Village of Chibu
知夫村
Village
village seal
Chibu shown in red, cities shown in green, and towns shown in yellow.
Chibu shown in red, cities shown in green, and towns shown in yellow.
CountryJapan
PrefectureShimane
DistrictOki
Settled2000 BCE[1]
Incorporated (district)600 CE[1]
Incorporated (village)600 CE
Neighborhoods
List
  • Kōri ()
  • Nibu (仁夫)
  • Ōe (大江)
  • Tataku (多沢)
  • Usuge (薄毛)
  • Kurii (来居)
  • Urumi (古海)
Area
 • Total13.70 km2 (5.29 sq mi)
 • Land13.70 km2 (5.29 sq mi)
Highest elevation
325 m (1,066 ft)
Lowest elevation
0 m (0 ft)
Population
 (2005)[2]
 • Total725
 • Estimate 
(June 2010[3])
567
 • Density53/km2 (140/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC09:00 (Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo)
Postal code
684-0100
Phone08514-8-2211
Address1065 Kōri, Chibu-mura, Oki-gun, Shimane-ken 684-0102
Address (Japanese)〒684-0102島根県隠岐郡知夫村郡1065番地
Websitehttp://www.chibu.jp

References

  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference chibusonshi was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference census_2005 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference pop_est_monthly was invoked but never defined (see the help page).

Chibu (知夫村, Chibu-mura, Chibu-son) is a village located on Chiburi Island (知夫理島, Chiburi-jima) in the Douzen group of islands in the Oki District, Shimane, Japan. Chibu is the only village remaining in Shimane Prefecture as of October 1, 2005.

As of Japan's 2005 census[1], the village has a population of 725 people, 336 men and 389 women, and a density of about 53 persons per km². A population estimate from June 2010[2] placed Chibu's population at 567 people, 285 men and 282 women.


Geography and Climate edit

Geography edit

Chibu is located on Chiburi Island (知夫理島, Chiburi-jima), the smallest of the Douzen group of islands. These islands were formed from a single ancient volcanic island. The caldera of the volcano collapsed, leaving three islands in a ring formation.[3]

Chiburi Island is generally mountainous, but the south central area is somewhat flat. There are a number of sea cliffs, particularly on the western side of the island which faces the open expanse of the Sea of Japan. The elevation of Chiburi Island ranges from 0m (at sea-level) to 325m. The island has a land-area of approximately 13.7 km2. This includes 18 smaller uninhabited islands located near Chiburi Island.[4] The island's two most well-known natural features are Mount Akahage (アカハゲ山, Akahage-yama) and Akakabe (赤壁, Akakabe, Sekiheki is an alternative reading). Akakabe is a unique sea-cliff in Oki composed of red rock.

The Village of Chibu is composed of 7 smaller neighborhoods, called chiku (地区) in Japanese. These neighborhoods are Kōri (), Nibu (仁夫), Ōe (大江), Tataku (多沢), Usuge (薄毛), Kurii (来居), and Urumi (古海). The village is served by a sea port located in Kurii which provides ship transportation among the 3 islands of Douzen, to Okinoshima, and to the mainland. There is also a heliport for medical emergencies.

Climate edit

Chibu
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
116
 
 
8
2
 
 
96
 
 
7
1
 
 
104
 
 
11
3
 
 
105
 
 
16
7
 
 
131
 
 
20
12
 
 
172
 
 
24
17
 
 
227
 
 
27
21
 
 
124
 
 
29
23
 
 
211
 
 
25
18
 
 
107
 
 
20
12
 
 
122
 
 
15
7
 
 
124
 
 
11
4
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
Precipitation totals in mm
Source: JMA Ama Station[5]
Imperial conversion
JFMAMJJASOND
 
 
4.5
 
 
46
35
 
 
3.8
 
 
45
34
 
 
4.1
 
 
51
37
 
 
4.1
 
 
60
45
 
 
5.2
 
 
68
54
 
 
6.8
 
 
74
62
 
 
8.9
 
 
80
71
 
 
4.9
 
 
84
73
 
 
8.3
 
 
77
64
 
 
4.2
 
 
69
53
 
 
4.8
 
 
60
45
 
 
4.9
 
 
51
39
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches

As an island located in the Sea of Japan, Chibu is within the Sea of Japan climate zone. Summers temperatures, though usually mild, are exacerbated by high humidity. Winter temperatures are also generally mild, though exacerbated by strong wind. The surrounding ocean has a warming effect, making winters milder than the mainland. Consequently, there is very little snow on Chibu, and what snow does fall usually melts quickly.

The nearest weather station is located on the nearby island of Ama. Chibu's average annual high and low temperatures are 17.6°C (64°F) and 10.5°C (51°F), with yearly mean of 14.4°C (58°F). The record high and low temperatures are 34.9°C (95°F) and -2.9°C (27°F) respectively. The average yearly humidity is 76%. Chibu receives an average of 1,662 mm (65.43 in) of precipitation a year.

Climate data for Village of Chibu (1979-2000)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 17.2
(63.0)
19.0
(66.2)
22.9
(73.2)
26.2
(79.2)
30.4
(86.7)
31.0
(87.8)
33.8
(92.8)
34.9
(94.8)
32.9
(91.2)
30.0
(86.0)
23.3
(73.9)
18.6
(65.5)
34.9
(94.8)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 7.5
(45.5)
7.3
(45.1)
10.5
(50.9)
15.8
(60.4)
20.2
(68.4)
23.5
(74.3)
26.8
(80.2)
28.9
(84.0)
25.1
(77.2)
20.3
(68.5)
15.3
(59.5)
10.5
(50.9)
17.6
(63.7)
Daily mean °C (°F) 4.9
(40.8)
4.5
(40.1)
7.1
(44.8)
12.0
(53.6)
16.4
(61.5)
20.2
(68.4)
24.1
(75.4)
25.8
(78.4)
21.6
(70.9)
16.3
(61.3)
11.8
(53.2)
7.6
(45.7)
14.4
(57.9)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 1.8
(35.2)
1.0
(33.8)
2.7
(36.9)
7.3
(45.1)
12.1
(53.8)
16.8
(62.2)
21.4
(70.5)
22.5
(72.5)
17.7
(63.9)
11.7
(53.1)
7.4
(45.3)
3.8
(38.8)
10.5
(50.9)
Record low °C (°F) −0.6
(30.9)
−2.9
(26.8)
2.3
(36.1)
6.0
(42.8)
11.8
(53.2)
15.6
(60.1)
19.3
(66.7)
21.4
(70.5)
17.9
(64.2)
10.9
(51.6)
6.3
(43.3)
1.5
(34.7)
−2.9
(26.8)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 115.5
(4.55)
96.4
(3.80)
104.3
(4.11)
105.2
(4.14)
131.0
(5.16)
171.9
(6.77)
227.0
(8.94)
124.0
(4.88)
211.0
(8.31)
107.4
(4.23)
121.7
(4.79)
123.8
(4.87)
1,662
(65.43)
Average precipitation days 5.25 4.38 4.74 4.48 5.95 7.81 10.32 5.53 9.59 4.88 5.53 5.63 75.5
Average relative humidity (%) 72 72 72 73 75 82 84 81 80 75 73 72 76
Mean monthly sunshine hours 54.3 67.5 123.4 181.1 198.8 140.2 156.8 210.3 140.8 141.1 91.4 68.4 1,574.5
Source 1: JMA Ama Station[5]
Source 2: JMA Saigo Station[6]

History edit

The earliest evidence of human habitation of Chibu is the tomb called Himemiya Shrine Ruins (姫宮神社遺跡, Himemiya-jinja iseki) located in Urumi. The tomb is dated to the Jōmon period, 4000 years before present. Other ancient tombs built in the Yayoi (2300 BP) and Kofun (1700 BP) periods were also found. Also, the Oki Islands, including Chiburi Island, are mentioned in Japan's two most ancient texts, Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. In the Asuka period, the area became incorporated into the "Chibu district" (知夫郡, Chibu-gun) encompassing both Chiburi Island and Nishinoshima.[4]

Important events in Chibu's history:

  • ???? - go-daigo, go-toba. Exiled emperors stopped here on the way to Nishinoshima and Dougo.
  • 1874 (Meiji 7) - The first elementary school was built.
  • 1881 (Meiji 14) - The first ferry service to Dougo was started.
  • 1940? - Tanuki were introduced.
  • 1947 (Showa 22) - The first middle school is built.
  • 1977 (Showa 52) - A bad landslide occurred.
  • 1983 (Showa 58) - A moderately bad tsunami occurred.

Etymology of Chiburi Island and Chibu edit

Over time, Chibu and Chiburi Island (知夫理島, Chiburi-jima) have been written with various different kanji. These include the following, all of which are read "Chiburi": 知夫理, 知夫, 知夫利, 智夫, 道触 (see below), 知振, 千振, and 千波. There are two different theories regarding the name "Chiburi Island".[7]

The first and most likely is that the name came from the name of a Shinto god enshrined on Chiburi Island's Watatsu Island (渡津島, Watatsu-jima). The god, called Chiburi no kami (道触の神), is a god protecting ships.[8] Since Chiburi Island is the closest to the mainland of the Oki Islands, ships coming to and departing from Oki would stop on Chiburi Island and ask the god for a safe voyage. Over time, the name "Chiburi" stuck and the island became known as "Chiburi Island" from whence the name "Chibu Village" was derived.[7][9]

The second theory is that the name came from the use of smoke signals sent between Chiburi Island and the mainland for communication. Since Chiburi Island is the closest, it was the easiest to see between the Oki Islands and the mainland.

Introduction of tanuki edit

Culture and Recreation edit

 
The main populated area of Chibu.
 
"Swimming cows" are a kind of tourist attraction. The cows are pulled out into the water and released. They then swim back to the shore.

Government edit

The government of Chibu is organized with the mayor at the top, followed by the vice-mayor, treasurer, and 4 department chiefs, in that order. There is also a village board of 8 members elected for 4-year terms. The mayor of Chibu is elected for a 4-year term. The vice-mayor is appointed by the mayor and approved by the village board. The mayor and vice-mayor, as of November 2008, are Mr. Tatsuo Yada and Mr. Nobuyuki Watanabe, respectively. The board of education operates independently of the normal village office structure. The chief of the board of education is also appointed by the mayor and approved by the village board.

Festivals and events edit

Amasashi hiko no mikoto jinja reisai (天佐志比古命神社例祭)
is a festival held bi-annually, usually at the end of July. This festival is common throughout Japan, and the main event is carrying a mikoshi through the town. The home temple for this is Chibu's Ikū Temple (一宮神社, Ikū-jinja). Another common event during this festival is kodomo kabuki, or children's kabuki. Chibu's tradition has it that there was once a serious sickness on Chibu, and, after it passed, dances and kabuki were performed by children in celebration.
Odaishi-san mawari (お大師さん回り)
is a festival that was celebrated commonly across Japan in the past, but is recently becoming rarer. In the past, a famous monk named Kōbō-Daishi traveled throughout Japan and founded many temples. The festival started as a way for people to "copy" him by visiting various small temples in their town. Usually food is available at each location for visitors. The food is made by married women who often start preparing the food early in the morning. In Chibu, this festival is usually held in April.
Jyamaki (蛇巻き)
is an event that, like Odaishi-san mawari, was more common in the past, but is less common now. A rope (or "snake") is braided from dried rice-straw, and wrapped around a tree. This for good luck in the year's harvest, and usually is done in the fall.
Nodaikon matsuri (野大根祭り)
is a festival held in April for a beef-cattle show and to kick off the tourist season. Typical events in the festival are a cow show, karaoke contest, performances by elementary and kindergarten children, local folk songs called min'yō (民謡), and occasionally hired music talent. Festival food is also sold such as Oki beef, oysters, and yakisoba.
Minna ichi taiko (皆一太鼓)
is a small traditional festival not unique to Chibu held in October for good luck in the harvest and safety for marine vessels. Drums are played and a dance is performed to send luck to the town.
Bunkasai (文化祭) and Undō no hi (運動の日)
are common events throughout Japan usually held in November and October, respectively. In many other places, towns and schools may hold their own separate events. However, on Chibu the village and school combine because of the small population.

Chiburi-ben edit

The local dialect of Chibu is called Chiburi-ben (知夫里弁). It is also called Chibu-ben.

Chiburi-ben[4]
Chiburi-ben Standard Japanese English meaning Notes
ウラ (ura) (watashi) I, me
ノシ (noshi) あなた (anata) you
テチャ (techa) お父さん (otousan), 夫 (otto) father, husband
オジ (oji) error: {{nihongo}}: Japanese or romaji text required (help) youngest son
カバチ (kabachi) (kao) face Though it means "face", it's a rude word. Example: kabachi ga tatsu (かばちが立つ, (always talking)).
セツナイ (setsunai) 疲れた (tsukareta) tired Though setsunai is a word in standard Japanese meaning "emotionally tired", in Chibu-ben it has the additional meaning of "physically tired".
ダラ (dara), ダラズ (darazu) ばか (baka) idiot, fool, stupid
ヤオチ (yaochi) 親戚 (shinseki) family, relatives
メンボ (membo) カワバギ (kawabagi) a type of fish
ダンベラ (danbera) 牡丹雪 (botanyuki) large snowflakes
アバカン (abakan) 沢山 (takusan) a lot, much
ショシャ (shosha) かっこ (kakko) style, motion, guesture, behavior, action, attitude, manner, air
オッチラト (occhirato) ゆっくり (yukkuri) slowly
シャバル (shabaru) つかまる (tsukamaru) to capture
ズスネイ (zusunei) 病気 (byouki) sickness
テコをする (teko wo suru) 手伝う (tetsudau) to help
ハアボウ (haabou) 能力 (nouryoku) ability
ボデイナ (bodeina) つまらない (tsumaranai) boring
ヘカ (heka) すき焼き (sukiyaki) sukiyaki
オモチモ (omochimo) 思い切り (omoikiri) with all one's strength and effort, resolution
オシマイ(サン) (oshimai(san)) こんばんは (konbanwa) good evening
オジケル (ojikeru) はしゃぐ (hashagu) to do fun or exciting things (like dancing or singing) This word is used by men.
オバケル (obakeru) はしゃぐ (hashagu) to do fun or exciting things (like dancing or singing) This word is used by women.
オチョクル (ochokuru) からかう (karakau) to make fun of
サレバイナ (sarebaina) その通りだ (sono toori da) "That's right"
トツガモネェ (totsugamonee) とんでもない (tondemonai) outrageous, fantastic
ワヤ (waya) めちゃくちゃ (mechakucha) mess
ガンチャ (gancha) かに (kani) crab

Education edit

Elementary School edit

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Junior High School edit

 
Graph illustrating the size of the graduating classes in Chibu JHS.

School motto:

  1. Students who learn for themselves (自ら学ぶ生徒, Mizukara manabu seito)
  2. Students who are considerate (思いやりのある生徒, Omoiyari no aru seito)
  3. Healthy and strong students (健康でたくましい生徒, Kenkō de takumashī seito)

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Trivia edit

 
Chisshī, a beached basking shark that was named after Nessy.[4]
  • Chibu is the only village in Shimane-ken since October 1, 2005.
  • Chibu is the only island of the Oki Islands with tanuki. There are only about 600 people but probably more than 2000 tanuki.
  • In 2008, Chibu was featured in a TV drama called Dandan (だんだん), staring the twins Mana and Kana and produced by NHK.
  • In 1982 a basking shark (ウバザメ, ubazame) washed up on Chibu. It was 6.8m long and 1.96m wide, with a "neck" of 1.5m. People named it Chisshī (チッシー) after Nessy, and called the event the "Chisshī Disturbance" (チッシー騒動, Chisshī sōdō).[4]
  • For from 1996 until 2008[10], the head monk of Chibu's Ikū-jinja would not allow the mikoshi to be used for Amasashi hiko no mikoto jinja reisai. This is because in 1996 the men carrying the mikoshi became too drunk and excited and took it into the ocean, turning it upside-down in the process. Since this is a very disrespectful act, the monk forbid the use of the mikoshi.
  • Chibu may be the smallest administrative body in Japan, otherwise known as a "contracting organization", to employ an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) of English.

References edit

  1. ^ "Past census data in chronological order" (in Japanese). 総務省統計局 (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications-Statistics Department). Retrieved November 27, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  2. ^ "月報:しまね統計情報データベース" (in Japanese). 統計調査課. Retrieved July 12, 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  3. ^ 隠岐の島町ふるさと教育副教材集委員会, ed. (March 2007). ふるさと隠岐 (in Japanese).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  4. ^ a b c d e 知夫村役場, ed. (December 1996). 新修知夫村誌 (in Japanese).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  5. ^ a b "過去の気象データ検索ー海士町 (Past Weather Data - Town of Ama)" (in Japanese). 気象庁(Japan Meteorological Agency). Retrieved October 21, 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  6. ^ "過去の気象データ検索ー隠岐の島町 (Past Weather Data - Town of Okinoshima)" (in Japanese). 気象庁(Japan Meteorological Agency). Retrieved October, 23 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  7. ^ a b 知夫村役場 (March 1960). 知夫村誌(ちぶそんし).{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  8. ^ 大伴, 茫人. "大伴茫人さんの 『土佐日記』". Retrieved 12 July 2010.
  9. ^ 田中, 豊治 (February 28, 1979). 隠岐島の歴史地理学的研究(おきじまのれきしちりがくてきけんきゅう) (in Japanese). 古今書院.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  10. ^ 広報ちぶ (in Japanese). 184. 知夫村役場広報部. September 2008 http://www.chibu-vill.com/public/_upload/type017_7_1/file/file_12350049805.pdf. Retrieved 24 May 2010. {{cite journal}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)CS1 maint: date and year (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)

See Also edit

External links edit

36°0′51.14″N 133°2′22.55″E / 36.0142056°N 133.0395972°E / 36.0142056; 133.0395972