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Aki, Kōchi
    Aki (安芸市, Aki-shi) is a city located in Kōchi Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 July 2022[update], the city had an estimated population of 16,370 in 8076 households and a population density of 52 persons per km2.[1] The total area of the city is 317.21 square kilometres (122.48 sq mi). GeographyAki is located in southeastern Kōchi Prefecture, facing Tosa Bay of the Pacific Ocean to the south and bordered by mountains to the north. The urban area is on the plains of the Aki River. Neighbouring municipalitiesKōchi Prefecture Tokushima Prefecture ClimateAki 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 Aki is 17.4 °C (63.3 °F). The average annual rainfall is 2,099.5 mm (82.66 in) with June as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.4 °C (81.3 °F), and lowest in January, at around 7.5 °C (45.5 °F).[2] The highest temperature ever recorded in Aki was 36.5 °C (97.7 °F) on 21 August 2016; the coldest temperature ever recorded was −6.7 °C (19.9 °F) on 26 February 1981.[3]
DemographicsPer Japanese census data, the population of Aki in 2020 is 16,243 people.[4] Aki has been conducting censuses since 1950.
HistoryAs with all of Kōchi Prefecture, the area of Aki 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 Aki was established within Aki District, Kōchi with the creation of the modern municipalities system on October 1, 1889. Aki was elevated to town status on November 21, 1895. On August 1, 1954 Aki merged with the villages of Ananai (穴内村), Ioki (伊尾木村), Kawakita (川北村), Higashigawa (東川村), Hatayama (畑山村), Inokuchi (井ノ口村), Doi (土居村), and Akano (赤野村) to form the city of Aki. GovernmentAki has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 14 members. Aki, together with the village of Geisei, contributes one member to the Kōchi Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Kōchi 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. EconomyTraditionally, forestry and charcoal production were mainstays of the local economy, along with commercial fishing and agriculture. In particular, the city is of the leading eggplant and yuzu production areas in Japan. EducationAki has nine public elementary schools and two public middle schools operated by the city government and one public middle school and two public high schools operated by the Kōchi Prefectural Department of Education. TransportationRailwayTosa Kuroshio Railway - Asa Line HighwaysLocal attractionsHistorical sites
Sites of interest
CultureAki City is an agricultural city where many farmers reside and thus, is well known for its locally grown eggplant (なす), dekopon, yuzu, and tobacco. It is also well known for a dish called chirimendon (ちりめん丼), a bowl of rice covered in tiny sardines, green onions, and tsuyu sauce. Every August, Aki City holds a Yosakoi (よさこい) festival and parade in the city. Since Yosakoi dance originated in Kōchi Prefecture, many cities around the prefecture hold smaller-scale festivals in relation to the main three-day Yosakoi festival in Kōchi, which draws groups of performers from all over Japan. Aki City's festival is one of the larger festivals held on the east side of Kochi Prefecture, and takes place over two weekends in August. Various groups from around the city, nearby cities, as well as groups from Tokushima Prefecture and Ehime Prefecture come and perform in the Aki City Yosakoi festival in preparation for the three-day festival in Kōchi. Another well-known festival held in Aki City is the Aki City Candle-Light Festival and Illumination Event. This event takes place over two days and is held around the mid-end of December. The festivities take place in front of the Aki City train station where local music groups, junior high school bands, and high school bands perform while various local restaurants set-up stalls to sell food, drinks, and other local products. The event takes place around the birthday of Iwasaki Yatarō and is thus included in the festivities. There is also a very large display of handmade candles set up around the station, and nearby residence often participate by setting up Christmas "illuminations" and elaborate light displays. Since Kōchi Prefecture is well known for shodo (書道) or calligraphy, the Aki City Calligraphy Museum holds a nationwide calligraphy contest every May, and another contest for high school students every July/August. Calligraphy from all over Japan is sent in to be judged by highly regarded calligraphy teachers from the prefecture, and later displayed in a public exhibition. Along with this contest, Aki City also holds a general arts (photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, wood-work) contest every September/October in the Aki City Shuminkaikan. Other than these larger events, Aki City is also the host to various small festivals, local music performances, art exhibitions, and events. In addition, every November, Aki City is host to the "Turtle Marathon," a marathon held for people ages 30 and over from all over Japan. References
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Aki, Kochi.  Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Aki.
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