Kōfu, Yamanashi

Kofu (甲府市, Kōfu-shi^?) is the capital city of Yamanashi, Japan.

As of March 1, 2006, the city now has an estimated population of 201,184. The total area is 212.41km².

Kōfu has been reputed through the years as a center where politics, economics, and culture have flourished. Rich in historical landmarks related to Takeda Shingen, the city also boasts museums, cultural centers, the famed and historic Yumura Onsen, and precious gem museums which display many examples from Kofu's world famous jewelry industry. The city is well-known for its natural splendor; two-thirds of the city area comprises mountains and forests.

Kofu

History

Kōfu's name means "capital of Kai Province." During the Sengoku period, it was the stronghold of Takeda Shingen.

The origin of the name of Kōfu is related to the ancestral name of Yamanashi Prefecture, as well as to the city's geographical location. Centuries ago, the area which today is referred to as Yamanashi Prefecture, was once known as Kai Province. At that time, the geographical denominations of ken (prefecture), were not yet in use, and instead, the area was categorized as a fu. Located in the center of Kai, Kōfu's name was derived from a combination of kanji used in both Kai and fu. Alternate pronunciation of the characters resulted in the modern name of Kōfu.

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of human settlement in the Kōfu area dating back as far as 8m000 years. However, the town of Kōfu was not formally established until 1519.

Kōfu is designated as the Special cities of Japan. The city once had only 193,795 people due to the population decline, but after the amagalation of Nakamichi and Kamikuishiki(northern) on March 1, 2006, the population went back up to 201,184.

Sister cities

• - Cheongju, a city of South Korea.
• - Chengdu, a city of southwest China.
• - Des Moines, the capital city of the State of Iowa, USA.
• - Lodi, a city in San Joaquin County, California, USA.
• - Pau, a city of southwestern France.
• - Yamatokoriyama, a city of Japan. It is famous for a goldfish.

Famous Places

• Kai-Zenkō temple
• Maizuru Castle Park
• Takeda Shrine
• Yumura Spa

Sport

A J-League football team, Ventforet Kofu is based in Kōfu. They currently play in the top division, called the J1.

Famous people

• Hidetoshi Nakata, Japanese football player who last played with the Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League, but has since retired following the 2006 World Cup.
• Naoko Takeuchi, Creator of Sailor Moon and other comics.
• Kelly Ferris, Popular English Teacher

External links

• (Japanese) Kofu official website

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Kōfu, Yamanashi

Coordinates: 35°39′26″N, 138°34′2″E

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