Erimo, Hokkaido
Erimo is a town located in Hidaka Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.
Erimo is famous for its strong winds, kelp, and its scenic cape, Cape Erimo. The cape was made famous by Shinichi Mori's enka song Erimo Misaki. It is supposed to be a romantic place to visit. The cape hosts a population of Kurile seals, as well as a museum dedicated to wind. Winds in Erimo are strong enough that in addition to two windmills on the cape, Erimo Elementary School is completely powered by electricity generated by its own windmill. This is a common location in Hokkaido to view the first sunrise of the year, and hundreds of people from all over Japan brave the strong, cold wind to watch.
Being one of the windiest areas in Japan, it is known by Japanese people as the "Land of the Wind Pole."
While the main industry is fishing, Erimo's most famous harvest is kelp which is harvested by most of the native residents during the summer months. The kelp is sold in Japan as Hidaka konbu, and Erimo has a museum in the main part of town dedicated to kelp and fishery.
The Hidaka Mountains come right down to the ocean at Erimo. For that reason, the road north to Hiroo had to be carved out of the rock. The road is known as the Golden Road, because it cost so much to build. In March 2006, due to steady population decline, Erimo's Elementary and Junior High School along this road were closed, and students began busing into the main Junior High in the center of town.
History
Muromachi Period
The Ainu of Horoizumi were firstly recorded in documents in 1515 during the Muromachi period, during the Shono Koushi Rebellion. The settlements in the area were at the time known with the name "Horoizumi".Kanbun Period
In 1669, Matsumae clan samurai, Kakizaki Kurodo, established a business here. This business soon prospered and as a kelp fishing ground, expanding its influence.Meiji Period
In 1880, the headman's office was established, leading to the creation of what would come to be known as the headman's office, causing the creation of a local administrative area. In this period, in the year 1889, Cape Erimo Lighthouse was lit for the first time.In the year 1906, the headman's office was fully abolished, and instead the second-class town and village system was implemented. This substituted the headman's office with the Horoizumi Village Office.
Taisho Period
In 1920, the very first census that measured the demographics of the local population was held, counting up to 4,699 people and 863 households. The Taisho period was also the first time the city was involved in Japan's industrial and urban rejuvination that started with the Meiji Restoration, and in 1924, as the road between Horoizumi and Samani opened, the very first cars started to pass through the town.Showa Period
The city started to expand, especially following the inauguration of the Nissho Coast Road "Golden Road" in 1934 and also the fact that the Railway Ministry buses started to operate between Samani, Horoizumi and Shono, involving the town with other town's trades and communication routes. This urban, transportation and trading expansion led to the city's demographic growth as a census held in 1955, signaled that there were up to 9,267 people, 1,630 households in the town. On 1 January 1959, Horoizumi Town is incorporated as a town, and in 1 October 1970, The town was renamed Erimo Town.In 1960, Fishing boats suffer extensive damage after Chilean earthquake tsunami hits early in the morning.
The shopping district modernization project and national highway widening project were only truly finished in 1987.
Heisei Period
In 2006 their Majesties the Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the town, signaling the first Imperial visit of the area in all of its history.Events
Cape Erimo is a popular place for the first sunrise of the new year and visitors come not only from Hokkaido but all around Japan. Additionally, since the building of the Museum of the Wind, tourists can enjoy watching the sunrise from within the museum's "Theatre of the Wind".Mid-January holds the annual Pickling Competition. The housewives of Erimo battle in a competition of homemade pickles. The entrants compete for bragging rights with various pickles, such as sushi rice with pickled radish and sake lees, the locally produced salmon and sandfish.
In early March, the town holds a mini volleyball tournament. Volleyball is popular among the townspeople, and approximately 150 people participate in this tournament.
The Open Auto Camping and Park Golf Course at Hyakuninhama is open from May to October. The camping sites include 10 bungalows, 19 auto partitions and about 100 tent lots. The Hyakuninhama Park Golf Course is popular with the locals as well as park golf enthusiasts.
Shoya Sakura Park is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The park has several variations of cherry blossoms numbering approximately 1,500 trees. In early-to-mid May, these cherry blossoms bloom.
In Shinichi Mori's song Erimo Misaki there is a line which states Erimo's Spring is a Spring with nothing. In response to this, the youth of the town created an event called Erimo's Spring is a Spring with something. During this event there are many events held including concerts, quiz competitions and karaoke.
Erimo's Exciting Forest Creation Tree-Planting Ceremony is held in late May and is a greening project. The townspeople are promoting the creation of a rich forest by planting Sakhalin fir and pine every year. Thanks to the endeavors of projects such as this the area around Erimo has changed from a desert into a lush forest.
Starting in mid-July kelp harvesting begins. Fishing and kelp harvesting are a major industry for Erimo and so from mid-July until September many townspeople assist the harvest in the early morning and then go on to their regular jobs. On a clear day following a rainy day, it is not uncommon for many people to take a day off work/school to assist the harvest.
The Erimo Lighthouse Festival is held every August. Spectators can enjoy an array of performances of local entertainers and popular songs. However, the most highly anticipated festival event for residents of Erimo and the Hidaka area is the absolutely awe-inspiring display of fireworks.
In September, around the time that kelp harvesting is finished the townspeople have an Autumn Festival. Each district has their own festival in which men from around town carry a portable shrine throughout the city to pray to and give thanks to the Shinto gods of the town.
On the first Sunday of October the town has its Gifts from the Sea and Mountains Festival. While this event showcases Erimo's local products, the most popular attraction is the "salmon snag." There is also a raffle and "rice cake throw 'n' catch."