Iwade, Wakayama Prefecture, Kansai Region, Japan

🇯🇵 wade (岩出市, Iwade-shi) is a city located in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. As of 1 November 2021, the city had an estimated population density of 1,400 persons per km². The total area of the city is 38.51 square km (14.87 sq mi).

Geography Iwade is located on the northern border of Wakayama Prefecture with Osaka Prefecture. The Kinokawa River flows along the southern border of Iwade.

Neighboring municipalities Wakayama Prefecture • Wakayama (city) • Kinokawa; Osaka Prefecture • Sennan • Hannan.

Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Iwade has increased rapidly over the past 60 years.

History The area of the modern city of Iwade was within ancient Kii Province. Negoroji temple was founded in the 12th century. After the Meiji restoration, the area became part of Naga District, Wakayama, and the village of Iwade was established with the creation of the modern municipalities system on April 1, 1889. Iwade was promoted to town status on August 1, 1908. On September 30, 1956 Yade annexed the neighboring villages of Yamazaki, Negoro and Kamiiwade. The five towns in Naga District other than Iwade merged on November 7, 2005 to become the city of Kinokawa. However, as the town had a population of more than 50,000 people as of the 2005 census Iwade fulfilled the requirements to gain city status by both the ordinance of Wakayama Prefecture and Local Government Law. At the request of residents, Iwade decided to gain city status alone, which was attained on April 1, 2006

Government Iwade has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 14 members. Iwade contributes two members to the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Wakayama 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Economy Iwade has a mixed economy of light manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture. Due to its proximity to the city of Wakayama, it is increasingly becoming a bedroom community.

Education Iwade has six public elementary schools and two public middle schools operated by the city government and one public high school operated by the Wakayama Prefectural Department of Education.

Transport: Rail JR West – Wakayama Line • Funato - Iwade.

Transport: Road • Keinawa Expressway • National Route 24.

Local attractions • Negoroji temple • Wakayama Prefecture Botanical Park • Nishi Kokubun pagoda site.