Iwade 4.5

Iwade is a city in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.At the end of January 31, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 53,280, with 20,945 households and a population density of 1,400 persons per km². The total area is 38.5 km².Negoroji temple was founded in the 12th century. (see also Negoro-gumi, Siege of Negoroji.) The Kinokawa River flows along the south of Iwade. Iwade was formerly located within the former Naga District until April 1, 2006, when Iwade gained city status which dissolved the district.Municipal history August 1, 1908 - The village of Iwade was elevated to town status: the start of the town of Iwade . September 30, 1956 - During the big mergers of the Showa era, the town merged with the villages of Kamiiwade, Nera, Yamazaki, and parts of Kokura . The town of Iwade was formed, with the same area of the current city. The town had the population of 13,000. The remaining parts of Kokura were merged into the city of Wakayama. April 1, 2006 - Iwade was elevated to city status to become the ninth city in the prefecture. The prior town to become a city was Arida from Arida District on May 1, 1956.