Kumano, Hiroshima 2.63

Kumano is a town located in Aki District, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.Kumano-cho is famous for the manufacture of brushes called "Kumano-fude" (Kumano-brush). The town is adjacent to Hiroshima, Kure and Higashihiroshima, so it's also one of commuter towns of those cities.As of August 1, 2013, the town has an estimated population of 24,009 and a density of 710 persons per km². The total area is 33.62 km².Kumano-cho is a town located between Hiroshima-city, Kure-city, and Higashi-Hiroshima-city, surrounded with mountains. The altitude above sea level is about 230 meters at the basin of the plateau, the total area is 33.62 km². Kumano-cho is known as the best manufacturers of Japanese brush pens, so that there are traditional events rooted since early Showa-era (1926~) such as FUDEMATSURI (Brush pen Festival) on Autumnal Equinox in September, and The Calligraphic Works and Art Competition and exhibition nationwide in Japan to enhance children’s expressions and develop a rich appreciation. Brush Pen Studio (FUDE no SATO KOBO) opened in 1994 has been providing to enrich the local culture through introducing the history and the culture of brush pen. The town commemorated its 90th anniversary since its establishment in 2008, and announced “The Brush Pen Day” on Spring Equinox for the purpose of reviving brush pen culture and the further development of brush pen industries. All of the town workers, business groups, and citizens are working together to appeal the brush pens.