Bibai

Bibai is a city located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
As of 2023, the city has an estimated population of 19,242, and the density of 69.3 persons per km². The total area is 277.69 km².

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History

The name Bibai is derived from Ainu word "pipa o i", meaning "Place with many cockscomb pearl mussels".

1890 - The village of Numakai was founded.
1925 - Numakai village became Numakai town.
1926 - Numakai was renamed Bibai.
1950 - Bibai town became Bibai city.
1982 - Bibai Dam was completed.

At its peak, Bibai was a coal town that produced over a million tons annually. However, ever since the mine was closed in 1972, the city has suffered a slowly declining population.

Geography

The Ishikari River flows to the west of Bibai. The Bibai Dam was built on the Bibai River, a tributary of the Ishikari River.
Lake Miyajima was registered as a wetland under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Bibai has declined by more than half over the past half-century.

Education

High schools

Hokkaido Bibai Shoei High School
Hokkaido Bibai Seika High School

School for special needs

Hokkaido Bibai School for Special Needs

Transportation

Rail

Hakodate Main Line Minami-Bibai Branch Line used to run from Bibai to Minami-Bibai.

Hakodate Main Line : Minenobu - Kōshunai - Bibai - Chashinai

Road

Straight line section of Route 12 is the longest in Japan.

Culture

Mascots

Bibai's mascots are Mami-chan. He is a greater white-fronted goose. He was unveiled in 1986. Yakitoriman is Mami-chan's assistant who is a yakitori.