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Coordinates: 36°8′50.6″N 139°23′19.1″E / 36.147389°N 139.388639°E / 36.147389; 139.388639
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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|Kumagaya}}
| name = Kumagaya
| official_name =
| official_name =
| native_name = {{lower|0.1em|{{nobold|{{lang|ja|熊谷市}}}}}}
| native_name = {{nobold|{{lang|ja|熊谷市}}}}
| settlement_type = [[Special cities of Japan|Special city]]
| settlement_type = [[Special cities of Japan|Special city]]
<!-- images, nickname, motto -->
<!-- images, nickname, motto -->
| image_skyline = Kumagaya city hall 2.jpg
| image_skyline = Kumagaya City Hall ac.jpg
| imagesize =
| imagesize =
| image_alt =
| image_alt =
Line 37: Line 37:
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name3 = <!-- established -->
| subdivision_name3 = <!-- established -->
| established_title = <!-- Settled -->
| established_title = First official recorded
| established_date =
| established_date = late 6th century AD (official)
| established_title2 = Town settled
| established_date2 = April 1, 1889
| established_title3 = City settled
| established_date3 = April 1, 1933
| founder =
| founder =
| named_for = <!-- seat, smaller parts -->
| named_for = <!-- seat, smaller parts -->
Line 46: Line 50:
| leader_party = Independent
| leader_party = Independent
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_title = Mayor
| leader_name = Kiyoshi Tomioka
| leader_name = [[:ja:小林哲也 (政治家)|Tetsuya Kobayashi]] (from November 2021)
| leader_title1 =
| leader_title1 =
| leader_name1 = <!-- etc., up to leader_title4 / leader_name4 -->
| leader_name1 = <!-- etc., up to leader_title4 / leader_name4 -->
Line 70: Line 74:
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time]]
| timezone1 = [[Japan Standard Time]]
| utc_offset1 = +9
| utc_offset1 = +9
<!-- postal codes, area code -->| postal_code_type =
<!-- postal codes, area code -->
| postal_code_type =
| postal_code =
| postal_code =
| area_code_type = <!-- defaults to: Area code(s) -->
| area_code_type =
<!-- defaults to: Area code(s) -->
| area_code = <!-- blank fields (section 1) -->
| area_code =
<!-- blank fields (section 1) -->
| blank_name_sec1 = City Symbols
| blank_name_sec1 = Phone&nbsp;number
| blank1_name_sec1 = - Tree
| blank_info_sec1 = 048-524-111
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Zelkova serrata]]
| blank1_name_sec1 = Address
| blank2_name_sec1 = - Flower
| blank1_info_sec1 = 2-47-1 Miyamachi, Kumagaya-shi 360-8601
<!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Sakura]]
| blank_name_sec2 = [[Köppen climate classification|Climate]]
| blank3_name_sec1 = - Bird
| blank3_info_sec1 = [[Eurasian skylark]]
| blank_info_sec2 = [[Humid subtropical climate|Cfa]]
| blank4_name_sec1 = - Fish
| blank4_info_sec1 = [[Pungitius]]
| blank5_name_sec1 =
| blank5_info_sec1 =
| blank6_name_sec1 =
| blank6_info_sec1 =
| blank7_name_sec1 =
| blank7_info_sec1 = <!-- blank fields (section 2) -->
| blank_name_sec2 = Phone&nbsp;number
| blank_info_sec2 = 048-524-111
| blank1_name_sec2 = Address
| blank1_info_sec2 = 2-47-1 Miyamachi, Kumagaya-shi 360-8601
<!-- website, footnotes -->
<!-- website, footnotes -->
| website = {{Official|1=http://www.city.kumagaya.lg.jp}}
| website = {{Official|1=http://www.city.kumagaya.lg.jp}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| module = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| tree = [[Zelkova serrata]]
| flower = [[Sakura]]
| bird = [[Eurasian skylark]]
| flowering_tree =
| butterfly =
| fish = [[Pungitius]]
| other_symbols =
}}
}}
}}


{{Nihongo|'''Kumagaya'''|熊谷市|Kumagaya-shi}} is a [[Cities of Japan|city]] located in [[Saitama Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. {{As of|2021|02|01}}, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 195,277 in 87,827 households and a [[population density]] of 1200 persons per km².<ref name="Kumagaya-hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.city.kumagaya.lg.jp/smph/about/gaiyo/kumagayasinojinkou.html |title= Kumagaya city official statistics|location= Japan|language= ja}}</ref> The total area of the city is {{convert|159.82|sqkm|sqmi}}.
{{Nihongo|'''Kumagaya'''|熊谷市|Kumagaya-shi}} is a [[Cities of Japan|city]] located in [[Saitama Prefecture]], [[Japan]]. {{As of|2021|02|01}}, the city had an estimated [[population]] of 195,277 in 87,827 households and a [[population density]] of 1200 persons per km<sup>2</sup>.<ref name="Kumagaya-hp">{{cite web |url=https://www.city.kumagaya.lg.jp/smph/about/gaiyo/kumagayasinojinkou.html |title= Kumagaya city official statistics|location= Japan|language= ja}}</ref> The total area of the city is {{convert|159.82|sqkm|sqmi}}.


==Geography==
==Geography==
Kumagaya is one of the largest cities in northern Saitama Prefecture. About two-thirds of the city area is located between the [[Tone River]] and the [[Arakawa River (Kanto)|Arakawa River]] [[alluvial fan]], approximately 60&nbsp;km from central Tokyo and 45&nbsp;km from the prefectural capital at [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama City]]. The highest point in the city is Mikajiri Kannon, which is located on the Kushibiki plateau at an altitude of 83.3 meters. The city is known for its abundant and high quality ground water.
Kumagaya is one of the largest cities in northern Saitama Prefecture. About two-thirds of the city area is located between the [[Tone River]] and the [[Arakawa River (Kanto)|Arakawa River]] [[alluvial fan]], approximately 60&nbsp;km from central Tokyo and 45&nbsp;km from the prefectural capital at [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama City]]. The highest point in the city is Mikajiri Kannon, which is located on the Kushibiki plateau at an altitude of 83.3 meters. The city is known for its abundant and high quality ground water.


==Surrounding municipalities==
===Surrounding municipalities===
[[Saitama Prefecture]]
[[Saitama Prefecture]]
* [[Gyōda, Saitama|Gyōda]]
* [[Gyōda, Saitama|Gyōda]]
Line 117: Line 121:
* [[Chiyoda, Gunma|Chiyoda]]
* [[Chiyoda, Gunma|Chiyoda]]


==Climate==
===Climate===
Kumagaya has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Kumagaya is 14.0&nbsp;°C. The average annual rainfall is 1532&nbsp;mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.8&nbsp;°C, and lowest in January, at around 2.4&nbsp;°C.<ref>[https://en.climate-data.org/asia/japan/saitama/kumagaya-3730/ Kumagaya climate data]</ref>
Kumagaya has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Cfa'') characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Kumagaya is 14.0&nbsp;°C. The average annual rainfall is 1532&nbsp;mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.8&nbsp;°C, and lowest in January, at around 2.4&nbsp;°C.<ref>[https://en.climate-data.org/asia/japan/saitama/kumagaya-3730/ Kumagaya climate data]</ref>


Kumagaya is known for being one of the hottest areas in summer in Japan. This is caused by very hot winds from Tokyo and the [[Chichibu]] basin in the west of the prefecture. In central Tokyo, the summer [[monsoon]] enhanced by [[sea breeze]] is heated by the [[urban heat island]]. Also, from the Chichibu Mountains, the [[Fohn]] blows. The two winds converge above the city at about 2 p.m.
Kumagaya is known for being one of the hottest areas in summer in Japan. This is caused by very hot winds from Tokyo and the [[Chichibu]] basin in the west of the prefecture. In central Tokyo, the summer [[monsoon]] enhanced by [[sea breeze]] is heated by the [[urban heat island]]. Also, from the Chichibu Mountains, the [[Föhn]] blows. The two winds converge above the city at about 2 p.m.


On August 16, 2007, the city recorded air temperature of {{convert|40.9|°C}}, breaking the 74-year record for the [[List of weather records|highest temperature recorded]] in Japan. {{Nihongo|"Very Hot! Kumagaya"|あついぞ!熊谷}} is a catchphrase of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/saitama/list/201805/CK2018052302000165.html|script-title=ja:「あついぞ!」→「夏の陣」 熊谷名物・大温度計看板がデザイン変え継続|website=東京新聞 TOKYO Web|language=ja|access-date=2019-04-08}}</ref> On July 23, 2018, the national record was broken again with a temperature of {{convert|41.1|°C}},<ref>https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/23/asia/japan-heatwave-deadly-intl/index.html</ref> surpassing the previous record of {{convert|41.0|°C}} recorded in [[Kōchi Prefecture]] in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/japan-heatwave-weather-temperatures-latest-updates-deaths-a8459351.html |title=Japan heatwave: Temperature hits new historic record 41.1C, says Japanese weather agency |publisher=[[The Independent]] |date=2018-07-23 |access-date=2018-07-23}}</ref>
On August 16, 2007, the city recorded air temperature of {{convert|40.9|°C}}, breaking the 74-year record for the [[List of weather records|highest temperature recorded]] in Japan. {{Nihongo|"Very Hot! Kumagaya"|あついぞ!熊谷}} is a catchphrase of the city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/saitama/list/201805/CK2018052302000165.html|script-title=ja:「あついぞ!」→「夏の陣」 熊谷名物・大温度計看板がデザイン変え継続|website=東京新聞 TOKYO Web|language=ja|access-date=2019-04-08}}</ref> On July 23, 2018, the national record was broken again with a temperature of {{convert|41.1|°C}},<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/23/asia/japan-heatwave-deadly-intl/index.html|title = Japan: Heat spikes to 41.1C near Tokyo as high temps to continue until August}}</ref> surpassing the previous record of {{convert|41.0|°C}} recorded in [[Kōchi Prefecture]] in August 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/japan-heatwave-weather-temperatures-latest-updates-deaths-a8459351.html |title=Japan heatwave: Temperature hits new historic record 41.1C, says Japanese weather agency |work=[[The Independent]] |date=2018-07-23 |access-date=2018-07-23}}</ref>


There was a large [[hail]]storm on June 29, 1917 at about 5 p.m. The [[hailstone]]s had a diameter of 29.5 centimetres and weighed 3.4 kilograms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jma-net.go.jp/kumagaya/kikou/hyou.html |script-title=ja:かぼちゃの大きさの雹(ひょう)について |website=Japan Meteorological Agency |access-date=January 14, 2018}}</ref>
There was a large [[hail]]storm on June 29, 1917 at about 5 p.m. The [[hailstone]]s had a diameter of 29.5 centimetres and weighed 3.4 kilograms.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jma-net.go.jp/kumagaya/kikou/hyou.html |script-title=ja:かぼちゃの大きさの雹(ひょう)について |website=Japan Meteorological Agency |access-date=January 14, 2018}}</ref>
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The [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] maintains a local meteorological observatory in Kumagaya.
The [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] maintains a local meteorological observatory in Kumagaya.


{{Weather box |width=auto
{{Weather box
|width=auto
|collapsed = Y
| location = Kumagaya, Saitama
| single line = Y
| single line = Y
| metric first = Y
| metric first = Y
| location = Kumagaya, Saitama (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1896−present)
|Jan record high C = 23.0
|Jan record high C = 23.0
|Feb record high C = 27.0
|Feb record high C = 27.0
Line 145: Line 151:
|Dec record high C = 26.3
|Dec record high C = 26.3
|year record high C =
|year record high C =
|Jan high C = 9.8

|Jan high C = 9.4
|Feb high C = 10.8
|Feb high C = 10.2
|Mar high C = 14.3
|Mar high C = 13.5
|Apr high C = 19.9
|Apr high C = 19.5
|May high C = 24.6
|May high C = 23.9
|Jun high C = 27.1
|Jun high C = 26.4
|Jul high C = 30.9
|Jul high C = 30.1
|Aug high C = 32.3
|Aug high C = 31.9
|Sep high C = 27.9
|Sep high C = 27.2
|Oct high C = 22.1
|Oct high C = 21.7
|Nov high C = 16.8
|Nov high C = 16.4
|Dec high C = 12.0
|Dec high C = 11.8
|Jan mean C = 4.3
|year high C =
|Feb mean C = 5.1
|Mar mean C = 8.6

|Jan mean C = 4.0
|Apr mean C = 13.9
|Feb mean C = 4.7
|May mean C = 18.8
|Mar mean C = 7.9
|Jun mean C = 22.3
|Apr mean C = 13.6
|Jul mean C = 26.0
|May mean C = 18.2
|Aug mean C = 27.1
|Jun mean C = 21.7
|Sep mean C = 23.3
|Jul mean C = 25.3
|Oct mean C = 17.6
|Aug mean C = 26.8
|Nov mean C = 11.7
|Sep mean C = 22.8
|Dec mean C = 6.5
|Oct mean C = 17.0
|Jan low C = -0.4
|Nov mean C = 11.2
|Feb low C = 0.3
|Dec mean C = 6.3
|Mar low C = 3.6
|year mean C =
|Apr low C = 8.6
|May low C = 13.9

|Jan low C = -0.7
|Jun low C = 18.3
|Feb low C = 0.0
|Jul low C = 22.3
|Mar low C = 3.1
|Aug low C = 23.3
|Apr low C = 8.4
|Sep low C = 19.7
|May low C = 13.4
|Oct low C = 13.7
|Jun low C = 17.8
|Nov low C = 7.2
|Jul low C = 21.7
|Dec low C = 1.8
|Aug low C = 23.0
|Sep low C = 19.3
|Oct low C = 13.0
|Nov low C = 6.7
|Dec low C = 1.6
|year low C =

|Jan record low C = -10.5
|Jan record low C = -10.5
|Feb record low C = -11.6
|Feb record low C = -11.6
Line 201: Line 200:
|Dec record low C = -9.8
|Dec record low C = -9.8
|year record low C =
|year record low C =

| precipitation colour = green
| precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 32.6
|Jan precipitation mm = 36.5
|Feb precipitation mm = 34.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 32.3
|Mar precipitation mm = 70.5
|Mar precipitation mm = 69.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 92.9
|Apr precipitation mm = 90.7
|May precipitation mm = 111.8
|May precipitation mm = 115.1
|Jun precipitation mm = 145.4
|Jun precipitation mm = 149.5
|Jul precipitation mm = 161.6
|Jul precipitation mm = 169.8
|Aug precipitation mm = 192.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 183.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 208.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 198.2
|Oct precipitation mm = 146.1
|Oct precipitation mm = 177.1
|Nov precipitation mm = 59.0
|Nov precipitation mm = 53.5
|Dec precipitation mm = 31.0
|Dec precipitation mm = 30.9
|year precipitation mm=
|Jan snow cm = 9
|Feb snow cm = 8
|Jan rain days = 3.1
|Mar snow cm = 3
|Feb rain days = 3.8
|Mar rain days = 7.6
|Apr rain days = 8.4
|May rain days = 9.6
|Jun rain days = 11.7
|Jul rain days = 12.1
|Aug rain days = 9.9
|Sep rain days = 11.4
|Oct rain days = 9.3
|Nov rain days = 5.4
|Dec rain days = 3.5
|Jan snow cm = 7
|Feb snow cm = 7
|Mar snow cm = 1
|Apr snow cm = 0
|Apr snow cm = 0
|May snow cm = 0
|May snow cm = 0
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|Nov snow cm = 0
|Nov snow cm = 0
|Dec snow cm = 1
|Dec snow cm = 1
|Jan humidity = 54
|year snow cm=
|Feb humidity = 54
|Jan humidity = 53
|Mar humidity = 57
|Feb humidity = 52
|Apr humidity = 61
|Mar humidity = 55
|May humidity = 66
|Apr humidity = 60
|May humidity = 64
|Jun humidity = 73
|Jun humidity = 73
|Jul humidity = 76
|Jul humidity = 76
|Aug humidity = 75
|Aug humidity = 74
|Sep humidity = 76
|Sep humidity = 75
|Oct humidity = 70
|Oct humidity = 71
|Nov humidity = 65
|Nov humidity = 65
|Dec humidity = 59
|Dec humidity = 58
|year humidity=
|Jan precipitation days = 3.8
|Feb precipitation days = 5.0
|Jan snow days = 1.1
|Mar precipitation days = 9.1
|Feb snow days = 1.2
|Apr precipitation days = 9.9
|Mar snow days = 0.6
|May precipitation days = 11.1
|Apr snow days = 0
|Jun precipitation days = 13.5
|May snow days = 0
|Jul precipitation days = 13.9
|Jun snow days = 0
|Aug precipitation days = 10.8
|Jul snow days = 0
|Sep precipitation days = 13.2
|Aug snow days = 0
|Oct precipitation days = 10.1
|Sep snow days = 0
|Nov precipitation days = 6.3
|Oct snow days = 0
|Dec precipitation days = 3.6
|Nov snow days = 0
|year precipitation days =
|Dec snow days = 0.1
|Jan sun = 217.0
|unit precipitation days = 0.5 mm
|Feb sun = 199.8

|Jan snow days = 3.6
|Mar sun = 203.2
|Feb snow days = 3.9
|Apr sun = 197.1
|Mar snow days = 2.1
|May sun = 192.0
|Apr snow days = 0.3
|Jun sun = 133.9
|May snow days = 0.0
|Jul sun = 146.0
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Aug sun = 169.3
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Sep sun = 131.6
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Oct sun = 144.1
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Nov sun = 171.6
|Oct snow days = 0.0
|Dec sun = 200.9
|year sun=
|Nov snow days = 0.0
|Dec snow days = 1.0
|year snow days =
|unit snow days = 0 cm
|Jan sun = 210.6
|Feb sun = 192.2
|Mar sun = 196.0
|Apr sun = 190.2
|May sun = 182.0
|Jun sun = 125.5
|Jul sun = 136.9
|Aug sun = 166.5
|Sep sun = 120.8
|Oct sun = 148.2
|Nov sun = 169.9
|Dec sun = 203.2
|source = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (Avreages: 1981-2010, Extremes: 1896-present)<ref>
|source = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]] (Avreages: 1981-2010, Extremes: 1896-present)<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
Line 294: Line 291:


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Per Japanese census data,<ref>[https://www.citypopulation.de/php/japan-saitama.php Kumagaya population statistics]</ref> the population of Kumagaya has increased rapidly from the 1960s.
Per Japanese census data,<ref>[https://www.citypopulation.de/php/japan-saitama.php Kumagaya population statistics]</ref> the population of Kumagaya peaked around the year 2000 and has declined since.


{{Historical populations
{{Historical populations
Line 303: Line 300:
| 1990 | 200,246
| 1990 | 200,246
| 2000 | 206,446
| 2000 | 206,446
| 2010 | 203,192
| 2010 | 203,180
| 2020 | 194,415
|align = none
|align = none
| footnote =
| footnote =
Line 358: Line 356:
* {{Nihongo|Kiyoshi Tomioka|富岡清}}: August 3, 2003 to September 30, 2005—21st
* {{Nihongo|Kiyoshi Tomioka|富岡清}}: August 3, 2003 to September 30, 2005—21st
* {{Nihongo|Fumio Yoshihara|吉原文雄}}: October 1, 2005 to November 5, 2005—Interim mayor
* {{Nihongo|Fumio Yoshihara|吉原文雄}}: October 1, 2005 to November 5, 2005—Interim mayor
* {{Nihongo|Kiyoshi Tomioka|富岡清}}: November 6, 2005 to present
* {{Nihongo|Kiyoshi Tomioka|富岡清}}: November 6, 2005 to November 5, 2021
* {{Nihongo|Tetsuya Kobayashi|小林哲也}}
November 6, 2021 to present{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}


==Economy==
==Economy==
Line 444: Line 444:


===Highway===
===Highway===
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E6|dab1=J}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|17}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|17}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|125}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|125}}
Line 452: Line 451:
==Twin towns and sister cities==
==Twin towns and sister cities==
Kumagaya is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
Kumagaya is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:
*{{flagdeco|New Zealand}} [[Invercargill]], New Zealand<ref>[http://www.icc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/SisterCity.aspx]</ref>
*{{flagdeco|New Zealand}} [[Invercargill]], New Zealand<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.icc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/SisterCity.aspx|title=Sister Cities|access-date=2014-10-19|archive-date=2014-11-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112033456/http://www.icc.govt.nz/YourCouncil/SisterCity.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Local attractions==
==Local attractions==
*[[Kangi-in]] temple with architecture designated as a National Treasure
{{expand section|date=March 2016}}


==Noted people from Kumagaya==
==Notable people from Kumagaya==
*[[Kensei Hasegawa]], Politician
*[[Kensei Hasegawa]], Politician
*[[Masami Kuwashima]], racing driver
*[[Dump Matsumoto]], professional wrestler
*[[Peach Momoko]], artist and writer


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 14:15, 16 April 2024

Kumagaya
熊谷市
Kumagaya City office
Kumagaya City office
Flag of Kumagaya
Official seal of Kumagaya
Location of Kumagaya in Saitama Prefecture
Location of Kumagaya in Saitama Prefecture
Kumagaya is located in Japan
Kumagaya
Kumagaya
Coordinates: 36°8′50.6″N 139°23′19.1″E / 36.147389°N 139.388639°E / 36.147389; 139.388639
CountryJapan
RegionKantō
PrefectureSaitama
First official recordedlate 6th century AD (official)
Town settledApril 1, 1889
City settledApril 1, 1933
Government
 • MayorTetsuya Kobayashi (from November 2021) (Ind.)
Area
 • Total159.82 km2 (61.71 sq mi)
Population
 (January 2021)
 • Total195,277
 • Density1,200/km2 (3,200/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)
Phone number048-524-111
Address2-47-1 Miyamachi, Kumagaya-shi 360-8601
ClimateCfa
WebsiteOfficial website
Symbols
BirdEurasian skylark
FishPungitius
FlowerSakura
TreeZelkova serrata

Kumagaya (熊谷市, Kumagaya-shi) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 February 2021, the city had an estimated population of 195,277 in 87,827 households and a population density of 1200 persons per km2.[1] The total area of the city is 159.82 square kilometres (61.71 sq mi).

Geography[edit]

Kumagaya is one of the largest cities in northern Saitama Prefecture. About two-thirds of the city area is located between the Tone River and the Arakawa River alluvial fan, approximately 60 km from central Tokyo and 45 km from the prefectural capital at Saitama City. The highest point in the city is Mikajiri Kannon, which is located on the Kushibiki plateau at an altitude of 83.3 meters. The city is known for its abundant and high quality ground water.

Surrounding municipalities[edit]

Saitama Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture

Climate[edit]

Kumagaya has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Kumagaya is 14.0 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1532 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.8 °C, and lowest in January, at around 2.4 °C.[2]

Kumagaya is known for being one of the hottest areas in summer in Japan. This is caused by very hot winds from Tokyo and the Chichibu basin in the west of the prefecture. In central Tokyo, the summer monsoon enhanced by sea breeze is heated by the urban heat island. Also, from the Chichibu Mountains, the Föhn blows. The two winds converge above the city at about 2 p.m.

On August 16, 2007, the city recorded air temperature of 40.9 °C (105.6 °F), breaking the 74-year record for the highest temperature recorded in Japan. "Very Hot! Kumagaya" (あついぞ!熊谷) is a catchphrase of the city.[3] On July 23, 2018, the national record was broken again with a temperature of 41.1 °C (106.0 °F),[4] surpassing the previous record of 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) recorded in Kōchi Prefecture in August 2013.[5]

There was a large hailstorm on June 29, 1917 at about 5 p.m. The hailstones had a diameter of 29.5 centimetres and weighed 3.4 kilograms.[6]

The Japan Meteorological Agency maintains a local meteorological observatory in Kumagaya.

Climate data for Kumagaya, Saitama (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1896−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 23.0
(73.4)
27.0
(80.6)
26.9
(80.4)
32.7
(90.9)
36.2
(97.2)
39.8
(103.6)
41.1
(106.0)
40.9
(105.6)
39.7
(103.5)
33.8
(92.8)
27.6
(81.7)
26.3
(79.3)
41.1
(106.0)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 9.8
(49.6)
10.8
(51.4)
14.3
(57.7)
19.9
(67.8)
24.6
(76.3)
27.1
(80.8)
30.9
(87.6)
32.3
(90.1)
27.9
(82.2)
22.1
(71.8)
16.8
(62.2)
12.0
(53.6)
20.7
(69.3)
Daily mean °C (°F) 4.3
(39.7)
5.1
(41.2)
8.6
(47.5)
13.9
(57.0)
18.8
(65.8)
22.3
(72.1)
26.0
(78.8)
27.1
(80.8)
23.3
(73.9)
17.6
(63.7)
11.7
(53.1)
6.5
(43.7)
15.4
(59.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −0.4
(31.3)
0.3
(32.5)
3.6
(38.5)
8.6
(47.5)
13.9
(57.0)
18.3
(64.9)
22.3
(72.1)
23.3
(73.9)
19.7
(67.5)
13.7
(56.7)
7.2
(45.0)
1.8
(35.2)
11.0
(51.8)
Record low °C (°F) −10.5
(13.1)
−11.6
(11.1)
−8.7
(16.3)
−4.5
(23.9)
0.3
(32.5)
7.8
(46.0)
11.8
(53.2)
13.0
(55.4)
8.4
(47.1)
0.5
(32.9)
−4.0
(24.8)
−9.8
(14.4)
−11.6
(11.1)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 36.5
(1.44)
32.3
(1.27)
69.0
(2.72)
90.7
(3.57)
115.1
(4.53)
149.5
(5.89)
169.8
(6.69)
183.3
(7.22)
198.2
(7.80)
177.1
(6.97)
53.5
(2.11)
30.9
(1.22)
1,305.9
(51.43)
Average snowfall cm (inches) 7
(2.8)
7
(2.8)
1
(0.4)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
0
(0)
1
(0.4)
16
(6.4)
Average rainy days 3.1 3.8 7.6 8.4 9.6 11.7 12.1 9.9 11.4 9.3 5.4 3.5 95.8
Average snowy days 1.1 1.2 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.1 3
Average relative humidity (%) 53 52 55 60 64 73 76 74 75 71 65 58 65
Mean monthly sunshine hours 217.0 199.8 203.2 197.1 192.0 133.9 146.0 169.3 131.6 144.1 171.6 200.9 2,106.5
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency (Avreages: 1981-2010, Extremes: 1896-present)[7][8]

Demographics[edit]

Per Japanese census data,[9] the population of Kumagaya peaked around the year 2000 and has declined since.

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1950 126,910—    
1960 134,508+6.0%
1970 156,955+16.7%
1980 178,610+13.8%
1990 200,246+12.1%
2000 206,446+3.1%
2010 203,180−1.6%
2020 194,415−4.3%

History[edit]

Kumagaya was part of ancient Musashi Province and was controlled by various samurai clans from the Heian period. One of these clans, the Kumagaya clan, rose to prominence during the Kamakura period. During the Edo Period, the area was divided between the holdings of Oshi Domain and tenryō territory under direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate. Kumagai-shuku developed as a post town on the Nakasendō highway during this period. After the Meiji restoration, the town of Kumagaya was established with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889.

  • 1923: The village of Koizka (from Osato District) was annexed.
  • 1927: The village of Narita (from Kita-Saitama District) was annexed.
  • 1932: The village of Oohata (from Osato District) was annexed.
  • 1933: Kumagaya was elevated to city status.
  • 1941: The village of Sayada (from Osato District) was annexed.
  • 1945: Bombing of Kumagaya in World War II
  • 1954: The villages of Chujo, Beppu, Nara and Mishiri (all from Osato District) were annexed.
  • 1955: The villages of Yoshioka, Ooi and Hoshimiya (all from Osato District) were annexed.
  • 1967: 22nd National Sports Festival was held.
  • 1973: New City Hall was opened.
  • 1986: Central Park was opened.
  • 1988: Saitama Exhibition was held.
  • 1988: Sports Park was opened.
  • 1994: Beppu-marsh Park was opened.
  • 2004: 59th National Sports Festival was held.
  • 2005: The city of Kumagaya annexed the towns of Ōsato and Menuma (both from Ōsato District)
  • 2007: The town of Kōnan (from Ōsato District) was annexed.

Government[edit]

Kumagaya has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 30 members. Kumagaya contributes three members to the Saitama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the Saitama 11th district and Saitama 12th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Administration[edit]

  • The city has one city hall and three branch offices.
    • Kumagaya City Hall (熊谷市役所)
    • Menuma Branch Office (妻沼行政センター)
    • Ōsato Branch Office (大里行政センター)
    • Kōnan Branch Office (江南行政センター)

Mayors[edit]

  • Ryosaku Arai (新井良作): April 1933 to May 1939—1st, 2nd
  • Moya Saitou (齋籐茂八): June 1936 to April 1942—3rd
  • Takeo Yajima (矢島武男): April 1942 to November 1945—4th
  • Tadashi Negishi (根岸忠): January 1946 to March 1947—5th
  • Souichi Kamode (鴨田宗一): April 1947 to April 1958—6th to 8th
  • Seiichi Kurihara (栗原正一): May 1958 to May 1962—9th
  • Uminosuke Kuroda (黒田海之助): May 1962 to May 1982—10th to 14th
  • Toshio Masuda (増田敏男): May 1982 to June 1986—15th, 16th
  • Kazuo Kobayashi (小林一夫): August 1986 to August 2002—17th to 20th
  • Kiyoshi Tomioka (富岡清): August 3, 2003 to September 30, 2005—21st
  • Fumio Yoshihara (吉原文雄): October 1, 2005 to November 5, 2005—Interim mayor
  • Kiyoshi Tomioka (富岡清): November 6, 2005 to November 5, 2021
  • Tetsuya Kobayashi (小林哲也)

November 6, 2021 to present[citation needed]

Economy[edit]

Kumagaya is a major industrial and commercial center within northern Saitama. Eight national highways and three railway lines serve the city. While many people commute towards south Tokyo, its daytime population is larger than the night population thanks to commuters from surrounding towns.

Education[edit]

  • Kumagaya has one private university. There are 30 public elementary schools and 17 public middle schools operated by the city government, and seven public high schools operated by the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education. In addition, there are two public and six private vocational training schools. The prefecture also operates two special education schools for the handicapped.

Universities[edit]

Senior high schools[edit]

  • Kumagaya Boys' Senior High School (埼玉県立熊谷高等学校)
  • Nishi-Kumagaya Senior High School (埼玉県立熊谷西高等学校)
  • Kumagaya Girls' Senior High School (埼玉県立熊谷女子高等学校)
  • Menuma Senior High School (埼玉県立妻沼高等学校)
  • Kumagaya Industrial Senior High School (埼玉県立熊谷工業高等学校)
  • Kumagaya Agricultural Senior High School (埼玉県立熊谷農業高等学校)
  • Kumagaya Business Senior High School (埼玉県立熊谷商業高等学校)

Middle schools[edit]

  • Arakawa Middle School (熊谷市立荒川中学校)
  • Ōaso Middle School (熊谷市立大麻生中学校)
  • Ōsato Middle School (熊谷市立大里中学校)
  • Ōhata Middle School (熊谷市立大幡中学校)
  • Ōhara Middle School (熊谷市立大原中学校)
  • Higashi-Kumagaya Junior High School (熊谷市立熊谷東中学校)
  • Kounan Middle School (熊谷市立江南中学校)
  • Kojima Middle School (熊谷市立小島中学校)
  • Tamai Middle School (熊谷市立玉井中学校)
  • Chūjō Middle School (熊谷市立中条中学校)
  • Nara Middle School (熊谷市立奈良中学校)
  • Fujimi Middle School (熊谷市立富士見中学校)
  • Beppu Middle School (熊谷市立別府中学校)
  • Mishiri Middle School (熊谷市立三尻中学校)
  • Nishi-Menuma Middle School (熊谷市立妻沼西中学校)
  • Higashi-Menuma Middle School (熊谷市立妻沼東中学校)
  • Yoshioka Middle School (熊谷市立吉岡中学校)

Elementary schools[edit]

  • Ishiwara Elementary School(熊谷市立石原小学校)
  • Ōaso Elementary School (熊谷市立大麻生小学校)
  • Ōta Elementary School (熊谷市立太田小学校)
  • Ōhata Elementary School (熊谷市立大幡小学校)
  • Onuma Elementary School (熊谷市立男沼小学校)
  • Ichida Elementary School (熊谷市立市田小学校)
  • Kagohara Elementary School (熊谷市立籠原小学校)
  • Kuge Elementary School (熊谷市立久下小学校)
  • Nishi-Kumagaya Elementary School (熊谷市立熊谷西小学校)
  • Higashi-Kumagaya Elementary School (熊谷市立熊谷東小学校)
  • Minami-Kumagaya Elementary School (熊谷市立熊谷南小学校)
  • Kita-Kōnan Elementary School (熊谷市立江南北小学校)
  • Minami-Kōnan Elementary School (熊谷市立江南南小学校)
  • Kojima Elementary School (熊谷市立小島小学校)
  • Sakuragi Elementary School (熊谷市立桜木小学校)
  • Sayada Elementary School (熊谷市立佐谷田小学校)
  • Tamai Elementary School (熊谷市立玉井小学校)
  • Chūjō Elementary School (熊谷市立中条小学校)
  • Nara Elementary School (熊谷市立奈良小学校)
  • Nagai Elementary School (熊谷市立長井小学校)
  • Narita Elementary School (熊谷市立成田小学校)
  • Niibori Elementary School (熊谷市立新堀小学校)
  • Hata Elementary School (熊谷市立秦小学校)
  • Beppu Elementary School (熊谷市立別府小学校)
  • Hoshimiya Elementary School (熊谷市立星宮小学校)
  • Mishiri Elementary School (熊谷市立三尻小学校)
  • Menuma Elementary School (熊谷市立妻沼小学校)
  • Minami-Menuma Elementary School (熊谷市立妻沼南小学校)
  • Yoshioka Elementary School (熊谷市立吉岡小学校)
  • Yoshimi Elementary School (熊谷市立吉見小学校)

Transportation[edit]

Railway[edit]

JR EastJoetsu Shinkansen

JR EastJR East - Takasaki Line

Chichibu Railway - Chichibu Main Line

Highway[edit]

Twin towns and sister cities[edit]

Kumagaya is twinned with:

Local attractions[edit]

  • Kangi-in temple with architecture designated as a National Treasure

Notable people from Kumagaya[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Kumagaya city official statistics" (in Japanese). Japan.
  2. ^ Kumagaya climate data
  3. ^ 「あついぞ!」→「夏の陣」 熊谷名物・大温度計看板がデザイン変え継続. 東京新聞 TOKYO Web (in Japanese). Retrieved 2019-04-08.
  4. ^ "Japan: Heat spikes to 41.1C near Tokyo as high temps to continue until August".
  5. ^ "Japan heatwave: Temperature hits new historic record 41.1C, says Japanese weather agency". The Independent. 2018-07-23. Retrieved 2018-07-23.
  6. ^ かぼちゃの大きさの雹(ひょう)について. Japan Meteorological Agency. Retrieved January 14, 2018.
  7. ^ "平年値(年・月ごとの値)". 気象庁. Retrieved 2019-01-17.
  8. ^ "観測史上1~10位の値(年間を通じての値)". 気象庁. Retrieved 2019-01-17.
  9. ^ Kumagaya population statistics
  10. ^ "Sister Cities". Archived from the original on 2014-11-12. Retrieved 2014-10-19.

External links[edit]