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Okazaki, Aichi

geography Maturity 11-13 Next article →

Okazaki is a busy city located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Okazaki City Hall (2013.04.28) 02
Okazaki City Hall (2013.04.28) 02

It sits on flat coastal plains in the southeast part of the prefecture. To the northeast, the land rises into rolling, undulating hills. A large part of the city is very green. In fact, about 60 percent of the area is covered in forest. This means many parts of the city are sparsely populated.

Otogawa-Tonobashi-3
Otogawa-Tonobashi-3

The weather in Okazaki changes with the seasons. Summers are often hot and humid. Winters stay relatively mild. September is usually the wettest month of the year. August is typically the hottest month, with average temperatures reaching high points. January is the coldest month.

Okazaki-Nishikoseidori-1
Okazaki-Nishikoseidori-1

History has shaped this city for many thousands of years. Archaeologists found remains from the Japanese Paleolithic period here. Later, people from the Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods lived in the area too. During the Sengoku period, the Matsudaira clan controlled the land. This clan later became the famous Tokugawa clan. They ruled Japan during the Edo period. The town grew as a post station on the Tōkaidō road. This path connected Edo to Kyoto.

Okazaki City Hall (2013.04.28) 02
Okazaki City Hall (2013.04.28) 02

Today, Okazaki is a major hub for many industries. It is well known for making chemicals and machinery. The city is also a famous center for fireworks. More than 70 percent of all fireworks in Japan are made here. Another special product is Hatchō miso.

Hatcho-Miso-Kakukyu-9
Hatcho-Miso-Kakukyu-9

This is a dark miso paste made from steamed soybeans. It stays in cedar barrels for at least two years. Large river stones are stacked on the barrels to help it age.

Hatcho-Miso-Kakukyu-9
Hatcho-Miso-Kakukyu-9

Many different people call Okazaki home. The population has grown steadily for the last 60 years. This growth happens because jobs are available and housing is affordable. Many people move here to be near Nagoya. The city is also home to people from 71 different nations. More than half of these foreign residents come from Brazil.

Aichi Sangyo University - migusu
Aichi Sangyo University - migusu

You can also find many schools and universities here.

Aichi Sangyo University - migusu
Aichi Sangyo University - migusu
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🖼️ Images & Media (10)
File:Okazaki City Hall (2013.04.28) 02.jpg
Okazaki City Hall (2013.04.28) 02.jpg
File:Okazaki-Nishikoseidori-1.jpg
Okazaki-Nishikoseidori-1.jpg
File:Otogawa-Tonobashi-3.jpg
Otogawa-Tonobashi-3.jpg
File:Aichi Sangyo University - migusu.jpg
Aichi Sangyo University - migusu.jpg
File:JR logo (central).svg
JR logo (central).svg
File:Meitetsu logomark 2.svg
Meitetsu logomark 2.svg
File:Aikan logomark.svg
Aikan logomark.svg
File:JP Expressway E1.svg
JP Expressway E1.svg
File:JP Expressway E1A.svg
JP Expressway E1A.svg
File:Hatcho-Miso-Kakukyu-9.jpg
Hatcho-Miso-Kakukyu-9.jpg
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