Website www.hinokage.jp Population 5,211 (2003) | Area 277.7 km² Local time Sunday 9:05 AM | |
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Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Weather 9°C, Wind S at 6 km/h, 54% Humidity Points of interest Yatokannon Falls, Goyodake, Tansukedake, Higakureyama, Kasamatsuyama | ||
1978 53 hinokage miyazaki
Hinokage (日之影町, Hinokage-chō) is a town located in Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
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Map of Hinokage, Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 5,211 and a density of 18.77 persons per km². The total area is 277.68 km².
Located next to the religio-historically significant town of Takachiho, Hinokage is known primarily for its three large bridges, traditional Kagura dances, and the work of Kazuo Hiroshima, a traditional weaver of bamboo baskets. Like many districts in rural Japan, the area has been struggling with an aging population and an exodus of young people to Tokyo and other major cities. The town's population peaked in the 1950s at 16,199 people, (Cort & Nakamura, 1994) but has steadily declined since the closure of the Mitate mine in March, 1970. (記念編纂部会, 1997) Between 2000 and 2005 four area elementary and middle schools were closed, and more closures are planned in the future.
The region was heavily damaged in the September, 2005 Typhoon Nabi / Number 14, and local rail service has been suspended indefinitely.