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Coordinates: 35°43′18.9″N 139°55′51.8″E / 35.721917°N 139.931056°E / 35.721917; 139.931056
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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
| name = {{raise|0.2em|Ichikawa}}
| name = Ichikawa
| native_name = {{lower|0.1em|{{nobold|{{lang|ja|市川市}}}}}}
| native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ja|市川市}}}}
| official_name =
| official_name =
| native_name_lang = ja
| native_name_lang = ja
| settlement_type = [[Cities of Japan|City]]
| settlement_type = [[Cities of Japan|City]]
<!-- images, nickname, motto -->
<!-- images, nickname, motto -->
| image_skyline = Ichikawashiyakusyo.jpg
| image_skyline = Ichikawa montage.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = Ichikawa City Hall
| image_caption = {{crlf2}}
{{(!}} style="width:280px; margin:2px auto; border-collapse:collapse"
| image_flag = Flag of Ichikawa, Chiba.svg
{{!}} style="width:50%"{{!}}[[Moto-Yawata Station|Moto-Yawata]]{{!!}} style="width:50%"{{!}}[[Hokekyō-ji (Ichikawa)|Hokekyō-ji]]
| flag_alt =
{{!-}}
| image_seal = 千葉県市川市市章.svg
{{!}} style="width:50%"{{!}}Ichikawa Fireworks{{!!}} style="width:50%" rowspan="2" style="vertical-align:middle"{{!}}High-rise apartments in Yawata
| seal_alt =
{{!-}}
| image_shield =
{{!}} style="width:50%"{{!}}[[Keisei Electric Railway]] head office
| shield_alt =
{{!-}}
| image_blank_emblem =
{{!}} style="width:50%"{{!}}[[Shimōsa Kokubun-ji]]{{!!}} style="width:50%"{{!}}Satomi Park
| nickname =
{{!)}}
| motto =
| image_flag = Flag of Ichikawa, Chiba.svg
<!-- maps and coordinates -->
| image_map = Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg
| flag_alt =
| map_alt =
| image_seal = 千葉県市川市市章.svg
| map_caption = Location of Ichikawa in [[Chiba Prefecture]]
| seal_alt =
| pushpin_map = Japan
| image_shield =
| shield_alt =
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| pushpin_map_alt =
| image_blank_emblem =
| nickname =
| pushpin_map_caption = &nbsp;
| motto = <!-- maps and coordinates -->
| coordinates = {{coord|35|43|18.9|N|139|55|51.8|E|region:JP|display=inline,title}}
| image_map = Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg
| coor_pinpoint = <!-- to specify exact location of coordinates (was coor_type) -->
| map_alt =
| coordinates_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| map_caption = Location of Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture
<!-- location -->
| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| pushpin_map = Japan
| pushpin_label_position = <!-- position of the pushpin label: left, right, top, bottom, none -->
| subdivision_name = Japan
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| pushpin_map_alt =
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| pushpin_map_caption = &nbsp;
| coordinates = {{coord|35|43|18.9|N|139|55|51.8|E|region:JP|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type2 = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| coor_pinpoint = <!-- to specify exact location of coordinates (was coor_type) -->
| subdivision_name2 = [[Chiba Prefecture]]
| coordinates_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| subdivision_type3 =
<!-- location -->| subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]]
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_name = Japan
<!-- established -->
| subdivision_type1 = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| established_title = <!-- Settled -->
| subdivision_name1 = [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| established_date =
| founder =
| subdivision_type2 = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| named_for =
| subdivision_name2 = [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| subdivision_type3 =
<!-- seat, smaller parts -->
| seat_type = <!-- defaults to: Seat -->
| subdivision_name3 = <!-- established -->
| established_title = First official recorded
| seat =
| established_date = 100 AD (official)
<!-- government type, leaders -->
| established_title2 = Town settled
| government_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| established_date2 = April 1, 1889
| leader_party =
| established_title3 = City settled
| leader_title = Mayor
| established_date3 = November 3, 1934
| leader_name = Hiroshi Okubo (since December 2009)
| leader_title1 =
| founder =
| leader_name1 = <!-- etc., up to leader_title4 / leader_name4 -->
| named_for = <!-- seat, smaller parts -->
| seat_type = <!-- defaults to: Seat -->
<!-- display settings -->
| total_type = <!-- to set a non-standard label for total area and population rows -->
| seat = <!-- government type, leaders -->
| unit_pref = <!-- enter: Imperial, to display imperial before metric -->
| government_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| leader_party =
<!-- area -->
| area_magnitude = <!-- use only to set a special wikilink -->
| leader_title = Mayor
| area_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| leader_name = [[:ja:田中　甲|Ko Tanaka]] (since April 2022)
| area_total_km2 = 57.45
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 = <!-- etc., up to leader_title4 / leader_name4 -->
| area_land_km2 =
<!-- display settings -->| total_type = <!-- to set a non-standard label for total area and population rows -->
| area_water_km2 =
| unit_pref = <!-- enter: Imperial, to display imperial before metric -->
| area_water_percent =
| area_note =
<!-- area -->| area_magnitude = <!-- use only to set a special wikilink -->
| area_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
<!-- elevation -->
| area_total_km2 = 57.45
| elevation_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| elevation_m =
| area_land_km2 =
| area_water_km2 =
<!-- population -->
| area_water_percent =
| population_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| population_total = 481790
| area_note = <!-- elevation -->
| elevation_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| population_as_of = February 2016
| elevation_m = <!-- population -->
| population_density_km2 = 8390
| population_footnotes = <!-- for references: use <ref> tags -->
| population_est =
| pop_est_as_of =
| population_total = 492,749
| population_as_of = January 31, 2024
| population_demonym = <!-- demonym, ie. Liverpudlian for someone from Liverpool -->
| population_note =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_est =
<!-- time zone(s) -->
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time]]
| pop_est_as_of =
| population_demonym = <!-- demonym, ie. Liverpudlian for someone from Liverpool -->
| utc_offset1 = +9
| timezone1_DST =
| population_note = <!-- time zone(s) -->
| utc_offset1_DST =
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time]]
| utc_offset1 = +9
<!-- postal codes, area code -->
| postal_code_type =
| timezone1_DST =
| postal_code =
| utc_offset1_DST = <!-- postal codes, area code -->
| area_code_type = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) -->
| postal_code_type =
| area_code =
| postal_code =
| area_code_type = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) -->
<!-- blank fields (section 1) -->
| area_code = <!-- blank fields (section 1) -->
| blank_name_sec1 = City Symbols
| blank1_name_sec1 = - Tree
| blank_name_sec1 = City Symbols
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Pinus thunbergii]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = - Tree
| blank2_name_sec1 = - Flower
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Pinus thunbergii]]
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Rose]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = - Flower
| blank3_name_sec1 = - Bird
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Rose]]
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Cettia diphone]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = - Bird
| blank4_name_sec1 =
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Cettia diphone]]
| blank4_info_sec1 =
| blank4_name_sec1 =
| blank5_name_sec1 =
| blank4_info_sec1 =
| blank5_info_sec1 =
| blank5_name_sec1 =
| blank6_name_sec1 =
| blank5_info_sec1 =
| blank6_info_sec1 =
| blank6_name_sec1 =
| blank7_name_sec1 =
| blank6_info_sec1 =
| blank7_info_sec1 =
| blank7_name_sec1 =
<!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
| blank7_info_sec1 = <!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
| blank_name_sec2 = Phone&nbsp;number
| blank_name_sec2 = Phone&nbsp;number
| blank_info_sec2 = 047-334-1111
| blank_info_sec2 = 047-334-1111
| blank1_name_sec2 = Address
| blank1_name_sec2 = Address
| blank1_info_sec2 = 1-1-1 Yawata, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba-ken 272-8501
| blank1_info_sec2 = 1-1-1 Yawata, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba-ken 272-8501
<!-- website, footnotes -->
<!-- website, footnotes -->
| website = [http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/ http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/]
| website = {{Official|1=http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}
[[file:Ichikawashiyakusyo.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Ichikawa City Hall]]

{{Nihongo|'''Ichikawa'''|市川市|Ichikawa-shi}} is a city in western [[Chiba Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. {{As of|2024|01|31}}, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 492,749 in 256,229 households and a [[population density]] of 8577 persons per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="Ichikawa-hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/gen01/1111000001.html |title= Ichikawa city official statistics|location= Japan|language= ja}}</ref> The total area of the city is {{convert|57.45|sqkm|sqmi}}. The city has a concentration of the wide-area traffic network{{clarify|date=March 2024}} that connects the center of Tokyo with many areas of Chiba Prefecture. Major rail routes and roads pass through the city.
{{Nihongo|'''Ichikawa'''|市川市|Ichikawa-shi}} is a [[Cities of Japan|city]] located in [[Chiba Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. It is approximately 20 kilometers from the center of [[Tokyo]]. The city was founded on November 3, 1934.

As of February 1, 2016, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 481,790, and a [[population density]] of 8,390 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. The total area is {{convert|57.45|km²|2|abbr=on}}.

Ichikawa is also the home of the chief of the ground staff of the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] and the [[Colton Plaza]] shopping mall. Its close proximity to Tokyo makes it a convenient location for commuters; it is connected to Tokyo by the JR [[Chuo-Sobu Line]], the [[Toei Shinjuku Line]], the [[Tokyo Metro Tozai Line]], the [[Toei Asakusa Line]], and the [[Keisei Line]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
Ichikawa is located in the northwestern part of Chiba prefecture, about 20 kilometers from the prefectural capital at [[Chiba (city)|Chiba]] and within 10 to 20 kilometers from the center of Tokyo. The western border of the city is separated from Edogawa Ward of Tokyo by the [[Edogawa River]]. The southern part of the city is an [[alluvial plain]] about two meters above sea level, and the northern part is part of the gentle [[Shimosa Plateau]] rising about 20 meters above sea level. The highest point is 30.1 meters in Satomi Park. Parts of the city are on reclaimed land at sea level.
Ichikawa is located on the [[alluvial plain]] of the [[Edogawa River]] on the northern end of [[Tokyo Bay]], with [[Tokyo Metropolis]] forming its western border. Much of the city is near sea level in altitude.


===Surrounding municipalities===
===Surrounding municipalities===
Line 130: Line 126:
*[[Kamagaya, Chiba|Kamagaya]]
*[[Kamagaya, Chiba|Kamagaya]]
Tokyo Metropolis
Tokyo Metropolis
*[[Edogawa, Tokyo|Edogawa-ku]]
*[[Edogawa, Tokyo|Edogawa]]

===Climate===
Ichikawa has a [[humid subtropical climate]] (Köppen ''Cfa'') characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Ichikawa is 15.4&nbsp;°C. The average annual rainfall is 1404&nbsp;mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.0&nbsp;°C, and lowest in January, at around 4.9&nbsp;°C.<ref>[https://en.climate-data.org/asia/japan/chiba/ichikawa-764629/ Ichikawa climate data]</ref>

==Demographics==
Per Japanese census data,<ref>[https://www.citypopulation.de/php/japan-chiba.php Ichikawa population statistics]</ref> the population of Ichikawa has increased fifteen-fold over the past century.

{{Historical populations
| 1920 | 31,676
| 1930 | 52,972
| 1940 | 75,257
| 1950 | 120,565
| 1960 | 157,301
| 1970 | 261,055
| 1980 | 364,244
| 1990 | 436,596
| 2000 | 448,642
| 2010 | 473,919
| 2020 | 496,676
|align = none
| footnote =
}}


==History==
==History==
The area around present-day Ichikawa has been inhabited since the [[Japanese Paleolithic]] period. Archaeologists have found [[stone tool]]s dating to some 30,000 years ago. Numerous [[shell midden]]s from the [[Jōmon period]], and hundreds of [[kofun|burial tumuli]] from the [[Kofun period]] have been found in numerous locations around Ichikawa. During the [[Nara period]], Ichikawa was the provincial capital of [[Shimōsa Province]] and is mentioned in the ''[[Man'yōshū]]''. During the [[Heian period]], this area was the center of the rebellion by [[Taira Masakado]]. During the [[Sengoku period]], it was the site of a major battles ([[Battle of Kōnodai (1538)|Battle of Kōnodai]]) between the [[Satomi clan]] and the [[Later Hōjō clan]].
The area around present-day Ichikawa has been inhabited since the [[Japanese Paleolithic]] period. Archaeologists have found [[stone tool]]s dating to some 30,000 years ago. Numerous [[shell midden]]s from the [[Jōmon period]], and hundreds of [[kofun|burial tumuli]] from the [[Kofun period]] have been found in numerous locations around Ichikawa. During the [[Nara period]], Ichikawa was the provincial capital of [[Shimōsa Province]] and is mentioned in the ''[[Man'yōshū]]''. During the [[Heian period]], this area was the center of the rebellion by [[Taira Masakado]]. During the [[Sengoku period]], it was the site of a major battles ([[Battle of Kōnodai (1538)|Battle of Kōnodai]]) between the [[Satomi clan]] and the [[Later Hōjō clan]].


In more recent history, the area was also the site of some minor battles during the [[Boshin War]] of the [[Meiji Restoration]] and was promoted as a possible site for the new [[Diet of Japan]] by [[Katsu Kaishu]], who envisioned a structure to be built on the [[Edogawa River]] similar to the [[Houses of Parliament]] in [[London]] along the [[Thames River|Thames]]. Ichikawa Town was organized in 1889. On November 3, 1934 it merged with the neighboring towns of Yawata, Nakayama and village of Kokubun to form the city of Ichikawa. The city expanded by annexing the village of Okashiwa on November 3, 1949, the town of Gyotoku on March 31, 1955 and town of Minami-Gyotoku on October 1, 1956.
In more recent history, the area was also the site of some minor battles during the [[Boshin War]] of the [[Meiji Restoration]] and was promoted as a possible site for the new [[Diet of Japan]] by [[Katsu Kaishu]], who envisioned a structure to be built on the [[Edogawa River]] similar to the [[Houses of Parliament]] in [[London]] along the [[River Thames]]. Ichikawa Town was organized in 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system. On November 3, 1934 Ichikawa merged with the neighboring towns of Yawata, Nakayama and village of Kokubun to form the city of Ichikawa. The city expanded by annexing the village of Okashiwa on November 3, 1949, the town of Gyotoku on March 31, 1955 and town of Minami-Gyotoku on October 1, 1956.

==Government==
Ichikawa has a [[mayor-council]] form of government with a directly elected mayor and a [[unicameral]] city council of 42 members. Ichikawa contributes six members to the Chiba Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the [[Chiba 5th district]] and the [[Chiba 6th district]] of the [[House of Representatives of Japan|lower house]] of the [[Diet of Japan]].

==Economy==
Ichikawa during the [[Meiji period]] was considered a desirable location for politicians, industrialists and many cultural figures, and had the highest assessed land prices in Chiba Prefecture. Many modern writers and poets have either lived in Ichikawa, or had written works set in Ichikawa, including [[Soseki Natsume]], [[Shiki Masaoka]], [[Akiko Yosano]], [[Yukio Mishima]], [[Nagai Kafu]], [[Hisashi Inoue]] and [[Koda Rohan]]. The area around [[Ichikawa Station]] and [[Motoyawata Station]] later developed into a commercial area with many high-rise condominiums, commercial facilities, and companies. The area around Motoyawata Station is also an administrative center where many city facilities such as the city hall are located.

The Gyotoku district in the south is an area which once had [[salt evaporation pond|salt pans]] in the Edo Period, but was transformed in modern times into [[new town]] developments with good access to Tokyo via the [[Tokyo Metro]] [[Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line|Tozai Line]]. The bay area along the Keiyo Line and [[Japan National Route 357]] (Metropolitan Expressway Bayshore Line / [[Higashi Kanto Expressway]]) is an industrial area as part of the Tokyo-Chiba industrial zone, and is a distribution base where factories and warehouses of various companies are lined up.


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
===Railway===
===Railway===
*[[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) - [[Sōbu Line (Rapid)]]
[[File:JR logo (east).svg|20px]] [[JR East]] – [[Sōbu Line (Rapid)]]
**{{STN|Ichikawa}}
*{{STN|Ichikawa}}
*[[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) - [[Chūō-Sōbu Line]]
[[File:JR logo (east).svg|20px]] [[JR East]] – [[Chūō-Sōbu Line]]
**{{STN|Ichikawa}} - {{STN|Motoyawata}} - {{STN|Shimōsa-Nakayama}}
*{{STN|Ichikawa}} - {{STN|Motoyawata}}
*[[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) - [[Musashino Line]]
[[File:JR logo (east).svg|20px]] [[JR East]] – [[Musashino Line]]
**{{STN|Ichikawa-Ōno}}
*{{STN|Ichikawa-Ōno}}
*[[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) - [[Keiyō Line]]
[[File:JR logo (east).svg|20px]] [[JR East]] – [[Keiyō Line]]
**{{STN| Ichikawa-Shiohama }} - {{STN| Futamata-Shimmachi }}
*{{STN| Ichikawa-Shiohama }} - {{STN| Futamata-Shimmachi }}
*[[Keisei Electric Railway]] - [[Keisei Main Line]]
[[File:Keisei Logo.svg|33px]] [[Keisei Electric Railway]] - [[Keisei Main Line]]
**{{STN|Kōnodai}} - {{STN| Ichikawa-Mama }} - {{STN|Sugano}} - {{STN| Keisei Yawata}} - {{STN|Onigoe}} - {{STN|Keisei Nakayama}}
*{{STN|Kōnodai}} - {{STN| Ichikawa-Mama }} - {{STN|Sugano}} - {{STN| Keisei Yawata}} - {{STN|Onigoe}}
*[[Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation]] - [[Toei Shinjuku Line|Shinjuku Line]]
[[File:PrefSymbol-Tokyo.svg|20px]] [[Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation]] - [[Toei Shinjuku Line|Shinjuku Line]]
** {{STN|Moto-Yawata}}
* {{STN|Moto-Yawata}}
*[[Tokyo Metro]] - [[Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line|Tōzai Line]]
[[File:Tokyo Metro logo (full).svg|22px]] [[Tokyo Metro]] - [[Tokyo Metro Tōzai Line|Tōzai Line]]
** {{STN|Minami-Gyōtoku}} - {{STN| Gyōtoku}} - {{STN|Myōden}} - {{STN|Baraki-Nakayama}}
* {{STN|Minami-Gyōtoku}} - {{STN| Gyōtoku}} - {{STN|Myōden}}
*[[Hokusō Railway]] - [[Hokusō Line]]
[[file:Hokuso railway logo.png|40px]] [[Hokusō Railway]] - [[Hokusō Line]]
** {{STN|Kita-Kokubun}} - {{STN|Ōmachi|Chiba}} - {{STN|Myōden}} - {{STN|Baraki-Nakayama}}
* {{STN|Kita-Kokubun}} - <''{{STN|Akiyama}}'' - ''{{STN|Higashi-Matsudo}}'' - ''{{STN|Matsuhidai}}''> - {{STN|Ōmachi|Chiba}}


===Highway===
===Highway===
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E51|dab1=J}}
*[[Higashi-Kantō Expressway]]
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E14|dab1=K}}
*[[Keiyō Road]]
*[[Bayshore Route]]
* [[file:Shuto Urban Expwy Sign B.svg|22px]] [[Bayshore Route]]
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|14}}
*[[Japan National Route 14]]
*[[Japan National Route 298]]
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|298}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|357}}
*[[Japan National Route 296]]
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|464}}
*[[Japan National Route 357]]
*[[Japan National Route 464]]


==Education==
==Education==
Line 175: Line 200:


====Primary and secondary schools====
====Primary and secondary schools====
*Ichikawa has 39 public elementary schools and three private elementary schools. The city has 27 public middle schools and five private combined middle/high schools, including [[Ichikawa Gakuen]]. The city also has seven public high schools and two private high schools.
*Ichikawa has 39 public elementary schools and three private elementary schools. The city has 27 public junior high schools and five private combined middle/high schools, including [[Ichikawa Gakuen]]. The city also has seven public high schools and two private high schools.


==Twin towns – sister cities==
==Twin towns==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Japan}}
* {{flagicon|IDN}} [[Medan]], [[North Sumatera]], [[Indonesia]], from November 4, 1989.<ref name="Medan Twinnings">[https://web.archive.org/web/20070423025117/http://pemkomedan.go.id/news_detail.php?id=106 http://www.pemkomedan.go.id/news_detail.php?id=106 MEDAN MENJALIN HUBUNGAN KOTA KEMBAR KEEMPAT] Retrieved September 10, 2013 Archived 23 April 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.city.ichikawa.chiba.jp/koku/homon/medan_e.htm Medan City]</ref>
Ichikawa is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:<ref>{{cite web |title=A Sight-seeing Guide to Ichikawa City's International Exchanges|url=http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/common/000295020.pdf|website=city.ichikawa.lg.jp|publisher=Ichikawa|date=November 2018|access-date=2020-04-08}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Gardena, California]], United States from November 6, 1962<ref>[http://www.city.ichikawa.chiba.jp/koku/homon/gade_e.htm Gardena]</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* {{flagicon|USA}} [[Port Townsend, Washington]], United States from October, 2002<ref>[http://www.ltgov.wa.gov/washington-sister-cities/ Washington's Sister Cities - Lt. Governor's Office]</ref>
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Gardena, California|Gardena]], United States (1962)
* {{flagicon|PRC}} [[Leshan]], [[People's Republic of China]], from October 21, 1981<ref>[http://www.city.ichikawa.chiba.jp/koku/homon/raku_e.htm LESHAN CITY 楽山市] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828052401/http://www.city.ichikawa.chiba.jp/koku/homon/raku_e.htm |date=2009-08-28 }}</ref> (Hometown of [[Guo Moruo]], resident in Ichikawa 1927-37)
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Issy-les-Moulineaux]], France (2012)
* {{flagicon|GER}} [[Rosenheim]], Germany, from July 14, 2004.<ref>[http://www.city.ichikawa.chiba.jp/koku/homon/rosen_e.htm Rosenheim]</ref>
* {{flagicon|KOR}} [[Wonju]], [[South Korea]]
*{{flagicon|CHN}} [[Leshan]], China (1981)
*{{flagicon|IDN}} [[Medan]], Indonesia (1989)
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Rosenheim]], Germany (2004)
{{div col end}}


==Local attractions==
==Local attractions==
Line 193: Line 221:
* Zoological & Botanical Garden: This garden houses 70 species of animals, mainly small animals such as [[lesser panda]]s and [[orangutan]]s. Nearby is the Natural Museum, Nature Park (Rose Garden), Youth Nature House (Planetarium), and privately managed athletic facilities.
* Zoological & Botanical Garden: This garden houses 70 species of animals, mainly small animals such as [[lesser panda]]s and [[orangutan]]s. Nearby is the Natural Museum, Nature Park (Rose Garden), Youth Nature House (Planetarium), and privately managed athletic facilities.
* Teramachi-dori: Formerly called "Narita-michi" ("Narita Road"), this street was once used by pilgrims on their way to [[Narita-san]] Temple.
* Teramachi-dori: Formerly called "Narita-michi" ("Narita Road"), this street was once used by pilgrims on their way to [[Narita-san]] Temple.
* [[Guhō-ji]] and the nearby Mama Well of [[Kamei-in]], mentioned in [[Takahashi Mushimaro]]'s poem in the [[Man'yōshū]]
* Guhō-ji and the nearby Mama Well of [[Kamei-in]], mentioned in [[Takahashi Mushimaro]]'s poem in the [[Man'yōshū]].
* [[Higashiyama Kaii]] Memorial Hall: Designed based on Germany, where Higashiyama studied, this two-story building is European in appearance with an octagonal tower.
* [[Higashiyama Kaii Memorial Hall]]: Designed based on Germany, where Higashiyama studied, this two-story building is European in appearance with an octagonal tower.
* Lifelong Learning Center: Nicknamed "Media Park Ichikawa," this center supports learning for everyone from infants to seniors. The center's main attraction is the Central Library, along with the Audio Visual and Children's Hall.
* Lifelong Learning Center: Nicknamed "Media Park Ichikawa," this center supports learning for everyone from infants to seniors. The center's main attraction is the Central Library, along with the Audio Visual and Children's Hall.
* Clean Spa Ichikawa: Powered by heat from garbage incineration, this facility provides a swimming pool, warm bath, and gymnastic equipment.
* Clean Spa Ichikawa: Powered by heat from garbage incineration, this facility provides a swimming pool, warm bath, and gymnastic equipment.


==Noted people from Ichikawa==
==Notable people from Ichikawa==
*[[Sakaigawa Namiemon]] – Meiji period sumo wrestler
*[[Masa Takanashi]], professional wrestler
*[[Wakashima Gonshirō]] – Meiji period sumo wrestler
*[[Sakaigawa Namiemon]], Meiji period sumo wrestler
*[[Wakashima Gonshirō]], Meiji period sumo wrestler
*[[Kōji Nakano]] – novelist
*[[Kōji Nakano (writer)|Kōji Nakano]], novelist
*[[Kuniko Inoguchi]] – Cabinet minister
*[[Kuniko Inoguchi]], Cabinet minister
*[[Michio Hoshino]] – photographer
*[[Kazuki Kosakai]] – comedian
*[[Michio Hoshino]], photographer
*[[Yūko Andō (news anchor)|Yūko Andō]] – newscaster
*[[Kazuki Kosakai]], comedian
*[[Yūko Andō (news anchor)|Yūko Andō]], newscaster
*[[Koji Ishikawa (illustrator)|Koji Ishikawa]] – illustrator
*[[Koji Ishikawa (illustrator)|Koji Ishikawa]], illustrator
*[[Taiji (musician)|Taiji]] – musician
*[[Taiji (musician)|Taiji]], musician
*[[yukihiro (musician)]] – musician
*[[yukihiro (musician)]], musician
*[[Kazuo Takahashi]] – mixed martial artist
*[[Kazuo Takahashi]], mixed martial artist
*[[Shigeki Maruyama]] – professional golfer
*[[Shigeki Maruyama]], professional golfer
*[[Oginishiki Yasutoshi]] – sumo wrestler
*[[Oginishiki Yasutoshi]] – sumo wrestler
*[[Tomo Sakurai]] – Voice actress
*[[Tomo Sakurai]], Voice actress
*[[Tōki Susumu]] – sumo wrestler
*[[Tōki Susumu]], sumo wrestler
*[[Ryoji Aikawa]] – professional baseball player
*[[Ryoji Aikawa]], professional baseball player
*[[Ryoji Aikawa]] – professional soccer player
*[[Ryoji Aikawa]], professional soccer player
*[[Kazushige Nosawa]] – professional wrestler
*[[Kazushige Nosawa]], professional wrestler
*[[G.G. Sato]] – professional baseball player
*[[G.G. Sato]], professional baseball player
*[[Moe Oshikiri]] – fashion model
*[[Moe Oshikiri]], fashion model
*[[Yuki Abe]] – professional soccer player
*[[Yuki Abe]], professional soccer player
*[[Atsuko Maeda]] – singer, actress, former member of [[AKB48]]
*[[Atsuko Maeda]], singer, actress, former member of [[AKB48]]
*[[Norimitsu Onishi]] – Journalist
*[[Norimitsu Onishi]], Journalist
*[[Tatsuhisa Suzuki]] – Voice actor
*[[Tatsuhisa Suzuki]], Voice actor
*[[Peter Takeo Okada]] – Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tokyo
*[[Peter Takeo Okada]], Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tokyo
*[[Yoko Narahashi]] - Prominent Japanese film producer and casting director
*[[Yoko Narahashi]], film producer and casting director
*[[Tao Okamoto]], actress and model
*[[Yoshino Takamori]], Voice actress


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/ Official Website] {{ja icon}}
*[http://www.city.ichikawa.lg.jp/ Official Website] {{in lang|ja}}


{{Chiba}}
{{Chiba}}
{{Most populous cities in Japan}}

{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Ichikawa, Chiba| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Chiba Prefecture]]
[[Category:Cities in Chiba Prefecture]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1934]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1934]]

Revision as of 05:06, 16 March 2024

Ichikawa
市川市
City
Moto-Yawata Hokekyō-ji Ichikawa Fireworks High-rise apartments in Yawata Keisei Electric Railway head office Shimōsa Kokubun-ji Satomi Park
Moto-Yawata Hokekyō-ji
Ichikawa Fireworks High-rise apartments in Yawata
Keisei Electric Railway head office
Shimōsa Kokubun-ji Satomi Park
Flag of Ichikawa
Flag
Official seal of Ichikawa
Seal
Location of Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture
Location of Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture
Ichikawa is located in Japan
Ichikawa
Ichikawa
 
Coordinates: 35°43′18.9″N 139°55′51.8″E / 35.721917°N 139.931056°E / 35.721917; 139.931056
CountryJapan
RegionKantō
PrefectureChiba
First official recorded100 AD (official)
Town settledApril 1, 1889
City settledNovember 3, 1934
Government
 • MayorKo Tanaka (since April 2022)
Area
 • Total57.45 km2 (22.18 sq mi)
Population
 (January 31, 2024)
 • Total492,749
 • Density8,600/km2 (22,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
- TreePinus thunbergii
- FlowerRose
- BirdCettia diphone
Phone number047-334-1111
Address1-1-1 Yawata, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba-ken 272-8501
WebsiteOfficial website
Ichikawa City Hall

Ichikawa (市川市, Ichikawa-shi) is a city in western Chiba Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 January 2024, the city had an estimated population of 492,749 in 256,229 households and a population density of 8577 persons per km2.[1] The total area of the city is 57.45 square kilometres (22.18 sq mi). The city has a concentration of the wide-area traffic network[clarification needed] that connects the center of Tokyo with many areas of Chiba Prefecture. Major rail routes and roads pass through the city.

Geography

Ichikawa is located in the northwestern part of Chiba prefecture, about 20 kilometers from the prefectural capital at Chiba and within 10 to 20 kilometers from the center of Tokyo. The western border of the city is separated from Edogawa Ward of Tokyo by the Edogawa River. The southern part of the city is an alluvial plain about two meters above sea level, and the northern part is part of the gentle Shimosa Plateau rising about 20 meters above sea level. The highest point is 30.1 meters in Satomi Park. Parts of the city are on reclaimed land at sea level.

Surrounding municipalities

Chiba Prefecture

Tokyo Metropolis

Climate

Ichikawa has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Ichikawa is 15.4 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1404 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.0 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.9 °C.[2]

Demographics

Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Ichikawa has increased fifteen-fold over the past century.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1920 31,676—    
1930 52,972+67.2%
1940 75,257+42.1%
1950 120,565+60.2%
1960 157,301+30.5%
1970 261,055+66.0%
1980 364,244+39.5%
1990 436,596+19.9%
2000 448,642+2.8%
2010 473,919+5.6%
2020 496,676+4.8%

History

The area around present-day Ichikawa has been inhabited since the Japanese Paleolithic period. Archaeologists have found stone tools dating to some 30,000 years ago. Numerous shell middens from the Jōmon period, and hundreds of burial tumuli from the Kofun period have been found in numerous locations around Ichikawa. During the Nara period, Ichikawa was the provincial capital of Shimōsa Province and is mentioned in the Man'yōshū. During the Heian period, this area was the center of the rebellion by Taira Masakado. During the Sengoku period, it was the site of a major battles (Battle of Kōnodai) between the Satomi clan and the Later Hōjō clan.

In more recent history, the area was also the site of some minor battles during the Boshin War of the Meiji Restoration and was promoted as a possible site for the new Diet of Japan by Katsu Kaishu, who envisioned a structure to be built on the Edogawa River similar to the Houses of Parliament in London along the River Thames. Ichikawa Town was organized in 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system. On November 3, 1934 Ichikawa merged with the neighboring towns of Yawata, Nakayama and village of Kokubun to form the city of Ichikawa. The city expanded by annexing the village of Okashiwa on November 3, 1949, the town of Gyotoku on March 31, 1955 and town of Minami-Gyotoku on October 1, 1956.

Government

Ichikawa has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 42 members. Ichikawa contributes six members to the Chiba Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the Chiba 5th district and the Chiba 6th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

Ichikawa during the Meiji period was considered a desirable location for politicians, industrialists and many cultural figures, and had the highest assessed land prices in Chiba Prefecture. Many modern writers and poets have either lived in Ichikawa, or had written works set in Ichikawa, including Soseki Natsume, Shiki Masaoka, Akiko Yosano, Yukio Mishima, Nagai Kafu, Hisashi Inoue and Koda Rohan. The area around Ichikawa Station and Motoyawata Station later developed into a commercial area with many high-rise condominiums, commercial facilities, and companies. The area around Motoyawata Station is also an administrative center where many city facilities such as the city hall are located.

The Gyotoku district in the south is an area which once had salt pans in the Edo Period, but was transformed in modern times into new town developments with good access to Tokyo via the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. The bay area along the Keiyo Line and Japan National Route 357 (Metropolitan Expressway Bayshore Line / Higashi Kanto Expressway) is an industrial area as part of the Tokyo-Chiba industrial zone, and is a distribution base where factories and warehouses of various companies are lined up.

Transportation

Railway

JR East – Sōbu Line (Rapid)

JR East – Chūō-Sōbu Line

JR East – Musashino Line

JR East – Keiyō Line

Keisei Electric Railway - Keisei Main Line

Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation - Shinjuku Line

Tokyo Metro - Tōzai Line

Hokusō Railway - Hokusō Line

Highway

Education

Universities

Primary and secondary schools

  • Ichikawa has 39 public elementary schools and three private elementary schools. The city has 27 public junior high schools and five private combined middle/high schools, including Ichikawa Gakuen. The city also has seven public high schools and two private high schools.

Twin towns

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Japan

Ichikawa is twinned with:[4]

Local attractions

  • Nakayama Hokekyō-ji: A Buddhist temple with several national important cultural assets, including a gate and a Hokke-dō Hall from the Sengoku period and a Five-story Pagoda built in 1622.
  • Katsushika Hachiman Shrine: A Shinto shrine built in the Heian period.
  • Osu Disaster Prevention Park: Usually used as a recreation and relaxation site, this park is designated as a temporary evacuation and rescue site in times of disaster.
  • Satomi Park: One of Ichikawa's main parks, Satomi Park stands on the hilly part of Konōdai, with the Edo River running below. It is famous for its cherry trees.
  • Wild Bird Observatory: This facility is equipped with observation telescopes, and it has an exhibition room which is open to visitors.
  • Zoological & Botanical Garden: This garden houses 70 species of animals, mainly small animals such as lesser pandas and orangutans. Nearby is the Natural Museum, Nature Park (Rose Garden), Youth Nature House (Planetarium), and privately managed athletic facilities.
  • Teramachi-dori: Formerly called "Narita-michi" ("Narita Road"), this street was once used by pilgrims on their way to Narita-san Temple.
  • Guhō-ji and the nearby Mama Well of Kamei-in, mentioned in Takahashi Mushimaro's poem in the Man'yōshū.
  • Higashiyama Kaii Memorial Hall: Designed based on Germany, where Higashiyama studied, this two-story building is European in appearance with an octagonal tower.
  • Lifelong Learning Center: Nicknamed "Media Park Ichikawa," this center supports learning for everyone from infants to seniors. The center's main attraction is the Central Library, along with the Audio Visual and Children's Hall.
  • Clean Spa Ichikawa: Powered by heat from garbage incineration, this facility provides a swimming pool, warm bath, and gymnastic equipment.

Notable people from Ichikawa

References

  1. ^ "Ichikawa city official statistics" (in Japanese). Japan.
  2. ^ Ichikawa climate data
  3. ^ Ichikawa population statistics
  4. ^ "A Sight-seeing Guide to Ichikawa City's International Exchanges" (PDF). city.ichikawa.lg.jp. Ichikawa. November 2018. Retrieved 2020-04-08.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ichikawa, Chiba.
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