Itakura, Gunma


Itakura is a town located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. As of February 2015, the town had an estimated population of 11,024, and a population density of 561 persons per km². Its total area is 19.64 km². Itakura's animal mascot is the catfish. It is represented in a bronze statue at Raiden Shrine, as a mikoshi in Itakura's summer festival, and also is emblazoned on the town's manhole covers. Itakura is one of the few places in Japan where catfish is eaten, and it boasts two restaurants specializing in catfish dishes.

Geography

Itakura is located in the northern Kantō Plains in the extreme southern corner Gunma prefecture, bordered by Saitama Prefecture to the south and Tochigi Prefecture to the north. The Tone River flows through the town, and the Watarase River forms its northern border.

Surrounding municipalities

The villages of Nishiyada, Ebise, Ōgano and Inara were created within Ōra District, Gunma Prefecture on April 1, 1889 with the creation of the municipalities system after the Meiji Restoration. On February 1, 1955, the four villages merged to form the town of Itakura. Meiwa was raised to town status on October 1, 1998.

Economy

Itakura is largely a bedroom community for Tokyo and nearly Tatebayashi. About 55% of the town's area is farmland, and Itakura's main agricultural products include rice and cucumbers, though many other crops are grown locally.

Education

Railway