Shiraoi (白老町) is a town located in Iburi, Hokkaido, Japan. As of September 2016, the town had a population of 17,759. It was established in 1867 by the feudal lords of Sendai. Most of the area of the town is forested and parts lie within the Shikotsu-Tōya National Park.

History

Shiraoi, like the rest of Hokkaido, was populated by the Ainu. According to the town's official website, the name, Shiraoi, means Rainbows in the Ainu language. Other sources state that the name comes from Shiraunai meaning Horse-flies. In 1867, the Sendai domain established a fort in Shiraoi and work began on Shiogama Shrine (塩釜神社). The following year the Boshin War caused Sendai to retreat from Shiraoi and return to Sendai proper. After the revolt was put down the government dismantled the fort in 1870. The end of the 19th century saw expansion of the town. A road was established connecting Shiraoi with Muroran, Sapporo, and Hakodate in 1873. Nineteen years later, the first railroad station was established. The villages of Shadai and Shikiu were established. Two significant events occurred during this expansion: in 1874, Mount Tarumae erupted, and in 1881, the Emperor Meiji visited.

Geography

The total area is 425.72 km2. The town is 28.0 km East to West and 26.4 km North to South. 82% of this area is forested. Shiraoi is crossed by a number of rivers running from the mountains like Mount Horohoro to the Pacific Ocean. These include: Mount Horohoro and Lake Kuttara are part of Shikotsu-Tōya National Park. Lake Poroto is also in the area.

Climate

Shiraoi has an oceanic climate, mild when compared to the rest of Hokkaido. The annual temperature ranges between the extremes of 33.3 C and -20.8 C. The average annual temperature is 7.2 C. Shiraoi receives 1660 mm of precipitation annually. This only results in 103 cm of snow annually. In a typical year, the snow lingers for 80 days. Accumulated snow rarely exceeding 44 cm. Wind velocity averages merely 1.6 m/s, that is less than half of the neighboring Tomakomai and Muroran.

Demographics

Shiraoi has a density of 42 persons per km2.

Economy

In the 1930s, Shiraoi began the cultivation of mushrooms, such as Shiitake, and mullet roe (or karasumi) at Kojohama. Shiraoi imported the knowledge of mullet roe production from Iwanai. Shiraoi has been involved in the harvest of marine products such as the Horsehair crab and konbu. Because of dwindling resources, harvesting of hair crab has been reduced to a test operation from the middle of July until the middle of August. Shiraoi introduced the raising of beef cattle from Shimane Prefecture in 1954. In 1966, Shiraoi began with the production of chicken eggs. Shiraoi boasts 550,000 chickens, and a business worth ¥2.8 billion.

Arts and culture

Annual cultural events

Shiraoi has four annual festivals:

Museums and other points of interest

Education

===Elementary schools ===

Middle schools

Other schools

Infrastructure

Transportation

Shiraoi has several stations on the Muroran Main Line: Shiraoi is served by the following bus companies: Shiraoi is served by the following roads and highways:

Sister cities

Shiraoi has the following twin city relationships:

Sports

The Shadai Stallion Station is located here. Shadai Stallion Station has bought high-profile thoroughbreds for their breeding program, such as Kentucky Derby winner War Emblem.

Notable people from Shiraoi