The New City of Miyakonojo
On January 1st, 2006, the municipalities of
the City of Miyakonojo, and the towns of
Yamanokuchi, Takajo, Yamada and
Takazaki merged and inaugurated the
new City of Miyakonojo. Up until now,
the city and the four towns together
formed the Miyakonojo Kitamorokata
Area Union and have worked closely on
fire fighting, emergency services and
garbage disposal. As a result of a
declining birthrate and aging of the
population, together with decentralization,
the increased use of cars, changes in the
way we communicate, and changes in
lifestyle, interest in town revitalization
began to increase. Therefore, in February
2004, the idea of merging the city and the
four towns to inaugurate a new city was proposed and a council was formed to work on the
merger process.
The new City of Miyakonojo has a population of more than 170,000 people, which is the 3rd
largest in Southern Kyushu (after Kagoshima City and Miyazaki City). It has a total area of
653.8km, which is the largest in the prefecture and has become the stronghold of Southern
Kyushu. The Kyushu Expressway and five other national highways are the main access points to
and from the new City of Miyakonojo, while JR Nippo and Kitto line are also available. The city is
served by two airports both located within 40km of the city. Moreover, the building of a toll-free
high-speed road (namely Miyakonojo-Shibushi Road) has been planned. It will provide access to
Shibushi Port - one of the most important ports in Japan. Miyakonojo will be fully equipped with
road, marine and air transport in the near future. Miyakonojo is also expected to play a major role
in the advancement of industry, economics, education and culture with the town of Mimata, and
the cities of Soo and Shibushi, and to become a new economic centre in Southern Kyushu. With
the continued support of our powerful industry, rich nature and energetic people, Miyakonojo will
continue to blossom. The new city will strive to achieve its goals to build a new city, which
utilizes the resources in the region, maintains the society's infrastructure, and nurtures a caring
heart so that every single person born in Miyakonojo will be proud of their home.
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About Miyakonojo