Takaoka, Toyama
Encyclopedia
is a city situated in the northwest of Toyama Prefecture
, Japan, and is the central city of its Western District. Takaoka covers the 8th largest surface area in Toyama prefecture
and has the second largest population after Toyama City. Takaoka became a city on 1 April 1889.
. The surface area of the city comprises of 36.96 km2 of real estate, 61.02 km2 of agricultural land, 22.69km2 of mountains and forests, 80.43 km2 of public property (parks etc), 6.10 km2 of wasteland, and 2.18 km2 of moorland.
The Takaoka region extends 19.2 km from north to south, 24.5 km from east to west with a perimeter of 125.9 km – which is roughly equal to the length of coastline in Toyama Prefecture (147 m). Takaoka borders four cities in Toyama Prefecture (Himi, Oyabe, Tonami, and Imizu) and two towns in Ishikawa Prefecture (Tsubata and Hondatsu Shimizu)
From its border with Himi down to the southwest area of the city, a range of mountains stretch for roughly 150 m to 300 m with a particularly high stretch of mountains centering around Mt. Futagami near Himi. Shogawa River and the Oyabegawa River run through Takaoka and tributaries weave their way though the city center. Including small rivers, a total of 10 rivers flow through the city. The Amaharashi coast lies to the north of the region. Just off the coast lies the island Otokoiwa. Another island, Onnaiwa, lies nearby and the view of this island against the backdrop of the Mount Tate
range of peaks is famous and features in promotional media for the region. A section of the Imizu plains runs from the central district of the city to the eastern district, and the Tonami plains which stretch from the West to the South are dotted with villages in certain areas.
can experience large quantities of snow in winter. Depending on the year, the city can experience extraordinarily heavy snowfall, like, for example in 2006 when snow piled 1.4m high and in 2011 1.27m was recorded. According to weather records, the average temperature in 2010 was 14.5°C, the average level of humidity was 79%, the yearly rainfall was roughly 2,665.5mm and there were 1,634 hours of sunlight.
, the Himi Line, and the Jōhana Line. Within the city, Manyōsen's
Shin-Minato Harbor
and Takaoka Kidō
lines offer transport.
.jpg)
Originally, the Takaoka region was called Sekino, but when Maeda Toshinaga
opened the city in 1609, he named it after a verse from the religious poem Shihen which includes the word Takaoka. In addition to this, the fact that Takaoka Castle was built on a slightly elevated shoreline is thought to be another possible origin for the name Takaoka, since Taka means "high" and "Oka" means "hill or elevated land".
The presentday suburbs of Takaoka formed the provincial capital of the former Ecchu Province, and Ōtomo no Yakamochi
took position as a government official in this area. During his five-year stay he wrote many waka poems. This is the reason for Takaoka being named Manyō City. Even today the main event at the annual Manyō Festival is the 20 Volume Manyō recital.
In 1609, when Maeda Toshinaga
of the Kaga Domain
entered Takaoka Castle, he officially opened the city of Takaoka. At the time of the opening of the city, it was reorganized for a population of less than 5,000 inhabitants and the Samurai Yashiki (residences) were positioned around the castle and towards the southern plateau.
However in 1615, when an edict was passed that there was to be only one castle in each feudal domain, Takaoka castle was destroyed. At the time, people said that cities without castles would fall into decline however Maeda Toshinaga
pursued policies regulating the relocation of Takaoka citizens and promoting the development of Takaoka as an industrial city. This resulted in the start of Takaoka’s role as a city of commerce and industry. Takaoka copperware and lacquerware also took off at this time.
More recently, on 1 April 1889, Takaoka was registered as one of Japan's first cities together with 30 cities nationwide, including Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture
. From this period, trade increased at Fushiki Port (now known as Fushiki Toyama Port).
On November 1, 2005 the town of Fukuoka
, from Nishitonami District
, was merged into the city of Takaoka. Nishitonami District
was dissolved as a result of this merger.
Machi in 2005, the Merger Association and a selection board chose the current symbol from a selection of those entered by the public. The current symbol symbolizes the same character (高) with the colors green – to show the nature in Takaoka and Fukuoka, and blue － to show the abundant supply of water in the region.
The city has two mascots – Yakamochi-kun, a character based on the famous waka poet Otomo no Yakamochi and Toshinaga-kun, a character based on the city’s founder Maeda Toshinaga.
, São Paulo
, Brazil Fort Wayne, Indiana
, United States Jinzhou
, Liaoning
, China
Mirandópolis
is situated roughly 600 km northwest of São Paulo, Brazil. The sister city relationship with Takaoka was initiated in 1974 and since then a variety of exchange activities have taken place including the Junior Goodwill Ambassador Exchange Program. Mirandopolis is also home to the Takaoka Japanese School where, since 1993, teachers have been sent to teach Japanese to the Brazilian-Japanese community living there.
Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana
after Indianapolis
. It has been a sister city with Takaoka since 1977.
Takaoka has been sister cities with Jinzhou
in China since 1985.
Takaoka also shares a cultural exchange relationship with the town of Beverley
, East Yorkshire
in the UK. Relations with the town of Fukuoka
(now merged with Takaoka city) began in 1997 thanks to a Beverley resident keen on breeding carp who made connections with a Japanese Koi breeder in Fukuoka. Thanks to this relationship, The Fukuoka ‘Yoyukai’ Gagaku group have performed in the UK and more recently, junior high school students from Takaoka have taken part in exchange trips to Yorkshire.
Reaching a height of nearly 16 m, the Great Buddha of Takaoka is the third biggest in Japan. The current Buddha made of Takaoka bronze was completed in 1933 after previous Buddhas made of wood burnt down. The Buddha is situated next to the Daibutsu Temple in the middle of a residential area in Takaoka town centre.
Kojo Park, the former site of the Takaoka castle, is situated a short walk from the centre of Takaoka. Within the park grounds there is the Imizu Shrine, the Takaoka Museum, Takaoka Zoo the Civic Hall, and Civic Gymnasium plus abundant nature. The Moat surrounding the centre of the park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
Completed in 1663, Zuiryū-ji temple, which can be found just south of Takaoka Station, is a designated National Treasure of Japan. This Zen temple was constructed to mourn for the death of Maeda Toshinaga
who fortified Takaoka and is celebrated as being reminiscent of architecture from the early Edo period
.
The Amaharashi Coast, located north of Takaoka city boasts sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the Onnaiwa Island against the backdrop of the Mt.Tate peaks.
Kanayamachi is an area of Takaoka which boasts traditional buildings, both warehouses and houses, which have been preserved since the Meiji period. It is the birthplace of the manufacture of Takaoka copperware.
Situated to the south of Takaoka station, the Aeon Mall is home to over 120 stores, restaurants and a cinema. It was opened in 2002 and is the biggest shopping mall in Toyama prefecture
.
The tradition of this festival started when Maeda Toshinaga
received a float from Hideyoshi, a powerful figure at the time, and gave it to the people of Takaoka. The festival features seven floats, crafted in the brightly colored Momoyama style, which make their way around the streets of Takaoka.
The Hikiyama festival in the port town of Fushiki is called ‘Kenkayama’ (fighting floats) by locals. During the day the floats are adorned with flowers, and at night they are decorated with paper lanterns. The floats are rammed into each other to the beat of the yamaga war drums.
The Goin festival celebrates the kindness of Maeda Toshinaga
who took care of the city’s casters, by worshipping documents with his seal on. During the festival, the Yagaefu dance (a processional dance performed with bamboo sticks) is also performed on the streets of Kanayamachi.
A large collection of around 1,000 tanabata of various sizes, including 20 m tall jumbo tanabata, make a large tunnel that serves as an archway into the town’s main street.
The Takaoka Tanabata Festival is a symbol of summertime, when the streets are lined with thousands of large tanabata to celebrate the union of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two deities who, according to legend, are only allowed to meet once a year.
The Tsukurimon festival is a festival with over 300 years of history. Sculptures depicting local sights and famous characters are made out of fruits and vegetables and displayed throughout the town.
Depicting current events and famous characters, scarecrows are made using everyday materials such as straw and wood and displayed around the main shopping area of the Nakada district.
This major autumn event celebrates the Manyō tradition with a marathon poetry recital lasting three days and three nights. The entire Manyō poetry anthology is recited by a large number of participants in a relay fashion.
Fresh fish and shellfish from the Sea of Japan are cooked in large cauldrons made with local casting techniques.
Toyama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources....
, Japan, and is the central city of its Western District. Takaoka covers the 8th largest surface area in Toyama prefecture
Toyama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources....
and has the second largest population after Toyama City. Takaoka became a city on 1 April 1889.
Geography
Takaoka covers an area of 209.42 km2 (20,942ha), which equates to roughly 5% of the surface area of Toyama prefectureToyama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources....
. The surface area of the city comprises of 36.96 km2 of real estate, 61.02 km2 of agricultural land, 22.69km2 of mountains and forests, 80.43 km2 of public property (parks etc), 6.10 km2 of wasteland, and 2.18 km2 of moorland.
The Takaoka region extends 19.2 km from north to south, 24.5 km from east to west with a perimeter of 125.9 km – which is roughly equal to the length of coastline in Toyama Prefecture (147 m). Takaoka borders four cities in Toyama Prefecture (Himi, Oyabe, Tonami, and Imizu) and two towns in Ishikawa Prefecture (Tsubata and Hondatsu Shimizu)
From its border with Himi down to the southwest area of the city, a range of mountains stretch for roughly 150 m to 300 m with a particularly high stretch of mountains centering around Mt. Futagami near Himi. Shogawa River and the Oyabegawa River run through Takaoka and tributaries weave their way though the city center. Including small rivers, a total of 10 rivers flow through the city. The Amaharashi coast lies to the north of the region. Just off the coast lies the island Otokoiwa. Another island, Onnaiwa, lies nearby and the view of this island against the backdrop of the Mount Tate
Mount Tate
is located in the southeastern area of Toyama Prefecture, Japan. It is one of the tallest peaks in the Hida Mountains at and, along with Mount Fuji and Mount Haku, it is one of Japan's . The climbing season for Mount Tate is from April until November. It was first climbed by Saeki no Ariyori...
range of peaks is famous and features in promotional media for the region. A section of the Imizu plains runs from the central district of the city to the eastern district, and the Tonami plains which stretch from the West to the South are dotted with villages in certain areas.
Climate
The climate of Takaoka is similar to that of much of the Japan Sea coast. All of the regions in Toyama PrefectureToyama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources....
can experience large quantities of snow in winter. Depending on the year, the city can experience extraordinarily heavy snowfall, like, for example in 2006 when snow piled 1.4m high and in 2011 1.27m was recorded. According to weather records, the average temperature in 2010 was 14.5°C, the average level of humidity was 79%, the yearly rainfall was roughly 2,665.5mm and there were 1,634 hours of sunlight.
Transportation
Takaoka is served by JR West's Takaoka Station with the Hokuriku Main LineHokuriku Main Line
The is a 358.3 kilometer line of the West Japan Railway Company from Maibara Station in Maibara, Shiga to Naoetsu Station in Jōetsu, Niigata. It serves the Hokuriku region on the northern central coast of Honshū, the largest island of Japan, as well as offering connections to the regions of...
, the Himi Line, and the Jōhana Line. Within the city, Manyōsen's
Manyosen
is an electric railway company based in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan, and operates two city tram lines: the Shinminatokō Line and the Takaoka Kidō Line....
Shin-Minato Harbor
Manyosen Shin-Minato Harbor Line
The is a rail line located in Imizu and Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. This line is operated by Man'yōsen.-Line data:*Total distance: 4.9 km*Gauge: 1067 mm*Stations: 8*Double Track Sections: none...
and Takaoka Kidō
Manyosen Takaoka Kido Line
The is a city tram line in Takaoka and Imizu, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. This line is operated by Man'yōsen.-Line data:*Total distance: 7.9 km*Gauge: 1067 mm*Stations: 17*Double Track Sections: Between Hirokōji Station and Yonejimaguchi Station...
lines offer transport.
History
Maeda Toshinaga
' was a Japanese daimyo who was the second head of the Kaga Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-hime....
opened the city in 1609, he named it after a verse from the religious poem Shihen which includes the word Takaoka. In addition to this, the fact that Takaoka Castle was built on a slightly elevated shoreline is thought to be another possible origin for the name Takaoka, since Taka means "high" and "Oka" means "hill or elevated land".
The presentday suburbs of Takaoka formed the provincial capital of the former Ecchu Province, and Ōtomo no Yakamochi
Otomo no Yakamochi
was a Japanese statesman and waka poet in the Nara period. He is a member of the . He was born into the prestigious Ōtomo clan; his grandfather was Ōtomo no Amaro and his father was Ōtomo no Tabito. Ōtomo no Kakimochi was his younger brother, and Ōtomo no Sakanoe no Iratsume his aunt...
took position as a government official in this area. During his five-year stay he wrote many waka poems. This is the reason for Takaoka being named Manyō City. Even today the main event at the annual Manyō Festival is the 20 Volume Manyō recital.
In 1609, when Maeda Toshinaga
Maeda Toshinaga
' was a Japanese daimyo who was the second head of the Kaga Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-hime....
of the Kaga Domain
Kaga Domain
The was a powerful feudal domain in Kaga, Noto and Etchū Provinces of Japan during the Edo period. The domain was founded by Maeda Toshiie and headed by the Maeda clan. Its income rating, over 1,000,000 koku, was the highest in the nation after the Tokugawa shogunate itself...
entered Takaoka Castle, he officially opened the city of Takaoka. At the time of the opening of the city, it was reorganized for a population of less than 5,000 inhabitants and the Samurai Yashiki (residences) were positioned around the castle and towards the southern plateau.
However in 1615, when an edict was passed that there was to be only one castle in each feudal domain, Takaoka castle was destroyed. At the time, people said that cities without castles would fall into decline however Maeda Toshinaga
Maeda Toshinaga
' was a Japanese daimyo who was the second head of the Kaga Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-hime....
pursued policies regulating the relocation of Takaoka citizens and promoting the development of Takaoka as an industrial city. This resulted in the start of Takaoka’s role as a city of commerce and industry. Takaoka copperware and lacquerware also took off at this time.
More recently, on 1 April 1889, Takaoka was registered as one of Japan's first cities together with 30 cities nationwide, including Hirosaki in Aomori Prefecture
Aomori Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku Region. The capital is the city of Aomori.- History :Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Aomori prefecture was known as Mutsu Province....
. From this period, trade increased at Fushiki Port (now known as Fushiki Toyama Port).
On November 1, 2005 the town of Fukuoka
Fukuoka, Toyama
was a town located in Nishitonami District, Toyama, Japan.On November 1, 2005, Fukuoka was merged into the city of Takaoka.The town festival is called Tsukurimon and features carvings and dioramas made from produce....
, from Nishitonami District
Nishitonami District, Toyama
Nishitonami is a district located in Toyama, Japan.As of November 1, 2004, the district has a population of 13,770. The total area was 58.76 km².Prior to dissolution, the district has only one town left.* Fukuoka...
, was merged into the city of Takaoka. Nishitonami District
Nishitonami District, Toyama
Nishitonami is a district located in Toyama, Japan.As of November 1, 2004, the district has a population of 13,770. The total area was 58.76 km².Prior to dissolution, the district has only one town left.* Fukuoka...
was dissolved as a result of this merger.
The Symbol of Takaoka
After Takaoka merged with FukuokaFukuoka, Toyama
was a town located in Nishitonami District, Toyama, Japan.On November 1, 2005, Fukuoka was merged into the city of Takaoka.The town festival is called Tsukurimon and features carvings and dioramas made from produce....
Machi in 2005, the Merger Association and a selection board chose the current symbol from a selection of those entered by the public. The current symbol symbolizes the same character (高) with the colors green – to show the nature in Takaoka and Fukuoka, and blue － to show the abundant supply of water in the region.
The city has two mascots – Yakamochi-kun, a character based on the famous waka poet Otomo no Yakamochi and Toshinaga-kun, a character based on the city’s founder Maeda Toshinaga.
Foreign population
As of 2011, the Brazilian population of Takaoka stands at roughly 1,430, the Chinese population at roughly 700, and the Philippine population at roughly 360.International relations
Takaoka has three sister cities: MirandópolisMirandópolis
Mirandópolis A região onde está localizada a cidade de Mirandópolis foi primitivamente habitada pelos índios Caiganges.Por volta de 1921, o tropeiro Ângelo Ribeiro Batista, já passava com seus comboios pela zona do espigão divisor das águas do Rio Tietê e do Rio Aguapeí, esse foi o homem que...
, São Paulo
São Paulo (state)
São Paulo is a state in Brazil. It is the major industrial and economic powerhouse of the Brazilian economy. Named after Saint Paul, São Paulo has the largest population, industrial complex, and economic production in the country. It is the richest state in Brazil...
, Brazil Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Fort Wayne is a city in the US state of Indiana and the county seat of Allen County. The population was 253,691 at the 2010 Census making it the 74th largest city in the United States and the second largest in Indiana...
, United States Jinzhou
Jinzhou
Jinzhou , is a prefecture-level city of Liaoning province, China. It is a geographically strategic city located in the "Liaoxi Corridor" , which connects land transportation between North China and Northeast China. Jinzhou is China's northernmost seaport and the coastal economic center of West...
, Liaoning
Liaoning
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the northeast of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "辽" , a name taken from the Liao River that flows through the province. "Níng" means "peace"...
, China
Mirandópolis
Mirandópolis
Mirandópolis A região onde está localizada a cidade de Mirandópolis foi primitivamente habitada pelos índios Caiganges.Por volta de 1921, o tropeiro Ângelo Ribeiro Batista, já passava com seus comboios pela zona do espigão divisor das águas do Rio Tietê e do Rio Aguapeí, esse foi o homem que...
is situated roughly 600 km northwest of São Paulo, Brazil. The sister city relationship with Takaoka was initiated in 1974 and since then a variety of exchange activities have taken place including the Junior Goodwill Ambassador Exchange Program. Mirandopolis is also home to the Takaoka Japanese School where, since 1993, teachers have been sent to teach Japanese to the Brazilian-Japanese community living there.
Fort Wayne is the second largest city in Indiana
Indiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
after Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
. It has been a sister city with Takaoka since 1977.
Takaoka has been sister cities with Jinzhou
Jinzhou
Jinzhou , is a prefecture-level city of Liaoning province, China. It is a geographically strategic city located in the "Liaoxi Corridor" , which connects land transportation between North China and Northeast China. Jinzhou is China's northernmost seaport and the coastal economic center of West...
in China since 1985.
Takaoka also shares a cultural exchange relationship with the town of Beverley
Beverley
Beverley is a market town, civil parish and the county town of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, located between the River Hull and the Westwood. The town is noted for Beverley Minster and architecturally-significant religious buildings along New Walk and other areas, as well as the Beverley...
, East Yorkshire
East Yorkshire
East Yorkshire could be:*East Yorkshire Motor Services*An alternative name for the East Riding of Yorkshire*East Yorkshire , a former district of Humberside*East Yorkshire...
in the UK. Relations with the town of Fukuoka
Fukuoka, Toyama
was a town located in Nishitonami District, Toyama, Japan.On November 1, 2005, Fukuoka was merged into the city of Takaoka.The town festival is called Tsukurimon and features carvings and dioramas made from produce....
(now merged with Takaoka city) began in 1997 thanks to a Beverley resident keen on breeding carp who made connections with a Japanese Koi breeder in Fukuoka. Thanks to this relationship, The Fukuoka ‘Yoyukai’ Gagaku group have performed in the UK and more recently, junior high school students from Takaoka have taken part in exchange trips to Yorkshire.
Places of interest
- The Great Buddha of Takaoka
Reaching a height of nearly 16 m, the Great Buddha of Takaoka is the third biggest in Japan. The current Buddha made of Takaoka bronze was completed in 1933 after previous Buddhas made of wood burnt down. The Buddha is situated next to the Daibutsu Temple in the middle of a residential area in Takaoka town centre.
- Kojo Park
Kojo Park, the former site of the Takaoka castle, is situated a short walk from the centre of Takaoka. Within the park grounds there is the Imizu Shrine, the Takaoka Museum, Takaoka Zoo the Civic Hall, and Civic Gymnasium plus abundant nature. The Moat surrounding the centre of the park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring.
- Zuiryū-ji Temple
Completed in 1663, Zuiryū-ji temple, which can be found just south of Takaoka Station, is a designated National Treasure of Japan. This Zen temple was constructed to mourn for the death of Maeda Toshinaga
Maeda Toshinaga
' was a Japanese daimyo who was the second head of the Kaga Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-hime....
who fortified Takaoka and is celebrated as being reminiscent of architecture from the early Edo period
Edo period
The , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate....
.
- The Amaharashi Coast
The Amaharashi Coast, located north of Takaoka city boasts sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the Onnaiwa Island against the backdrop of the Mt.Tate peaks.
- Kanayamachi
Kanayamachi is an area of Takaoka which boasts traditional buildings, both warehouses and houses, which have been preserved since the Meiji period. It is the birthplace of the manufacture of Takaoka copperware.
- Aeon Mall
Situated to the south of Takaoka station, the Aeon Mall is home to over 120 stores, restaurants and a cinema. It was opened in 2002 and is the biggest shopping mall in Toyama prefecture
Toyama Prefecture
is a prefecture of Japan located in the Hokuriku region on Honshū island. The capital is the city of Toyama.Toyama is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast, and has the industrial advantage of cheap electricity due to abundant water resources....
.
Festivals
- Takaoka Mikurumayama Festival (May 1)
The tradition of this festival started when Maeda Toshinaga
Maeda Toshinaga
' was a Japanese daimyo who was the second head of the Kaga Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-hime....
received a float from Hideyoshi, a powerful figure at the time, and gave it to the people of Takaoka. The festival features seven floats, crafted in the brightly colored Momoyama style, which make their way around the streets of Takaoka.
- Fushiki Hikiyama Festival (May 15)
The Hikiyama festival in the port town of Fushiki is called ‘Kenkayama’ (fighting floats) by locals. During the day the floats are adorned with flowers, and at night they are decorated with paper lanterns. The floats are rammed into each other to the beat of the yamaga war drums.
- Goin Festival (June 19/20)
The Goin festival celebrates the kindness of Maeda Toshinaga
Maeda Toshinaga
' was a Japanese daimyo who was the second head of the Kaga Domain. He was the eldest son of Maeda Toshiie and married one of Oda Nobunaga's daughters, Ei-hime....
who took care of the city’s casters, by worshipping documents with his seal on. During the festival, the Yagaefu dance (a processional dance performed with bamboo sticks) is also performed on the streets of Kanayamachi.
- Toide Tanabata Festival (July 3-7)
A large collection of around 1,000 tanabata of various sizes, including 20 m tall jumbo tanabata, make a large tunnel that serves as an archway into the town’s main street.
- Takaoka Tanabata Festival (Early August)
The Takaoka Tanabata Festival is a symbol of summertime, when the streets are lined with thousands of large tanabata to celebrate the union of Orihime and Hikoboshi, two deities who, according to legend, are only allowed to meet once a year.
- Fukuoka Machi Tsukurimon Festival (23/24 September)
The Tsukurimon festival is a festival with over 300 years of history. Sculptures depicting local sights and famous characters are made out of fruits and vegetables and displayed throughout the town.
- Nakada Scarecrow Festival (late September)
Depicting current events and famous characters, scarecrows are made using everyday materials such as straw and wood and displayed around the main shopping area of the Nakada district.
- Takaoka Manyō Festival (first weekend of October)
This major autumn event celebrates the Manyō tradition with a marathon poetry recital lasting three days and three nights. The entire Manyō poetry anthology is recited by a large number of participants in a relay fashion.
- Takaoka Nabe Festival (mid January)
Fresh fish and shellfish from the Sea of Japan are cooked in large cauldrons made with local casting techniques.
Notable persons
- Tadamasa HayashiTadamasa Hayashiwas a Japanese art dealer who introduced traditional Japanese art such as ukiyo-e to Europe.Tadamasa was born to a family of Physician the Nagasaki family...
(1853–1906), art dealer who contributed to the introduction of global art trends into Japan and the exportation of Japanese art around the world. - Jokichi TakamineJokichi Takaminewas a Japanese chemist.-Early life and education:Takamine was born in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, in November 1854. His father was a doctor; his mother a member of a family of sake brewers. He spent his childhood in Kanazawa, capital of present-day Ishikawa Prefecture in central Honshū, and was...
(1854–1922), scientist specializing in engineering and pharmacology. Joint founder of the RIKEN Natural Sciences Institute and first in the world to discover Adrenaline. - Sosen Mishima (1876–1934), author and theatre critic whose career took off at the start of the 20th century after his work ‘Kaiboshitsu’ (Dissecting Room) was published in the Chuo Koron journal.
- Kingetsu Murozaki (1891–1977), composer and founder of the Chuo School of Music, Tokyo. Famous for ‘Yuhi’ (Sunset), a song which he wrote about the view of sunset at Takaoka’s Kojo Park.
- Eichi Kanamori (1908–2001), a recognized important intangible cultural asset (a Living National Treasure) as a leading metal engraver of Takaoka copperware.
- Fujiko FujioFujiko Fujiowas a nom de plume of a manga writing duo formed by two Japanese manga artists. Their real names are and . They formed their partnership in 1951, and used the Fujiko Fujio name from 1954 until dissolution of the partnership in 1987....
(1933–1996), the Pen name of Hiroshi Fujimoto, who together with and Abiko Motoo, is famous for creating many popular characters including the world famous ‘Doraemon’. - Komin Ozawa (born 1941), a recognized important intangible cultural asset (a Living National Treasure), Ozawa is known as the master of the Chukin casting technique of making utensils and vessels by pouring molten metal into a mould.
- Jun FubukiJun Fubukiis a Japanese actress. She received a Japanese Academy Award Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in Muno no hito, and won at the Hochi Film Awards. This role also won Fubuki the "Best Actress" award at the Yokohama Film Festival...
(born 1952), actress, famous for her roles in films such as ‘Muno no Hito’ in 1991 for which she won the best actress award at the Yokohama film festival. - Yojiro TakitaYojiro TakitaYōjirō Takita , is a Japanese filmmaker.-Career:Yōjirō Takita entered the film industry throughMukai Productions, where he served as an assistant director...
(born 1955), filmmaker whose 2008 film OkuribitoDepartures (film)All compositions by Joe Hisaishi.#"Shine of Snow I" 1:12#"Nohkan" 3:10#"Kaisan" 0:53#"Good-Bye Cello" 2:16#"New Road" 1:15#"Model" 0:47#"First Contact" 1:51#"Washing" 0:34#"Kizuna I" 1:57#"Beautiful Dead I" 3:12#"Okuribito " 1:51...
won a US Academy award for Best Foreign Language Film.