Demographics

In Akita Prefecture, it has the third largest population after Akita City and Yokote City. Per Japanese census data, the population of Daisen peaked at around the year 1960 and has been in steady decline since then.

History

The area of present-day Daisen was part of ancient Dewa Province. During the Edo period, the area came under the control of the Satake clan, who had been relocated to Kubota Domain from their former holdings in Hitachi Province. After the start of the Meiji period, and the establishment of the modern municipalities system, the area became part of Semboku District, Akita Prefecture in 1878.

The city of Daisen was established on March 22, 2005, from the merger of the city of Ōmagari, the towns of Kamioka, Kyōwa, Nakasen, Nishisenboku, Ōta and Semboku, and the village of Nangai (all from Semboku District).

The city now has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 28 members. The city contributes five members to the Akita Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Akita 3rd District of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

The economy of Daisen is based on agriculture and the area is noted for its rice production. Numerous sake brewers are located in Daisen.

Education

Daisen has 20 public elementary schools and 13 public middle schools operated by the city government and five public high schools operated by the Akita Prefectural Board of Education. There is also one private high school. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped.

Transportation

Railways

20px East Japan Railway Company - Akita Shinkansen

20px East Japan Railway Company - Ōu Main Line

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20px East Japan Railway Company - Tazawako Line

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Highways

Sister cities

  • Tettnang, Germany
  • Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
  • Temecula, California, United States

Media

  • FM Hanabi

Local attractions

  • Former Ikeda Family Gardens, National Place of Scentic Beauty
  • Hotta-no-saku, National Historic Site

Notable people from Daisen

  • Gotō Chūgai, writer
  • Eiji Gotō, admiral in the Imperial Japanese Navy
  • Kazuo Koike, manga writer
  • Nobuhide Minorikawa, politician
  • Kazuo Oga
  • Hitoshi Okuda, Manga artist
  • Sukeshiro Terata, politician

References

  • Official Website