Profile

On September 1, 2005, the towns of Shika and Togi merged. Together they took a new step forward as the "New Shika Town"

Location And Geographical Features

Our town is in Ishikawa Prefecture and is located on the Sotoura Coast in the southwest area of the Noto Peninsula. The town is long latitudinally, with Anamizu Town and Monzen Town to the north and Hakui City to the south. To the west is the Japan Sea. The hilly region and Mt. Bijouzan lie to the east.

The area of Shika Town is 246.55 square kilometers. This area is comprised of 65.9% Woodlands, 10.3% owned and operated plow land, 3.1% residential housing, and 20.7% other land use.

Our town is blessed with many natural resources. The Noto Kongo area, known for its unique rock formations, white sand, as well as the Shika Sato Resort Area are just a few of the many tourist attractions along the coastline.

History And Culture

People have settled in the town since long ago as evidenced by the many artifacts and remains from thr Jomon, Yayoi and Tumulus periods. In ancient times, frequent trading was conducted with Bokkai Countries (currently China, Russia and Korea regions). During the feudal period, the Fukuura Port was the only port in Hokurikku Area (Ishikawa, Toyama, Fukui prefectures) serving ships heading west. Therefore the region quickly prospered. The Fukuura Lighthouse, the oldest wooden lighthouse in Japan, still stands today. The former Fukuno Inlet was reclaimed with sand and soil from Okogawa River and was transformed into the beautiful Fukuno fields. The natural harbor attracted fishermen from Wakasa area to settle and flourished Takahama area.

As for cultural heritage Matsuo Shrine was designated as a national treasure. Throughout the region, traditional festivals such as the Hassaku Festival are still celebrated, while the traditional Taiko is widely practiced today.

Population And Number of household

The population of our town is in decline and was 25,396 in the year 2000. The number of household increased slightly as a result of nuclear families becoming more prevalent. There are 8,142 households with an average of 3.12 people per household. The acceleration of the low birth rate is causing a shift in the age of the population. The number of residents of 0-14 years of age is decreasing, while the number of residents aged 65 or older is on the rise. This has led to an aging society with 27.3% of the residents being over 65 years of age. (from the 2000 National Census)

Industry

Fishing and agriculture have long been the primary industries in our town. In the year 2000 11.5% of the population was involved in this industry making up 3.9% of the entire prefecture, a rather large percentage. However, this number too is in a state of decline. Our main specialties, besides seafood and rice, are persimmon, watermelon and tobacco. At the Michi No Eki complex, there is a direct sale produce market while hands-onculitvation trips can also be arranged.

Textile was once the main manufacturing industry. However the Noto Industrial Part has attracted electronic product manufacturing enterprises to the area. The total manufacturing rate has greatly increased, together with the percentage of workers in the secondary industries, which accounts for 41% (32.8% prefecturally). One distinguishing characteristic of the central coastal region is the Shika Nuclear Power Plant.

Many businesses operate along the National Road 249. Although the central shopping district is becoming less substantial, the overall yearly sales figures have remained constant. Tourism is one of the leading industries with the main attractions being the Noto Kongo, The Shika No Sato Resort Area, the longest bench in the world, campgrounds and beaches. With such various resources at our disposal, we hope to invite visitors to stay and explore our town.