Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Tsunan has declined steadily over the past 70 years and is now considerably less than it was a century ago.

History

The area of present-day Tsunan was part of ancient Echigo Province and was tenryō territory under the direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate in the Edo period. Following the Meiji restoration, the area was organised into various villages within Nakauonuma District, Niigata The town of Tsunan was established on January 1, 1955 by the merger of the villages of Tomaru, Kamigō, Ashigasaki, Akinari, Nakafukami and Shimofunato.

Government

thumb|Tsunan town hall

Tsunan has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 14 members. Tsunan, together with the city of Tōkamachi, collectively contributes two member to the Niigata Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Niigata 6th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

The local economy is dominated by agriculture. The area is known for its rice, sake, tomatoes, sunflowers, and buckwheat noodles. The town is also within commuting distance of neighbouring Tōkamachi.

Education

Tsunan has three public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government. There is one public high school operated by the Niigata Prefecture Board of Education.

Transportation

Railway

20px JR East - Iiyama Line

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Highway

Local attractions

  • Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial
  • Nishiotaki Dam
  • Okinohara Site, Jomon period ruins, a National Historic Site
  • Ryu-ga-kubo, one of the 100 Famous Springs of Japan

References

  • Official Website