Tōkamachi 4.85

Tōkamachi is a city located in southwest Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan., the city had an estimated population of 54,104 and a population density of 91.6 persons per km². Its total area was 590.39sqkm, including the post-creation undefined boundary areas. The city's mayor is Yoshifumi Sekiguchi, who was elected in May 2009. Tokamachi derives its name from the fact that on the tenth day of the month, the town's local market was held. Similarly, nearby Muikamachi had its own local market held on the sixth day of the month.HistoryThe area of present-day Tōkamachi was part of ancient Echigo Province. The modern town of Tōkamachi was established on September 24, 1897. It was elevated to city status on March 31, 1954, by merging with the neighbouring villages of Nakajo, Kawaji and Rokka. The village of Yoshida (from Nakauonuma District) was annexed on December 1, 1954 followed by the village of Shimojo (from Nakauonuma District) on February 1, 1955. On April 1, 1962 - Tōkamachi absorbed the village of Mizusawa (from Nakauonuma District). The Chūetsu earthquake of October 23, 2004 caused only minor damage to the city. On April 1, 2005 Tōkamachi absorbed the towns of Matsudai and Matsunoyama (both from Higashikubiki District); the town of Kawanishi, and the village of Nakasato (both from Nakauonuma District) to create the new and expanded city of Tōkamachi.