snow cm = trace
|Mar snow cm = 0
|Apr snow cm = 0
|May snow cm = 0
|Jun snow cm = 0
|Jul snow cm = 0
|Aug snow cm = 0
|Sep snow cm = 0
|Oct snow cm = 0
|Nov snow cm = 0
|Dec snow cm = trace
|year snow cm = 1
|unit snow days = 1 cm
|Jan snow days = 0.2
|Feb snow days = 0.1
|Mar snow days = 0
|Apr snow days = 0
|May snow days = 0
|Jun snow days = 0
|Jul snow days = 0
|Aug snow days = 0
|Sep snow days = 0
|Oct snow days = 0
|Nov snow days = 0
|Dec snow days = 0.1
|humidity colour= green
|Jan humidity = 58
|Feb humidity = 59
|Mar humidity = 62
|Apr humidity = 66
|May humidity = 73
|Jun humidity = 83
|Jul humidity = 84
|Aug humidity = 82
|Sep humidity = 77
|Oct humidity = 69
|Nov humidity = 65
|Dec humidity = 60
|Jan sun = 180.5
|Feb sun = 173.3
|Mar sun = 190.1
|Apr sun = 196.0
|May sun = 190.5
|Jun sun = 131.0
|Jul sun = 196.6
|Aug sun = 233.8
|Sep sun = 175.8
|Oct sun = 179.7
|Nov sun = 167.0
|Dec sun = 174.1
|year sun = 2190.5
|source 1 = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]]<ref name=extremes>{{cite web
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/view/rank_s.php?prec_no=74&block_no=47898&year=&month=&day=&view=h0
|script-title=ja:観測史上1～10位の値（年間を通じての値）
| publisher = [[Japan Meteorological Agency|JMA]]
| access-date = April 18, 2022}}</ref><ref name=normals>{{cite web
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/view/nml_sfc_ym.php?prec_no=74&block_no=47898&year=&month=&day=&view=h0
|script-title=ja:気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）
| publisher = [[Japan Meteorological Agency|JMA]]
| access-date = April 18, 2022}}</ref>}}
==Demographics==
Per Japanese census data, the population of Tosashimizu in 2020 is 12,388 people.<ref name=zensus/> Tosashimizu has been conducting censuses since 1920. Of the 11 cities in Kochi Prefecture, Tosashimizu has the second-lowest population as of March 31, 2015.<ref name = "planning">{{cite web | url = http://www.jamp.gr.jp/academia/pdf/114/114_01.pdf | title = The aging rate shift - Population and household in Tosashimizu City Community planning report - North to south, Tosashimizu City, Kōchi Prefecture| publisher = Tosashimizu City Office | access-date = 2016-03-04 |language = Japanese }}</ref>
{{Historical populations
| 1920 | 22666
| 1925 | 24342
| 1930 | 25795
| 1935 | 26270
| 1940 | 24161
| 1945 | 29882
| 1950 | 31656
| 1955 | 31623
| 1960 | 29944
| 1965 | 26725
| 1970 | 24122
| 1975 | 24856
| 1980 | 24252
| 1985 | 23014
| 1990 | 21182
| 1995 | 19582
| 2000 | 18512
| 2005 | 17281
| 2010 | 16029
| 2015 | 13778
| 2020 | 12388
|align = none
|footnote = Tosashimizu population statistics<ref name=zensus>[https://www.citypopulation.de/en/japan/kochi/ Tosashimizu population statistics]</ref>
}}
== History ==
As with all of Kōchi Prefecture, the area of Tosashimizu was part of ancient [[Tosa Province]]. During the [[Edo period]], the area was part of the holdings of [[Tosa Domain]] ruled by the [[Yamauchi clan]] from their seat at [[Kōchi Castle]]. Following the [[Meiji restoration]], the village of Shimatsu (清松村) within [[Hata District, Kōchi]] was established with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. It changed its name to Shimizu and was elevated to town status in 1924. On August 1, 1954, Shimizu merged with the neighboring towns of Shimokawaguchi, Misaki and Shimokae to form the city of Tosashimizu.
==Government==
Tosashimizu has a [[mayor-council]] form of government with a directly elected mayor and a [[unicameral]] city council of 12 members. Tosashimizu contributes one member to the Kōchi Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Kōchi 2nd district of the [[House of Representatives of Japan|lower house]] of the [[Diet of Japan]].
Tosashimizu is the only city on Shikoku island that hosts a [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force]] (ASDF) base.
==Economy==
The largest industry is fishing, especially [[deep-sea fishing]]. ''Sōdabushi'', locally called ''mejikabushi'', is one of the main seafood produce in the area with a market share of approximately 70%. It uses ''sōdagatsuo'' (frigate mackerel) and is manufactured using a similar process to ''katsuobushi''.<ref name = "Sababushi">{{cite web|url=http://www.daiyan.jp/sababushi.html|title=What is Sababushi|publisher=Katsuobushi Museum|access-date=2016-08-12|language=Japanese}}</ref> The local fishermen's union registered their catch of blue mackerel ''Scomber australasicus'' as "Tosano shimizusaba", or blue mackerel of Shimizu, Tosa{{Clarify|date=March 2016}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kochi-marugoto.pref.kochi.lg.jp/kensanpin/shimizusaba/| title = Gomasaba | others = Kōchi Prefecture Kochi Marugoto Network |publisher = Local Food and Produce Merchandise Division, Industrial Development and Promotion Department, Kōchi Prefecture|access-date=2016-03-05|language=Japanese}}</ref>
[[Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan]] has a branch in Tosashimizu, and Osaka Aquarium Biological Research Institute of Iburi Center (OBIC) provides one third of those marine animals displayed at the aquarium in Osaka. The center conducts scientific studies at its facility including a 1,600&nbsp;ton tank.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/study.html|title=Research Activities|language=English|access-date=2016-03-04}}</ref>
==Education==
Tosashimizu has six public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the city government, and one public high school operated by the Kōchi Prefectural Board of Education.
==Transportation==
===Railway===
Tosashimizu has no passenger railway services. The nearest train station is [[Nakamura Station]], the terminus of the [[Tosa Kuroshio Railway Nakamura Line]], located in [[Shimanto, Kōchi (city)|Shimanto city]]. A bus service connects Tosashimizu with Nakamura Station, taking approximately 60 minutes.
===Highway===
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|321}}
==Sister cities==
*{{Flagicon|USA}} [[Fairhaven, Massachusetts]], United States, since 1987<ref name = "sister01">{{cite web|url = http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/john/j03b.html|title = Sister Cities and John Manjirō | publisher = Tosashimizu City|access-date = 2016-03-05|language = Japanese }}</ref>
*{{Flagicon|USA}} [[New Bedford, Massachusetts]], United States, since 1987<ref name = "sister01"/>
*{{Flagicon|JPN}} [[Tomigusuku, Okinawa]], since February 1993<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.city.tomigusuku.okinawa.jp/municipal_government/175/603| title = Sister Cities|publisher = Tomigusuku City|access-date = 2016-03-05|language = Japanese }}</ref>
== Local attractions ==
===Cape Ashizuri===
The 70&nbsp;km coastline stretching from the northeast to southwest boundaries of Tosashimizu attracts over 800,000 tourists to Tosashimizu each year.<ref name = "Fishery">{{cite web|url=http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/section/fis_01.html|title=Fishery|publisher=Tosashimizu City|access-date=2016-03-04}}</ref> [[Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park]] includes Ashizuri, the largest peninsula in the area. Tosashimizu is the nearest city to Ashizuri peninsula which is protruding into the Pacific Ocean.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/parks/ashizuri.html |title = Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park|publisher = Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan|access-date=2016-03-04}}</ref> Cape Ashizuri is 80&nbsp;meters above sea level at the southeastern end on the peninsula. The peninsula is covered by subtropical plants including camellia, holm oak, and colony of [[Livistona]] ''Livistona chinensis'',<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/sight/bun_c06.html| title = Colony of Livistona on Cape Ashizuri - Natural Treasure Designated by Tosashimizu City|publisher = Tosashimizu City|access-date=2016-03-05|language = Japanese }}</ref> and the sea is a prime fishing ground for katsuo fish, or skipjack tuna ''Katsuwonus pelamis''. While there are small islands to the south of it, the cape is recognized as the southernmost location on Shikoku island at {{Coord|32|43|24|N|133|1|12|W|display=inline}}.
Tatsukushi geologic strata with layers of [[sandstone]] and [[mudstone]] form joints and layers. A gate-like rock on the coast, Hakusandōmon is on the west side of the cape. Tōjindaba Site is a prehistoric megalithic site with stone circle, located on the west hill on Cape Ashizuri.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/uij/doc/kankou/09.html | title = Tōjindaba Stone Circle Site | publisher = Tosashimizu City | access-date = 2015-11-17 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151107062352/http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/uij/doc/kankou/09.html | archive-date = 2015-11-07 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.attaka.or.jp/kanko/dtl.php?ID=272 | title = Tōjindaba Archaeological site | publisher = Public Interest Incorporated Foundation Kochi Visitors & Convention Association | language = Japanese |access-date = 2016-03-04}}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Tatsukushi 05.JPG|Tatsukushi
File:Hakusan Domon 01.JPG|Hakusandōmon
</gallery>
===Birthplace of Nakahama Manjirō===
On the western shore of Ashizuri peninsula, lies the village of Nakanohama within Tosashimizu, where [[Nakahama Manjirō]] was born and became one of the first Japanese to travel to the United States. Manjirō, a young fisherman, was shipwrecked off the coast of Japan in 1841 and rescued by whaling captain [[William H. Whitfield]] of [[Fairhaven, Massachusetts]].<ref name = "w-m">{{cite web| url = http://www.whitfield-manjiro.org/Manjiro_Trail.html| title = Manjiro Trail|publisher = Whitefield-Manjiro Friendship Society, Inc.|access-date = 2016-03-05}}</ref> Whitfield brought the young Manjirō back to Fairhaven and [[New Bedford]] at the end of the whaling voyage, and Manjirō spent several years there before eventually making his way back to Japan. Because of this history, Tosashimizu became the sister city of both Fairhaven and New Bedford in 1987.<ref name = "w-m"/> He became popular as John Manjirō after Ibuse Masuji depicted him in his novel ''John Manjiro. The Castaway: His Life and His Adventures''.<ref>{{cite book|title = John Manjiro. The Castaway His Life and His Adventures |author = Ibuse Masuo|translator= H. Kaneko | publisher = The Anglo-Japanese Cultural Corp. Ltd. | year = 1940 | language = English }}</ref>
===Wildlife tours===
There are several wildlife tours popular on Ashizuri peninsula; wildlife swims are organized in the town of Iburi on the foot of Ashizuri peninsula.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/sight/index.html|publisher = Tosashimizu City|title=Tourist attraction in Tosashimizu|access-date = 2016-03-04|language=Japanese}}</ref>
====Whale shark swim====
[[Whale shark]]s migrate off the Ashizuri Peninsula between June and September, and some are kept captive in a cage 300&nbsp;m offshore.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/sight/jin.html|script-title=ja:ジンベエザメと泳ごう！ ジンベエスイム|trans-title= Swimming with whale sharks!|publisher = Tosashimizu City|access-date=2016-03-04|language=Japanese}}</ref>
====Ocean sunfish swim====
Between April and the end of July each year, [[ocean sunfish]] are kept in a net cage 10&nbsp;m by 10&nbsp;m and 5&nbsp;m deep. When the water temperature rises, they release the fish into the wild.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/sight/shimono_00.html#004|script-title=ja:マンボウスイム|trans-title= Swimming with ocean sunfish|publisher = Tosashimizu City|access-date=2016-03-05|language=Japanese}}</ref>
====Whale watching====
[[Whale watching]] is also offered on the east side of the peninsula, based at Kubotsu town to the middle and Shimonokae to the north.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/sight/shimono_00.html| title = Tourist guide to Shimonokae, Ōki, Iburi and Kubotshu area|publisher = Tosashimizu City|access-date = 2016-03-04|language = Japanese }}</ref>
=== The Shikoku Pilgrimage ===
The [[Shikoku Pilgrimage]] passes through the city, and the longest stretch of 80.7&nbsp;km on the route is between the 37th temple ({{Nihongo|[[Iwamoto-ji]]|岩本寺}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/kochi/37iwamotoji/index.html|title=Fujiisan Gochiin Iwamo-ji|access-date=2016-03-04|language=Japanese}}</ref> in [[Shimanto, Kōchi (town)|Shimanto]] and the 38th temple ({{Nihongo|[[Kongōfuku-ji]]|金剛福寺}})<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/kochi/38kongofukuji/index.html|title=Sadasan FudarakuinKongōfuku-ji|access-date=2016-03-04|language=Japanese}}</ref> on Cape Ashizuri. Descending from {{Nihongo|Itsuta pass|伊豆田峠}} toward Tosashimizu, there is {{Nihongo|Shinnenan|真念庵}}, a small wayside hermitage 28&nbsp;km from Kongōfuku-ji. It was designated to provide a free lodging for pilgrims on that section, where people could also leave their luggage while visiting Kongōfuku-ji, come back to Shinnenan and continue on to the 39th [[Enkō-ji]] in [[Sukumo, Kōchi|Sukumo]] 50.8&nbsp;km away.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/kochi/38kongofukuji/index.html| title = Sadazan Fudarakuin Kongōfuku-ji - Shikoku Pilgrimage in Kochi | publisher = Shikoku Hachijū-hakkasho Reijōkai | access-date = 2016-03-05|language = Japanese }}</ref>
<gallery>
File:Kongofukuji 08.JPG|Kongofuku-ji
File:Shinnenan 04.JPG|Shinnenan hermitage
</gallery>
===Roadside stations===
Mejikano sato Tosashimizu [[roadside station]] is near scenic Tatsukushi along route 321. ''Mejika'' means sōdagatsuo (frigate mackerel) in the local dialect, and they manufacture and sell ''sōdabushi'', the main sea food produce of the city, processed for demonstration{{Clarify|date=March 2016}} at the factory at the back of the store for direct selling.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/sight/tatukushi_01.html#009|title= Point of Interest around Tatsukushi and Minokori|publisher = Tosashimizu City|access-date=2016-03-05|language = Japanese }}</ref> Farm produce is also sold at this roadside station.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.skr.mlit.go.jp/road/rstation/station/mejika.html | title = kochi - mejikano sato tosashimizu|language=Japanese|access-date = 2016-03-04}}</ref>
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Tosashimizu, Kochi}}
{{Wikivoyage inline|Cape Ashizuri}}
* [http://www.city.tosashimizu.kochi.jp/ City office, Tosashimizu city] {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.shimizu-kankou.com/ Tosashimizu Tourist Association]
* [http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/kochi/38kongofukuji/ Shikoku Pilgrimage in Kochi] - official website for Shikoku Hachijū-hakkasho Reijokai {{Nihongo2|四国八十八ヶ所霊場会}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{osmrelation-inline|4036365}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Kōchi Prefecture}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Tosashimizu, Kochi}}
[[Category:Cities in Kōchi Prefecture]]
[[Category:Port settlements in Japan]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Japan]]