Higashikurume, Tokyo


Higashikurume is a city located in the western portion of Tokyo Metropolis, Japan., the city had an estimated population of 116,896, and a population density of 9076 persons per km². Its total area is.

Geography

Higashikurume is in the north-center of Tokyo Metropolis, on the Musashino Terrace, approximately 25 kilometers from downtown Tokyo.

Surrounding municipalities

The area of present-day Higashikurume was part of ancient Musashi Province. In the post-Meiji Restoration cadastral reform of April 1, 1889, Kurume Village were established within Kitatama District of Kanagawa Prefecture. The entire district was transferred to the control of Tokyo Prefecture on April 1, 1893. The area began development after connection to central Tokyo was established by the Musashino Railway from 1915. In 1956, the village of Kurume attained town status. In the 1960s and 1970s, the population rapidly expanded with the construction of large public housing estates. The city was founded on October 1, 1970.

Etymology of the city name

The origin of the name Kurume is unclear, but there are several theories:
At the time of the founding of the city, the name was changed to Higashikurume in order to avoid being confused for Kurume, Fukuoka. Since the new name already had already existed since 1915 as the name of the local train station, the name was already familiar to residents and adopted quickly.

Politics and government

Higashikurume is run by a city assembly of 22 members. The mayor is Katsumi Namiki, an independent candidate.

City council

The current city council was elected on April 26, 2015, with 21 council seats currently occupied.
Political partyNumber of representatives
Liberal Democratic Party6
Komeito5
Japanese Communist Party4
Democratic Party3
Citizen Autonomy Forum2
Others1

Former mayors

Higashikurume is primary a regional commercial center, and a bedroom community for central Tokyo.
Globeride has its headquarters and a factory in the city. Factories of Coca-Cola and Yamazaki Baking are also located in the city.

Education

Higashikurume has 13 public and one private elementary schools, seven public and two private middle school. The city also has two public and one private high school. Higashikurume is the site for Tokyo Gakugei University's International Student Dormitory, as well as the private Christian Academy in Japan.

Transportation

Railway