 
| 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. The City of 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 City 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