Shiki (志木市) is a city located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 76,445 in 35,407 households and a population density of 8400 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 9.05 sqkm.

Geography

Located in southern Saitama Prefecture on the eastern bank of the Arakawa River, Shiki is within easy commuting distance from downtown Tokyo. The Shingashi River and Yanase River flow through the city, and the two rivers merge in the city. The city can be divided into three parts: the Arakawa lowland between the Arakawa and Shingashi rivers, the Musashino plateau including the area around the station, and the Yanase river lowland formed by the Yanase river eroding the Musashino plateau. The Arakawa lowland is about five meters above sea level, and the Musashino plateau is 10 to 20 meters above sea level.

Surrounding municipalities

Saitama Prefecture

Climate

Shiki has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light to no snowfall. The average annual temperature in Shiki is 15.0 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1428 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 26.9 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.3 °C.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Shiki has grown substantially over the past 70 years.

History

The area of Shiki developed from the Edo period as a river port connecting northern Kantō region with Edo. The town of Shiki was created within Niikura District, Saitama with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. Niikura District was abolished in 1894, becoming part of Kitaadachi District, Saitama. Shiki merged with neighboring Muraoka Village on May 3, 1955, becoming the town of Adachi. Adachi was elevated to city status on October 26, 1970, and was renamed Shiki.

Before Edo period

Edo period

Meiji and Taisho era

Showa-Heisei era

Government

Shiki has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 14 members. Shiki contributes one member to the Saitama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Saitama 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

Shiki has some light manufacturing, but is primarily a bedroom community for the Tokyo Metropolis, with over 35 percent of its workforce commuting to Tokyo daily.

Education

Shiki has eight public elementary schools and four public middle schools operated by the city government, and one public high school operated by the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education. In addition, there are three private high schools.

Transportation

Railway

Tobu Railway - Tōbu Tōjō Line

Highway

Sister city relations