Bibai

Bibai (美唄市, Bibai-shi) is a city located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

Bibai

美唄市
City
Flag
Emblem
Location of Bibai in Hokkaido (Sorachi Subprefecture)
Bibai
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 43°20′N 141°51′E
CountryJapan
RegionHokkaido
PrefectureHokkaido (Sorachi Subprefecture)
Government
 • MayorMikio Takahashi
Area
 • Total277.61 km2 (107.19 sq mi)
Population
 (March 31, 2013)
 • Total24,768
 • Density89.2/km2 (231/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
City hall address1-1, Minami Itchōme, Nishi San-jō, Bibai-shi, Hokkaidō
072-8660
Websitewww.city.bibai.hokkaido.jp
Symbols
BirdGreater white-fronted goose
FlowerAzalea
TreePoplar

As of 2013, the city has an estimated population of 24,768, and the density of 89.2 persons per km2. The total area is 277.61 km2.

History

The name of "Bibai" is derived from Ainu word "pipa o i", meaning "Place (swamp) with many cockscomb pearl mussels".[1][2]

  • 1890 - The village of Numakai was founded.
  • 1925 - Numakai village became Numakai town.
  • 1926 - Numakai was renamed Bibai.
  • 1950 - Bibai town became Bibai city.
  • 1982 - Bibai Dam was completed.

At its peak, Bibai was a coal town that produced over a million tons annually. However, ever since the mine was closed in 1972, the city has suffered a slowly declining population.[3]

Geography

Ishikari River flows to west of Bibai. Bibai Dam was built on the Bibai River, a tributary of Ishikari River.

Lake Miyajima was registered as a wetland under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.[4]

Education

High schools
  • Hokkaido Bibai Shoei High School
  • Hokkaido Bibai Seika High School

School for special needs
  • Hokkaido Bibai School for Special Needs

Transportation

Rail

Hakodate Main Line Minami-Bibai Branch Line used to run from Bibai to Minami-Bibai.

Road

Straight line section of Route 12 is the longest in Japan.

References
  1. Outline of Bibai
  2. "History of Bibai". Archived from the original on 2015-07-26. Retrieved 2015-05-17.
  3. "Memorial Woodland Park (Previously the Mitsubishi Bibai Coal Mining Facilities)". bibai color 美唄観光物産協会. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  4. Tourist spots and events of Bibai


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