Mayor's message
/ In August 1947, Hirakata became Osaka prefecture's 12th city with a population of 40,000. Today, the number of people living here exceeds 400,000.After celebrating the city's 50th anniversary in 1997, we now plan to look towards the 21st century and continue improving our city, always keeping in mind "compassion for all". I will do my best to help create a city where people are happy to live, support each other and help each other out; a city where everyone can work, study, and live safely without worry.
I hope that Hirakata's homepage provides you with helpful, up-to-date information and a new way to learn about our "city of hope" and make new friends.
Hiroshi Nakatsuka
Hirakata city mayor
April, 1998
Hirakata City Assembly
How It Works
The City Assembly is an important council that puts the citizens' voice into action in local government affairs by debating and deciding the budget and other activities of the City. There are 36 elected members (number of assembly seats fixed by ordinance). The main session of the Assembly consists of regular sittings and extraordinary sittings, with the former taking place four times a year (March, June, September, and December) and the latter taking place as need arises. Besides the main full session, there are four permanent committees, which discuss specialist topics, and when necessary, special committees are established.
City Assembly Committees
Observers, Petitions
· Observing the Assembly:
The main session of the City Assembly can be observed by anybody at any time (excluding confidential meetings). Citizens' voices and criticisms must be reflected as much as possible in government, if Hirakata is to prosper and provide a pleasant living environment for all. It is therefore important for citizens to come and observe the City Assembly and understand the mechanism of city government.
· Petitions:
Requests to the government can be put in the form of a petition submitted to the City Assembly. Petitioning is a basic right of the residents. Not only Hirakata citizens but also non-residents and foreign nationals can put forward a petition. A petition should be submitted to the Assembly through one of its members. If there is no Assembly member to introduce the petition to the Assembly, it will be treated as a lobbying paper. This will be duplicated and distributed to all Assembly members but cannot be debated by the Assembly.
Welcome To Hirakata
OutlineHirakata is bounded by the Yodo River to the west, and the verdant Ikoma Mountains to the east. The area has been populated since ancient times, and thrived as the hunting grounds of nobles and aristocrats during the Heian period and as a staging post along the main road from Osaka to Kyoto during the Edo period.
After World War II, there was a rapid increase in population due to large-scale residential housing projects in Hirakata. A city, which had been previously known as a suburban farming village, has been gradually transformed into a modern residential city. Again, in recent years, six universities have been established in Hirakata and the city aims to create a new image for the 21st century as a "university city".
Hirakata was chartered by the prefecture as its 12th city on August 1,1947. Hirakata's population of 40,000 at that time has since increased to 403,823, the fourth largest population in the prefecture (as of 1997). The city stretches 12km in the east-west direction, 8.7km in the north-south direction, and has an area of 65.07km². The central part of the city is traversed by Route 1, the Keihan railway line runs through the western part and the JR Gakken Toshi railway line through the east.
CITY FLAG
(1967 enactment)
The city flag uses a base of cobalt blue to highlight the central motif, the white hiragana character (hi) from the word, Hirakata. The flag symbolizes the image of a bird flapping its wings in the sky. / CITY EMBLEM
(1947 enactment)
Hirakata, a city that has prospered alongside the Yodo River, has a strong historical link with boats. The logo is a combination of the (pronounced "hi") and (pronounced "ra") katakana characters at the bottom, with the kanji character (pronounced "kata") in the center. This logo was created to symbolize the intimate connection of Hirakata with the 30-koku ship of the Yodo River.
(A "koku" is an ancient unit of measure used in Japan, 1 koku = 47.7 gallons)
CITY TREE: The Willow
(1967 enactment)
Willow trees that line the banks of the Yodo River, whose development has brought prosperity to Hirakata, ideally symbolize and are historically connected to the city. / CITY FLOWER: The Chrysanthemum
(1967 enactment)
Hirakata's earth is well suited for cultivating the chrysanthemum, which is intimately connected with Hirakata's traditional craft, the flower doll.
Symbol and motto marking Hirakata's 50th anniversary
Hirakata celebrated its 50th anniversary as an established city in 1997. To commemorate this special event and welcome a new era, a suitable motto and symbol for Hirakata was decided on by the public.
The symbol centers on the H of Hirakata and uses the Yodo River, which flows, through Hirakata on its way from Kyoto to Osaka, to symbolize the city's history, while a bird spreading its wings gives the idea of the future. The color combines the blue of water with the green of nature.
Location
Transportation guide on how to get to Hirakata
BY PLANEBY SHINKANSEN (Bullet Train)
JR Osaka Station
Eight Scenic Spots in Hirakata
Commemorating the 35th anniversary of Hirakata's city charter, eight spots in Hirakata which best convey the message of "Hometown Hirakata" were selected by seeking suggestions from among the citizens of Hirakata.
/ Four Seasons of the Yodo RiverFrom time immemorial, the Yodo River which has been called the "Mother River," has developed a unique history and culture along its banks. From the mustard plants of spring, the cattail spears of summer, the cluster-amaryllis of fall to the flocks of ducks springing skyward in winter-the river provides a treat for our eyes each and every season.
/ Woods at the Site of Kuzuhanomiya
The ruins of Kuzuhanomiya, where Emperor Keitai is said to have ascended the throne at the beginning of the 6th century, are thought to be within the vicinity of the Katanotenjin Shrine. Even now, the virgin forest at the ruins seems to invite visitors back to ancient times.
/ Cherry Blossoms in Makino
Makino park is just north of the Katano Shrine which exhibits the magnificent style of the Momoyama period. During the Heian period, the area was called Katanogahara, and was famous for its cherry blossoms. Even now, the residents of Hirakata flock to view the delicate flowers during the cherry blossom season.
/ The Moon viewed from Yamada Pond
The ancient Yamada Pond is located inside and forms the core of the prefectural Yamadaike Park. The pond is surrounded by a wide diversification of scenery, such as tall trees and a marsh from which irises bloom. The pond's beauty is considered to be particularly charming when the moon's reflection shines upon its surface.
/ View from Mt. Kunimi
Standing 300m above sea level, Mt. Kunimi is believed to have been the site where Tsuda Suhonokami Masanobu built Tsuda castle 500 years ago. The summit of the mountain affords an excellent view of Mt.Kasagi, Mt. Hira and Mt. Hiei, in addition to Mt. Rokko and Osaka Bay.
/ Pines sway in the wind at the site of Kudaraji Temple
The Kudaraji Temple was built in the latter part of the 8th century by Kudaranokonikishi Kyofuku, and was modeled on a series of temples honoring his ancestors. The site was designated by the country as a special historic site in 1952. The wind blowing the branches of the nearby pines seems to conjure up images of the Shichido Monasteries of days gone by.
/ Mannenjiyama shaded by Trees
Mannenjiyama is a tree-covered hill located south of Hirakatashi Station. If you ascend the flight of stone steps leading to the Ogami Shrine, you will find yourself amidst a variety of stone markers, and the moss-covered 13 story pagoda suggesting the image of Mannenji Temple which once stood at the site.
/ Avenue of Trees at the Kori Housing Development
Called the "finest in the orient," the Kori Housing Development was constructed in 1957. Presently, the leafy branches of the zelkova trees that line the boulevard and the gingko trees that line Icho-doori stretch toward the sky as if they had been there since ancient times.
Working towards an exciting "University City"
With approximately 16,000 students attending the six universities located in Hirakata, the city can now be regarded as a "students' city".
We are working towards creating a "university city" where the citizens of Hirakata can make the most of the information, facilities and outstanding work undertaken at these universities.
1.Osaka Dental University / 2.Kansai Medical University / 3.Kansai Gaidai University
4.Setsunan University / 5.Osaka International University / 6.Osaka Institute of Technology
Hirakata International Association
The Hirakata International Association was established in December 1995 as part of the city's efforts to become an international, cultural city for the coming 21st century.
Activities:
§ To promote and support international activities of citizens
§ To promote friendship and exchange with overseas cities
§ To promote exchange between local citizens and foreign residents in Hirakata city
§ To collect and provide various information and materials for foreign residents in order to make life in Hirakata more comfortable.
§ To cooperate and promote international activities planned/performed by Hirakata city
· Hirakata City Library
Population and house hold (as of 31 12. 2000)
/ population / 405,726（men 199,078 ： women 206,648)household / 151,780
increase / last month 256 up
move to in 1,569 move to out 1,459 birth 340 death 194
City tree
/The Willow (enact of 1967)
Willow trees that line the banks of the YodoRiver, whose development has brought prosperity
to Hirakata, ideally symbolize and are historically
connected to the city.
City flower
/The Chrysanthemum (enact of 1967)
Hirakata's earth is well-suited for cultivatingthe chrysanthemum which is
intimately connected with Hirakata's
traditional craft, the flower doll.
Shinbol and motto to mark the 50th anniversary of the city's establishment
/KAZE・KIRARI・YUME・HIRARI Hirakata City
The symbol centers on the H of Hirakata anduses the yodo river, which flows through Hirakata on its way
from Kyoto to Osaka to symbolize the city's history, while a
bird spreading its wings gives the idea of the future. The color combines the blue
of water with the green of nature (The symbol is based on a design by Shinichi
Watanabe of MIyagi Prefecture and the motto was composed by Masayo Miura
of Nagaonishimachi, Hirakatacity)
Area
/ 65.07ｋ㎡Municipal Declarations
/ · Traffic safety declaration· Mental health declaration
· Violence banishment declaration
· Anti-nuclear and peace declaration
· Respect for human rights declaration
· Health and Welfare declaration
Friendship cities
/· Domestic
/ Bekkai town HokkaidoShionoe Town Kagawa Pref.
Nakamura City Kochi Pref.
Nago City Okinawa Pref.
· foreign countries
HP The Foreign Office / Logan City Queen's Land continent AustraliaChang Ning District, Shanghai City China
As a commemoration of the 35th anniversary of Hirakata's city charter, the eight spots in Hirakata which best convey the message "Hometown Hirakata" were selected by soliciting suggestions from among the citizens of Hirakata.
１ Four Seasons of the Yodo River
/ From time immemorial, the Yodo River which has been celled the "Mother River," has developed a unique history and culture along its banks. From the mustard plants of spring, the cattail spears of summer, the cluster amaryllis of fall to the flocks of ducks springing skyward in winter the river provides a treat for our eyes each and every season.２ Woods at the Site of Kuzuhanomiya
/ The ruins of Kuzuhanomiya, where Emperor Keitai is said to have ascended the throne at the beginning of the 6th century., are thought to be within the vicinity of the Katanotenjin Shrine. Even now, the virgin forest at the ruins seems to invite visitors back into the ancient times.３ Cherry Blossoms in Makino
/ Makino Park is just north of the Katano Shrine whichexhibits the magnificent style of the Momoyama period.
During the Heian period, the area was called katanogahara,
and was famous for its cherry blossoms. Even now, the
residents of Hirakata flock to view the delicate flowers
during the cherry blossom season.
４ The Moon viewed from Yamada Pond
/ The ancient Yamada Pond is located inside and formsthe core of the prefectures Yamadaike Park. The pond
is surrounded by a wide diversification of scenery,
such as tall trees, a hill covered with bamboo, and
among others a marsh from which irises bloom.
The pond's beauty is considered to be particularly
charming when the moon's reflection shines upon its
surface.
５ View from Mt.Kunimi
/ Standing 300m above sea level, Mt.Kunimi is believed to have been the site where Tsuda Suhonokami Masanobu built Tsuda castle 500 years ago. The summit of the mountain affords an excellent view of Mt.Hira and Mt.Hiei, in addition to Mt.Rokko and Osaka Bay.６ Pines sway in the wind at the site of Kudaraji Temple
/ The Kudaraji Temple was built in the latter part of the 8th century by Kudaranokonishiki Kyofuku, and was modeled on a series of temples honoring his ancestors. The site was designated by the country as a special historic site in 1952.The wind blowing the branches of the nearby pines seems to conjure up images of the Shichido Monasteries of days gone by.７ Mannenjiyama shaded by Trees
/ Mannenjiyama is tree-covered hill located south of Hirakatashi Station.If you ascend the flight of stone steps leading to the Okami Shrine,
you will find yourself amidst a variety of stone markers, and the moss-grown
13 storied pagoda, suggesting the image of Mannenji Temple which
once stood at the site.