Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Aga has declined by nearly three-quarters over the past 70 years.

History

thumb|4 former municipalities in a merger in 2005 (blue area)

The area of present-day Aga was part of ancient Echigo Province, and was part of the territories held by Aizu Domain under the Edo period Tokugawa shogunate. After the Meiji restoration, the area was organised as part of Higashikanbara District, Niigata. The town of Aga was established on April 1, 2005, in a merger of the towns of Kamikawa and Kanose and the villages of Mikawa, and Tsugawa, all from Higashikanbara District.

Government

Aga has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 13 members. Aga, together with the city of Gosen contributes two members to the Niigata Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Niigata 11th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

The local economy is dominated by agriculture. The Kamikawa (上川) area of Aga is particularly famous for its Koshihikari rice, which is also used to make sake in two local breweries, which are also among the main employers of the district. The Mikawa (三川) area is also famous for mushrooms, and is host to a mushroom park where people can either pick their own mushrooms or choose from a wide variety of locally grown produce.

Education

Aga has three public elementary schools and two public middle school operated by the town government. The town has one public high school operated by the Niigata Prefectural Board of Education.

Transportation

thumb|[[Banetsu Monogatari at Tsugawa Station]]

Railway

20px JR East - Ban'etsu West Line

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Highway

Local attractions

National Historic Sites

  • Kosegasawa Cave, Jōmon period archaeological site
  • Muroya Cave, Jōmon period archaeological site

References

  • Official Website