Obuse (小布施町, Obuse-machi) is a town located in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 April 2019[update], the town had an estimated population of 10,999 in 3832 households,[1] and a population density of 580 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 19.12 square kilometres (7.38 sq mi).
Geography
Obuse is located in northern Nagano Prefecture to the east of Nagano city.
The town has a climate characterized by characterized by hot and humid summers, and cold winters (Köppen climate classificationCfa). The average annual temperature in Obuse is 12.4 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1229 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.9 °C, and lowest in January, at around -0.3 °C.[2]
Demographics
Per Japanese census data,[3] the population of Obuse has remained fairly stable over the past 40 years.
Historical population
Year
Pop.
±%
1940
8,301
—
1950
10,817
+30.3%
1960
10,098
−6.6%
1970
9,625
−4.7%
1980
11,205
+16.4%
1990
11,568
+3.2%
2000
11,460
−0.9%
2010
11,074
−3.4%
2020
10,660
−3.7%
History
The area of present-day Obuse was part of ancient Shinano Province, and can be found as a place name in late Heian period records associated with a shōen associated with Emperor Go-Shirakawa. In 1843, at the age of 83, the Japanese painter Hokusai traveled to Obuse at the invitation of a wealthy farmer, Takai Kozan where he stayed for several years.[4] During his time in Obuse, Hokusai created several masterpieces, included the Masculine Wave and the Feminine Wave.[4]
The modern village of Obuse was created with the establishment of the municipalities system on April 1, 1889. It was elevated to town status on February 1, 1954. Obuse annexed the neighboring village of Tsusumi on November 1, 1954.
Manhole cover in Obuse with Hokusai's Masculine WaveMasculine Wave
Although small, the quaint town of Obuse is known for its chestnut industry, which brings a unique flair to the work of local artisans, inspiring different dishes such as the chestnut ice cream and other desserts. The abundance of chestnuts in the area have made Obuse an attractive stop for tourists and art collectors in the heart of Nagano, creating a market for local woodworkers and artists.
Hokusai Museum[6] This museum is a national treasure, exhibiting the works and history of the great Japanese artist Hokusai who created several of his renowned masterpieces in Obuse.
