Mukō

Mukō (向日市, Mukō-shi) is a city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, which served as the capital city of Japan (Nagaoka-kyō) for a decade from 784 to 794. Its neighbor cities are Kyoto and Nagaokakyō. As of 2017, the city has an estimated population of 55,729 and a population density of 7,219 persons per km². The total area is 7.72 km²(2.98 sq mi). According to the provisional results of the 2015 national census of Japan, the population of Muko is 53,380; of which male and female are 25,387 and 27,993 respectively.[1]

Mukō

向日市
City
Mukō City Hall
Flag
Emblem
Location of Mukō in Kyoto Prefecture
Mukō
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°57′N 135°42′E
CountryJapan
RegionKansai
PrefectureKyoto Prefecture
Government
 • MayorMamoru Yasuda
Area
 • Total7.72 km2 (2.98 sq mi)
Population
 (2015)
 • Total53,380[1]
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address20,Nakano,Terada-cho,Muko-shi,Kyoto-fu
617-0002
Websitewww.city.muko.kyoto.jp
Symbols
FlowerSunflower, Azalea[2]
TreeSakura, Bamboo[2]

History

Classical Mukō
Further information: Nagaoka-kyō

At the end of the 8th century, Emperor Kanmu moved his capital from Heijō-kyō to Nagaoka-kyō. The new capital encompassed a large part of modern Muko, where modern research has revealed the palace to have been located. In the south, it also included parts of Nagaokakyō. In 794, because of the location's moist temperature and reputation as a breeding ground for disease, Kammu relocated his capital from Nagaoka to Heian-kyō, now known as Kyoto.[3]

Medieval Mukō

Muko town was established in 1592, during Azuchi–Momoyama period. The town's main road, called Saigoku Kaido, flourished because it connected Tō-ji in Kyoto and Nishinomiya Shrine in Settsu Province. Saigoku Kaido, which still presents a traditional and historical setting, changed name National Route 171 as important road.[4]

Modern Mukō

Mukōmachi Station opened on July 26, 1876. Higashi-Mukō Station and Nishi-Mukō Station opened on December 1, 1928. The Muko city was founded on October 1, 1972.[4]

Geography
Mukō,1987 aerial photography

Muko adjoins northern Nagaoka, is surrounded by Kyoto on other three sides.There are bamboo groves are found on the hillside on the west of the city. Residential area for Kyoto and Osaka is expanded to the hill, encroachs on bamboo groves. The Itsuka Kofun, the large keyhole-shaped kofun dated to 4th century, is located in the center of the hill chain.

Demographics
Historical population
YearPop.±%
18863,528—    
19204,712+33.6%
19255,188+10.1%
19305,959+14.9%
19408,072+35.5%
19509,243+14.5%
196012,734+37.8%
197036,988+190.5%
198050,604+36.8%
199052,928+4.6%
200053,425+0.9%
201054,328+1.7%
2017*55,729+2.6%
* = population estimate.[1][5]

Muko is a residential district that has developed since the 1970s. Accordingly, its population suddenly increased.

Politics and government

Mukō is governed by the mayor Mamoru Yasuda, an independent. The city assembly has 20 members. In 2018 the Japanese Communist Party had a presence in local politics with six members in the assembly.

Sister cities

Mukō has been a sister city to Saratoga, California, United States since 1983.[6]

Facilities

Mukomachi Saty Center Mukomachi Saty is a six-level shopping center with car parking located approximately 170 metres (a three-minute walk) from Higashi Muko station on Hankyu Kyoto line and 630 metres (an eight-minute walk) from JR Mukomachi station. There is an Aeon Department Store, a Japanese restaurant and a casual dining area. A specialty tea stand on the first floor sells a variety of tea from around Japan.

References
  1. 京都府推計人口 (in Japanese). Kyoto Prefecture. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  2. 向日市民の花・木 (in Japanese). Muko city. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  3. 長岡京とは (in Japanese). Muko city. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  4. 向日市が歩んだ歴史 (in Japanese). Muko city. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  5. "人口推移及び世帯数の推移(Historical populations)" (in Japanese). Muko City. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  6. "Saratoga and Muko, Japan, celebrate 30 years as sister cities". mercurynews. Retrieved 27 August 2014.
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