A town told by the winds of Okhotsk--Kitami City Now and Memory (May 2025)

A town told by the winds of Okhotsk--Kitami City Now and Memory (May 2025)

Kitami City, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, is the largest core city in the Okhotsk region and was established in 2006 through the merger of four towns: Kitami City, Tanno Town, Tokoro-Town, and Rubezebetsu Town. With an area of approximately 1,427 square kilometers, it is the largest city in Hokkaido and the fourth largest in Japan. The city area stretches approximately 110 kilometers from east to west, which is equivalent to the distance from Tokyo Station to Hakone. Because of its size, the climate differs between the inland area and the seaside area. Inland, the temperature varies greatly, reaching 30 degrees in the summer and 20 degrees below zero in the winter. On the other hand, in the coastal areas facing the Sea of Okhotsk, the cool air brought by drift ice creates a mild seasonal atmosphere throughout the year.

Kitami City is known throughout Japan for its onions, and boasts the largest production in Japan. In addition, scallop cultivation is thriving in the Tsunero district, and tourism resources in the Rubezake district include the Onneyu hot springs and a mountain aquarium. The area's history is also marked by its production of the world's 70% share of the world's peppermint, and the Kitami Peppermint Memorial Museum preserves the spirit of that bygone era. The Kitami Hakka Memorial Museum tells the story of the city's past. Tsuneero is also proud to be a sports town, having produced many members of Japan's women's curling team.

However, in the spring of 2025, Kitami City will face a new challenge: four years after the completion of the new city hall, which cost a massive 11.8 billion yen, the city is facing serious financial difficulties that are about to affect basic citizen services such as education and welfare. Although the city has been advocating financial restructuring, concrete results have been elusive, leaving citizens feeling anxious and frustrated.

Nevertheless, the city is moving forward, and in May, the 3rd Garbage Fest was held, where citizens reaffirmed community ties through cleanup activities. The Japanese Red Cross Hokkaido College of Nursing also held a disaster prevention field day, offering disaster prevention education through a combination of fun and learning. In the area of food culture, local love and creativity have sprouted, such as the Okhotsk Yokai Beer Series by the international restaurant Tonakai and the appearance of Tamakoro bread by the local bakery Lefbon.

We must also face the threat of nature. The Tokorogawa River has been observed to exceed its dangerous flood level, and the effects of climate change are certainly affecting the region. The city is continuing its efforts to protect the safety of residents by reviewing its disaster prevention system and strengthening the provision of information.

Kitami City is quietly but vigorously moving forward with its past prosperity, present trials, and hopes for the future etched in the vastness of its land.