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39-526: Kantō may refer to: Kantō is a festival held in Akita every year. Kantō may refer to the region of Jiandao (Japanese: 間島 Kantō ) in Manchuria, now known more commonly as Yanbian. Kantō (関東) is an alternate name for Northeast China or Manchuria used in the following: Akita, Akita Akita ( Japanese : 秋田市 , Hepburn : Akita-shi ) IPA: [aꜜki̥ta] ; lit. "Autumn field City" )

78-649: A climatic transition zone humid subtropical climate ( Köppen Cfa ) and is the most populous city having absolute northern extremity of this climate zone within Japan, bordering very closely with the humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfa ) zone, comparable to New York City , USA. Akita is characterized with cold, very snowy, winters, and hot, humid summers. Monthly averages range from 0.4 °C (32.7 °F) in January to 25.0 °C (77.0 °F) in August. Due to its location near

117-453: A reference to the autumn tournament. It is possible that the winter tournaments had a different name, especially if they were held elsewhere. Tournaments in blue show where the host did not win the Emperor's Cup. With the exception of the first tournament, commemorative stamps have generally been issued for the autumn tournament. For the 2nd to 5th tournaments, 4 types of stamp were issued (only

156-535: Is held inside a shrine made from walls of snow. A rice bale is set afire at the end of this festival. Each neighbourhood in Tsuchizaki Minato contributes a float decorated with giant figures from 20 to 21 July. In 1997 it was designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property . National Sports Festival of Japan The National Sports Festival of Japan ( 国民体育大会 , Kokumin Taiiku Taikai )

195-406: Is the capital and most populous city of Akita Prefecture , Japan , and has been designated a core city since 1 April 1997. As of 1 August 2023 , the city has an estimated population of 300,502 persons in 136,628 households and a population density of 332 persons per km². The total area of the city is 906.07 square kilometres (349.84 sq mi). The area of present-day Akita

234-616: Is the national premier sports event of Japan . It consists of three stages. The skating and ice hockey stage takes place in January, the skiing stage takes place in February, and the main Autumn tournament takes place in September and October. Its name is often abbreviated to Kokutai (国体). The predecessor to the tournament was the Meiji Shrine tournament held from 1924 until 1943, a period including

273-467: Is the only time such an occasion as occurred. Recently many host prefectures have built large-scale venues in which to host various events, with a large focus on appearance. Examples include Nagai Stadium , Miyagi Stadium , Ōita Bank Dome , Tohoku Electric Power Big Swan Stadium , Shizuoka Stadium and International Stadium Yokohama . These were generally acknowledged as being built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup , but in reality their construction purpose

312-626: The Kishi Memorial Gymnasium , Ryōzō Hiranuma (director of the Japan Sports Association ), Izutarō Suehiro (chairman of the Japan Swimming Federation ), Sanburō Kiyose, Tatsuo Hisatomi and Keijirō Ishida, who had all held important sporting administrative positions since before the war, proposed holding a national athletics event during talks about how sporting events could take place in the post war period. In 1946,

351-569: The Pacific War . Since then there was a Summer tournament that focused on swimming , and an Autumn tournament that focused on track-and-field ; however from the 61st tournament in 2006, the Summer and Autumn tournaments were combined. On 20 December 2006 the Japan Sports Association, as the committee for the tournament, decided that swimming was to be held before mid-September as of and beyond

390-519: The Sea of Japan coast, it receives heavy snowfall, with just above 377 centimetres (148 in) per season, with accumulation occurring mostly from December to March. Precipitation is well-distributed and significant throughout the year, but is greater in the latter half. Over two thirds of all days see some precipitation, either rain or snow. Akita has a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city assembly with 39 members. The city contributes 12 members to

429-623: The 2001 World Games . Our Lady of Akita is the title of Marian apparitions reported in 1973 by Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa in Yuzawadai, Soegawa, Akita City. The apparitions were approved by the Holy See in 1988. The 1988 approval was issued by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI . In the Narayama Otamachi district of central Akita each February 12–15 a Shinto festival honoring both Suijin and Kamakura Daimyojin

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468-409: The 64th tournament in 2009, though this actually came into effect in the 63rd tournament, in 2008. This took into account the peculiar qualities of holding swimming events. Also the golf tournament was moved forward in the schedule. The previous Summer and Autumn tournaments have fundamentally been held across one prefecture . The two winter tournaments also take place in the same prefecture, making up

507-537: The Akita Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Akita District 1 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan . The economy of Akita remains heavily dependent on agriculture (particularly rice cultivation), forestry and mineral extraction. Akita contains one of the most important oil fields in Japan. Oil refining , woodworking, metalworking, and the production of silk textiles are

546-510: The early dawn. A Nippon Oil oil refinery in the Tsuchizaki area was targeted. During the post-war period, the 16th National Sports Festival of Japan was held in Akita in 1961. During the tsunami following the 1983 Sea of Japan earthquake , three Akita residents were killed. On 1 April 1997, Akita was designated as a core city with increased autonomy. The Akita Shinkansen began operations

585-482: The entire tournament. It is often the case when a tournament is held in colder areas such as Hokkaido , Tōhoku , Kōshin'etsu and Hokuriku , that both autumn and tournaments are held in the same prefecture. It is very rare that the skating and ice hockey tournaments are held in separate areas. From the 56th tournament in 2001, the National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities was also held. During

624-493: The first tournament in 1946, Ishikawa prefecture were presented the opportunity to host the second tournament. The host prefecture was then rotated throughout Japan. The logo was created for the 2nd tournament in 1947. The logo is a red torch leaning at a 30-degree incline to the right, wrapped in a blue Obi . Ever since the second tournament in 1947 the song Young Power ( 若い力 , Wakai Chikara ) , written by Takao Saeki and composed by Shinichi Takada , has been played at

663-467: The group had informal talks with Hiromu Kasuga, the chairman of the Kansai Sports Federation, and formed a board of directors. After having their proposal examined and approval gained from GHQ , they received 400,000 yen from the government to help with costs, and the first tournament was held. Awarding the Emperor's Cup and Empress's Cup has depend on the prefecture. In the first, second, and

702-605: The main event is held during the evening and night hours, between the 3rd and 6 August each year. During the festival, Kanto stunt events are held in Senshu Park during daylight hours involving many amateur participants. This event was first held in 1931 and every subsequent year, except between 1935 and 1946 and in 1953 and 1965. Overseas exhibitions of the festival were performed in Hamburg , Germany, in 1988, Honolulu , Hawaii , in 2002, London , UK, in 2004, and as an opening event at

741-981: The main industries. Akita is also home to two regional banks that serve Akita prefecture and the greater Tōhoku region: Akita Bank and Hokuto Bank . The Akita Thermal Power Station is located in the city. Akita has 44 city and one national elementary schools, 22 city, one prefectural, one national and one private middle schools, and one combined city middle/high school. There are eight prefectural, one city and seven private high schools, as well as four prefectural and one national special education school. [REDACTED] East Japan Railway Company - Ōu Main Line [REDACTED] East Japan Railway Company - Uetsu Main Line [REDACTED] East Japan Railway Company - Oga Line This representative summer festival began 350 years ago, with similar to tanabata festivals held elsewhere in Japan. During this festival, participants balance 15 meter poles with 230 lanterns on their chins;

780-473: The main tournament. In the 64th tournament, the maximum number of participation points available was set at 400 points. The number of points awarded for victories differs depending on the event. As well as the two main trophies, each event awards trophies and certificates to victorious athletes. Ever since the 1964 tournament in Niigata, the host team winning the Emperor's Cup and Empress's Cup has generally become

819-468: The nearby Kurokawa Oil Fields in 1914, and a branch of the Bank of Japan opening in Akita in 1917. In 1935, Nippon Kogyo (the forerunner of Jomo ) began development of the nearby Yabase Oil Fields. Akita Bank was established in 1941. War devastated the city on 14 August 1945. During the Tsuchizaki air raid , over 250 people were killed when 134 USAAF B-29 Superfortress , attacked the city from midnight to

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858-472: The norm. This is not simply down to that team's preliminary scores, but by a number of factors including the ability to field athletes in every competition and the ability to strengthen athletes with the funding going into newly institutions such as venues and event management. In fact, Nobu Nishimura, the lieutenant governor of Yamaguchi prefecture which hosted the 2011 tournament, said at a party "the hosts have an advantage in events with flagmen (events where

897-500: The opening and closing ceremonies of all large-scale sporting events. Furthermore, it is played at an opening ceremony in which the Emperor and Empress are both in attendance. At the Autumn tournament there is a torch relay following which a main torch is lit and burns until the closing ceremony. Previously there was also an opening ceremony at the Winter tournament, but in line with changes to

936-437: The prefecture in some capacity. There are many mascots who were already established as prefectural mascots prior to the tournament itself. At the opening and closing ceremonies the ceremonial music used is produced for each tournament, with it being performed when the torch and athletes enter the arena. In addition to this, it is often the case where a singer with a strong local connection will sing, along with songs which match

975-500: The result is decided by officials)" and "even if there's 'cheating' they will take first place". When he was criticised, he explained his position by saying "I meant the tendency where host prefectures have an advantage, not that it's ok to break the rules". In a move counter to this custom, as a result of then Kōchi prefecture governor, Daijirō Hashimoto, abolishing it at the 2002 Kochi hosted tournament, host prefecture Kōchi finished in 10th place with Tokyo winning overall. However, this

1014-664: The same year. In August 2001, the World Games were held in Akita, with the opening ceremony held in the Yabase Track and Field Stadium . In 2004, the city celebrated its 400th anniversary and its beginnings as Kubota Castle town. On 11 January 2005, the towns of Kawabe and Yūwa (both from Kawabe District ) were merged into Akita. Kawabe District was dissolved as a result of this merger. The location of Akita City Hall did not change, and former Kawabe and Yūwa Town Halls are used as civic centers. The 62nd National Sports Festival of Japan

1053-418: The special tournament in 1973, neither were awarded. In the 6th, 7th and 8th tournaments, the winter tournament was split from the summer and autumn tournament. In the 9th tournament, it was divided further by separating the swimming tournament. Any prefecture that was able to host the winter, summer and autumn tournaments have a ☆ mark at the start of their tournament names. The tournament names are generally

1092-433: The third tournament had 5 types for the winter tournament as well). From the 6th to the 21st tournaments, there were two types of stamp issued, and ever since then there has been one type of stamp released for each tournament. The regions railway company also issues commemorative items such as train tickets. Each tournament normally has a unique mascot character to help build support and encourage good PR . The first mascot

1131-410: The torch relay took place. Points are awarded depending on the outcome of each individual event, with the sum of these points being the method of competing for the Emperor's and Empresses Cups. 10 points are given for participation in each game in the tournament (which includes block-tournaments). Points are not awarded for participation in a block-tournament if the entrant was eligible to participate in

1170-484: The tournament from 2010 it was changed to a smaller and simpler starting ceremony. The torch, which is based on the Olympic flame , was first introduced at the 5th tournament in 1950, and the torch relay at the 12th tournament in 1957. From the 3rd tournament in 1948 a relay event had been held, though this was to carry the tournament's official flag, though this only remained until the 27th tournament in 1972. Afterwards, only

1209-596: The tournament, large amounts of tax payer money continues to go toward its maintenance. Before the war, there was a tournament, called the Meiji Shrine Tournament, that was held from 1924 to 1943. It had no winter tournament and was held in each area of Kanto , as a general rule commencing in the outer garden of the Meiji Shrine (an area spanning what is now Shibuya and Shinjuku in Tokyo ). On 26 December 1945 at

Kanto - Misplaced Pages Continue

1248-509: The tournament, the official rankings change in accordance with the number of points earned with the final result being the sum of all four tournaments. The top placing prefecture for both men and women is awarded the Emperor's Cup . The top prefecture for just the women's score is awarded the Empress's Cup . At first, the summer and autumn tournaments were planned to always be held in Kansai , but after

1287-544: Was a nameless goat for the 30th tournament (1975) in Mie prefecture, though it was referred to as pet-mark. In the 38th tournament, hosted in Gunma in 1983, the first named character, a horse called Gunma-chan, was used. From then on, having a named character became the norm. There were no characters between from the 31st to the 37th tournaments. Recently, owing to the " Yuru-chara " boom, mascot characters commonly become official mascots of

1326-411: Was established in 1871, and Shima Yoshitake was named the first governor. Ancient Akita District was divided into Kitaakita and Minamiakita Districts in 1878. Most of Akita town burned down in a great fire on 30 April 1886. With the establishment of the modern municipalities system on 1 April 1889, the city of Akita was officially established, including former Kubota and Akita towns. The port area

1365-420: Was held in Akita in 2007. The city of Akita is located in the coastal plains of central Akita Prefecture, bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west. The Omono River runs through the center of the city. Censuses have been conducted in Akita since as early as 1873. Per Japanese census data since 1950, the population of Akita peaked in around the year 2000 and has been in decline since then. Akita belongs to

1404-557: Was part of ancient Dewa Province , and has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Jizōden ruins within the city limits are a major archaeological site with artifacts from the Japanese Paleolithic period through the Jōmon and Yayoi periods . During the Nara period , the imperial court established Akita Castle in 733 AD to bring the local Emishi tribes under its control. The area

1443-643: Was ruled by a succession of local samurai clans in the Sengoku period , before coming under the control of the Satake clan of Kubota Domain during the Edo period . Under the Tokugawa shogunate , a castle town developed around Kubota Castle . With the start of the Meiji period , Kubota Domain was abolished, and its castle town divided into the towns of Akita and Kubota. Akita Prefecture

1482-610: Was separated into Tsuchizaki-Minato Town , which became part of Minamiakita District. The first city hall was located inside the former Minamiakita District office. In September 1898, the Imperial Japanese Army 's 17th Infantry Regiment was based in Akita. The first public library was opened in 1898, electrification of Tsuchizaki began in 1901, and Akita Station was opened in 1902, as well as running water and telephone services in 1907. The Taishō period brought further development to Akita with Nippon Oil Corporation developing

1521-566: Was to be the main arena of the tournaments (however the International Stadium Yokohama was built with the intention of potentially hosting an Olympic games, and Nagai Stadium was renovated rather than built from scratch). The aforementioned arenas are also sometimes used as a base for J. League football teams based within the prefecture, but other arenas are not used very often following the tournament. In spite of no large-scale events being anticipated as taking place there following

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