Nakatane (中種子町) is a town located on the island of Tanegashima, in Kumage District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 7,196 in 4087 households, and a population density of 53 persons per km2. The total area of the town is 136.94 km2.

Geography

Nakatane occupies the center of the island of Tanegashima, with the East China Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. The Noma district, where the town hall is located, is a key transportation point, and all national and prefectural roads that traverse the island pass through here.

Surrounding municipalities

Climate

The climate is classified as humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is high throughout the year, but is highest in the months of May, June and September.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Nakatane is as shown below:

History

The area of Nakatane was part of ancient Tane Province, which was abolished in 824 and incorporated into Ōsumi Province. Tanegashima became a part of Shimazu shōen in 1140. During the Edo Period, the area was part of the holdings of Satsuma Domain. Sugarcane was first cultivated in 1824. Nakatane Village was established on April 1, 1889. A power station was built in 1925, and the first telephone was installed in 1938. On November 10, 1940, Nakatane was upgraded to town status. Tanegashima Airport opened in Nakatane in 1958.

Government

Nakatane has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 12 members. Nakatane, collectively with the other municipalities of Kumage District and the city of Nishinoomote, contributes two members to the Kagoshima Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Kagoshima 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

The economy of Nakatane is based largely on agriculture (sugar cane, sweet potatoes), livestock (cattle, pigs, etc.), and fisheries.

Education

Nakatane has seven public elementary high schools and one public junior high school operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Kagoshima Prefectural Board of Education. The prefecture also operates a special education school for the handicapped.

Transportation

Airport

Highways

In popular culture

Nakatane is featured in the Japanese animated feature film, 5 Centimeters Per Second, directed by Makoto Shinkai. It was released on March 3, 2007, in Japan.