Fukaura, Aomori Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Japan

🇯🇵 Fukaura is a town located in Nishitsugaru District of Aomori Prefecture in the Tōhoku region of Japan. As of 31 January 2023, the town had an estimated population density of 15 persons per km². The total area of the town is 488.85 km² (188.75 sq mi).

Geography Fukaura is in Nishitsugaru District, Aomori, and occupies the far south-western coastline of Aomori Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan. The south-western corner of the town is located within the borders of the Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and some coastal areas of the town are within the Tsugaru Quasi-National Park. The islets of Kyūroku-jima in the Sea of Japan are located within the boundaries of the town, giving it the westernmost point of Aomori Prefecture.

Neighbouring municipalities Aomori Prefecture ◦ Ajigasawa; Akita Prefecture ◦ Happō.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Fukaura peaked at around the year 1960 and has decreased by more than half over the past 60 years. It is now considerably less than it was a century ago.

History The area around Fukaura was controlled by the Tsugaru clan of Hirosaki Domain during the Edo period. It became a village in Nishitsugaru District with the establishment of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889, and was elevated to town status on April 1, 1926. On July 29, 1955, Fukura annexed the neighboring village of Otose. On March 31, 2005, it was merged with the neighboring village of Iwasaki.

Government Fukaura has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town legislature of 12 members. Nishitsugaru District contributes one member to the Aomori Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Aomori 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy The economy of Fukaura is heavily dependent on commercial fishing.

There is also a small tourism industry centered on the Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage area, particularly the Juniko Lakes on its periphery.

Education Fukaura has three public elementary schools and two public junior high schools operated by the town government and one public high school operated by the Aomori Prefectural Board of Education.

Transport: Rail East Japan Railway Company (JR East) - Gonō Line • Ōmagoshi, Shirakamidaketozanguchi, Matsukami, Jūniko, Mutsu-Iwasaki, Mutsu-Sawabe, WeSPa-Tsubakiyama, Henashi, Yokoiso, Fukaura, Hiroto, Oirase, Todorogi, Kasose, Ōdose, Senjōjiki, Kita-Kanegasawa, Mutsu-Yanagita.

Transport: Road National Route 101.