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Usuki, Oita

Usuki
臼杵市
City
Flag of Usuki
Flag
Location of Usuki in Ōita Prefecture
Location of Usuki in Ōita Prefecture
Usuki is located in Japan
Usuki
Usuki
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 33°8′N 131°48′E / 33.133°N 131.800°E / 33.133; 131.800Coordinates: 33°8′N 131°48′E / 33.133°N 131.800°E / 33.133; 131.800
Country Japan
Region Kyushu
Prefecture Ōita Prefecture
Government
 • Mayor Goro Nakano (since January 2009)
Area
 • Total 291.07 km2 (112.38 sq mi)
Population (January 1, 2012)
 • Total 41,006
 • Density 140/km2 (360/sq mi)
Symbols
 • Tree Kabosu
 • Flower Salvia splendens
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City hall address Oji Usuki 72-1, Usuki City, Oita Prefecture (大分県臼杵市大字臼杵72番1号)
875-8501
Website www.city.usuki.oita.jp

Usuki (臼杵市 Usuki-shi?) is a city located on the east coast of Ōita Prefecture, Japan. It is famous for its Usuki Stone Buddhas, a national treasure, and its soy sauce production. Recently it has become known for having the look and feel of a Japanese castle town. It is part of Ōita City's metropolitan area through economics and thus has strong ties to Ōita City.

As of January 1, 2012, the city has an estimated population of 41,006, with 15,454 households and a population density of 140.88 persons per km². The total area is 291.07 km².

The city is bordered by Ōita City, Saiki, Tsukumi, and Bungo-ōno. The city looks upon the Bungo Channel in the east. The city surrounds the Bay of Usuki with the Saganoseki Peninsula in the north and the Nagame Peninsula in the south. Within the bay are Kuroshima Island and Tsukumi Island. Water from the bay flows into Usuki River, around whose flat lands town areas have been built. The northern part of the city has gently-sloping hills while the southern part has mountain ranges that are 500m to 600m above sea level.

The city was founded on April 1, 1950. On March 31, 1954, multiple towns were merged into Usuki.

On January 1, 2005, the town of Notsu (from Ōno District) was merged into Usuki.


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