Komatsu, Ishikawa


Komatsu is a city located in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan., the city had an estimated population of 108,509 in 42664 households, and a population density of 290 persons per km². The total area of the city was.

Geography

Komatsu is located in southwestern Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokuriku region of Japan and is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the east and Fukui Prefecture to the south. It is located about an hour driving distance southwest from Kanazawa.

Neighbouring municipalities

Per Japanese census data, the population of Komatsu has increased over the past 40 years.
Census YearPopulation
197095,684
1980104,329
1990106,075
2000108,662
2010108,433

Climate

Komatsu has a humid continental climate characterized by mild summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Komatsu is 14.3 °C. The average annual rainfall is 2521 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.8 °C, and lowest in January, at around 2.9 °C.

History

The area around Komatsu was part of ancient Kaga Province. The area became part Kaga Domain under the Edo period Tokugawa shogunate. Komatsu housed the retirement castle of Maeda Toshitsune. While nearly all of the castle was demolished, its garden still remains as Rojou Park. In the spring, this is one of the prefecture's best spots for cherry blossom viewing. Following the Meiji restoration, the area was organised into Nomi District, Ishikawa. The town of Komatsu was established with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. Komatsu merged with surrounding municipalities to become a city on December 1, 1940.

Government

Komatsu has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 22 members.

Economy

Komatsu was traditionally known for the production of Kutani ware ceramics and for silk. Komatsu Limited, the Japanese multinational construction and mining equipment corporation, was founded in Komatsu in 1921.

Education

Komatsu has 26 public elementary schools and ten middle schools operated by the city government, and five public high schools operated by the Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education and one by the city government. There is also one private high school. Komatsu College, a private junior college is also located in Komatsu.

Transportation

Railway

- Hokuriku Main Line