Otofuke, Hokkaido

Otofuke is a town located in Tokachi Subprefecture, Hokkaidō, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 42,240 in 20993 households, and a population density of 91 people per km². The total area of the town is.

Geography

Otofuke is located in southeastern Hokkaido almost in the center of the Tokachi Plain, it borders Obihiro and Makubetsu across the Tokachi River to the south. The town is mostly flat except for the Nagareshimanai Hills running north and south in the eastern part of the town, with the Otofuke River at its center and the Shihoro River and Shikaribetsu River flowing from north to south, both of which empty into the Tokachi River.

Neighboring municipalities

Climate

According to the Köppen climate classification, Otofuke has a humid continental climate. It has large temperature differences, including large annual and daily temperature ranges. It receives a lot of snow, and is designated as a heavy snow area. In winter, temperatures below -25°C are not uncommon, making it extremely cold.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, Otofuke's population has been growing since the late 1960s. It is now a commuter town for Obihiro.

History

The village of Otafuke was established in 1905. It was raised to town status in 1953

Government

Otofuke has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 10 members. Otofuke, as part of Tokachi Subprefecture, contributes four members to the Hokkaidō Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of the Hokkaidō 11th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy

Although increasing a commuter town for Obihiro, the local economy of Otofuke is still agricultural. Otofuke Town's main industry is agriculture. The main crops are wheat, sugar beets, potatoes, beans, and vegetables, and dairy farming.

Education

Otofuke has 11 public elementary schools and five public middle schools operated by the town. The town has one public high school operated by the Hokkaido Board of Education. A private junior college, the Obihiro Otani Junior College is located in Otofuke.

Transportation

Railways

Since the abolition of the JR Hokkaido Shihoro Line in 1987, Ofofuke has not had any passenger railway services. The nearest train staton is Obihiro Station on the Nemuro Main Line.