How about a journey back in time, to understand the story of Kimitsu? Kimitsu is a city located in Chiba Prefecture. It has a unique story of growth and change.
Kimitsu’s narrative isn’t etched in ancient stone. It is reflected in the spirit of its people and the landscape.
The area of present-day Kimitsu was largely part of the Kururi Domain. This was under the Edo period Tokugawa shogunate. It centered on the jōkamachi of Kururi Castle. After the Meiji Restoration, the area was divided into Moda District and Sue District.
Kimitsu Town was founded in 1943. It was created by the merger of Susaki and Yaehara villages. This event happened during World War II. The Yaehara Factory, a branch of the Kisarazu Naval Air Corps, influenced the merger. The factory needed land. The merger addressed issues related to housing, farmland, and worker resources.
The 1970 merger was influenced by the Yahata Steel Factory. This factory is now Nippon Steel Kimitsu Works. It moved to the coastal area in the 1960s. The factory boosted property tax income. A larger population was needed to retain the tax revenue. Kimitsu merged with nearby areas.
The name “Kimitsu-Kisarazu City” was proposed. Kisarazu City did not agree. The plan was dropped. Five towns and villages merged on September 28, 1970. This created the new “Kimitsu Town.”
Kimitsu Town became Kimitsu City on September 1, 1971. It became the 25th city in Chiba Prefecture.
Kimitsu is located in southwestern Chiba. It is about 35 kilometers from Chiba and 40 to 50 kilometers from Tokyo. The city faces Tokyo Bay. It forms part of the Keiyo Industrial Zone. The inland area features mountains. These mountains are in the Bōsō hills.
The Koito River and the Obitsu River cross Kimitsu. The climate is humid subtropical. Summers are warm. Winters are cool with little snowfall. The average annual temperature is 14.2 °C.
The area along Tokyo Bay is part of Kisarazu Port’s Kimitsu district. It is an industrial area. It is centered around Nippon Steel. The city area is mainly along the coast around Kimitsu Station. The JR Kururi Line runs through the inland Kururi area. This area was a castle town during the Edo period. Historical streets still remain.
Underground water from the Kiyosumi and Mitsuishi mountains is famous. It is called “Living Water of Kururi.” Kururi is Japan’s top producer of wetland plants. These plants use the spring water.
In the late 1960s, many people moved from Kyushu. This happened when the Yahata Steel factory opened. This is known as the “Great Migration.” Kyushu culture still remains in the region.
Today, Kimitsu stands as a testament to its dynamic past. It blends industrial progress with historical charm. As you explore Kimitsu, remember its story. Kimitsu is a resilient place shaped by mergers, migrations, and the spirit of its people.