| Munakata 宗像市 |
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  Munakata
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| Coordinates: 33°48′N 130°32′E / 33.8°N 130.533°E | |||
| Country | Japan | ||
| Region | Kyūshū | ||
| Prefecture | Fukuoka | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor | Hiromi Tanii | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 119.66 km2 (46.2 sq mi) | ||
| Population (April 2008) |
94,660 | ||
| - Density | 791/km2 (2,048.7/sq mi) | ||
| City Symbols | |||
| - Tree | Camphor laurel | ||
| - Flower | Japanese lily | ||
| Website | City of Munakata | ||
| Phone number | 0940-36-1121 | ||
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1-1-1 Tōgō, Munakata-shi, Fukuoka-ken |
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Munakata (宗像市 Munakata-shi) is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, in the north Chikuzen region of the prefecture.
As of April 1, 2008, the city has an estimated population of 94,660 and the density of 791 persons per km 2. The total area is 119.66 km².
The city was founded on April 1, 1981.
Efforts have been made to inculcate Japan-South Korea friendship, and also friendship with New Zealand in recent years.
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History
The area prospered by trade with China and Korea from ancient times. It has a world heritage candidate (Okinoshima) at Munakata Shrine. Munakata Shrine specifies itself as the territory of the god of Kyūshū during the Asuka period — ranging from Onga in the east, south to Wakamiya and Miyata, and Shingū in the west. During the age of civil wars a daimyo with leading Shinto priest and Munakata Ujisada of Munakata Shrine established Tsutagadake castle (Mount Jo). Through this, Munakata, Onga and Kurate were protected from invasion by other daimyos such as Tachibana Dōsetsu and the Ōtomo clan. There are also ghost stories connected with the area since the Yamada incident arose.
Munakata absorbed the town of Genkai, from Munakata District, on April 1, 2003 to create the expanded municipality of Munakata.
The village of Ōshima, also from Munakata District, was absorbed on March 28, 2005.
In the earthquake on March 20, 2005, damage was done in various parts of the city. The quake registered just under five on the Japanese seismic intensity scale.
Origin
The origin of the name Munakata is said to be from "Minokatachi" or "Minokata" from the enshrinement of three Munakata goddesses, descended from Susano-O and mentioned in the Kojiki.
Akama
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There has been much development in the Akama (赤間) area around the Akama Hotel, considered the city center. Tourist attractions include Munakata Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of traffic safety. Heihachiro Togo and Ashikaga Takauji once worshipped there.
Akama is a historical place and old rows of houses belonging to the Akama hotel still remain. Two now-ruined castles—Hakusan Castle and Tsutagadake Castle— were residences of daimyo. The Shinto priest and founder of Munakata Shrine was a local military leader in medieval times. It is also connected to the period in history when Takamori Saigō and Shinsaku Takasugi were in conflict with the national government.
The area is served by the Akama and Kyōikudaimae stations on the JR Kyūshū Kagoshima Main Line.
Sports facilities
- Global Arena
- Fukuoka Sanix Blues Genkai Ground, Kohnominato, Munakata, Fukuoka prefecture
- Sanix World Rugby Youth Invitational Tournament - since 2000
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Munakata, Fukuoka |
- Munakata official website in English
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