Demographics
The population of Kumano has decreased steadily over the past 60 years.
History
The area of the modern city of Kumano was within ancient Kii Province and was part of the holdings of the Kii Tokugawa clan, and administered as part of the Kii-Shingū Domain in the Edo period. After the Meiji restoration, the town of Kinomoto was established within Minamimuro District with the early Meiji period creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. The city of Kumano was established on November 3, 1954, by the merger of Kinomoto with the surrounding villages of Isato, Kamikawa, Arii, Atashika, Arasaki and Tomari (all from Minamimuro District).
On November 15, 2005, the town of Kiwa (also from Minamimuro District) was also merged into Kumano.
Government
Kumano has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 14 members. Kumano, collectively with the towns of Mihama of Kihō, contributes two members to the Mie Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Mie 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.
Economy
The economy of Kumano is centered on commercial fishing, forestry and horticulture (oranges). Kumano is also known for its Nachiguro-ishi which can be used to make inkstone and black Go stones.
Education
Kumano has nine public elementary schools and seven public middle schools operated by the city government and one public high school operated by the Mie Prefectural Department of Education. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped.
Transportation
Railway
20px JR Tōkai – Kisei Main Line
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Highway
Local attractions
A portion of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is located within Kumano.
Sister cities
- Bastos, Brazil, since December 1972
- Sakurai, Nara, Japan, since October 1986
- Sorrento, Italy, since November 2001