Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.
Kitakami is located in north-central Iwate Prefecture, approximately 45 kilometers north of Morioka.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Kitakami is located in south-central Iwate Prefecture, approximately 45 kilometers south of Morioka.
Kitakami is notable for being situated at the confluence of the Kitakami River and the Waga River, with most of its altitude ranging from 50 to 200 meters above sea level.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Kitakami is located at the confluence of the Kitakami River and the Waga River, and its altitude generally ranges from 50 to 200 meters above sea level.
Kitakami experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kitakami experiences a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), characterized by mild summers and cold winters, not a humid continental climate with hot summers.
The average annual rainfall in Kitakami is 1319 mm, and the average annual temperature is 10.5 °C.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that the average annual rainfall in Kitakami is 1319 mm (51.9 inches) and the average annual temperature is 10.5 °C (50.9 °F).
January is typically the wettest month in Kitakami, while August records the lowest average temperatures.
Answer: False
Explanation: September is typically the wettest month, and January records the lowest average temperatures, while August records the highest average temperatures.
The record high temperature in Kitakami, 37.0 °C, was recorded in July, while the record low, -17.4 °C, occurred in January.
Answer: False
Explanation: The record high temperature of 37.0 °C was recorded in August, and the record low of -17.4 °C occurred in February.
The average snowfall in Kitakami is higher in February than in January.
Answer: False
Explanation: The average snowfall in Kitakami is 123 cm in January and 99 cm in February, meaning January has higher snowfall.
Kitakami experiences an average of 148.8 rainy days and 39.8 snowy days annually.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Kitakami experiences an average of 148.8 rainy days and 39.8 snowy days per year.
May is the sunniest month in Kitakami, while December is the least sunny.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that May is the sunniest month with 183.6 hours of sunshine, and December is the least sunny with 84.9 hours.
The lowest mean daily minimum temperature in Kitakami occurs in February.
Answer: False
Explanation: The lowest mean daily minimum temperature in Kitakami occurs in January, averaging -4.2 °C.
Approximately how far south of Morioka is Kitakami located?
Answer: 45 kilometers
Explanation: Kitakami is located approximately 45 kilometers south of Morioka, the prefectural capital.
What is the total land area of Kitakami City in square miles?
Answer: 168.94 square miles
Explanation: The total land area of Kitakami City is 437.55 square kilometers, which is equivalent to 168.94 square miles.
Which two significant rivers converge in Kitakami?
Answer: Kitakami River and Waga River
Explanation: Kitakami is notably situated at the confluence of the Kitakami River and the Waga River.
Which of the following municipalities does NOT border Kitakami within Iwate Prefecture?
Answer: Morioka
Explanation: The municipalities bordering Kitakami within Iwate Prefecture are Hanamaki, Kanegasaki, Nishiwaga, and Ōshū. Morioka is the prefectural capital but does not directly border Kitakami.
What type of climate does Kitakami experience, according to the Köppen classification?
Answer: Humid subtropical (Cfa)
Explanation: Kitakami experiences a humid subtropical climate, classified as Köppen Cfa.
Which month typically records the highest average temperatures in Kitakami?
Answer: August
Explanation: On average, temperatures are highest in August, reaching around 24.3 °C (75.7 °F).
What was the record low temperature ever recorded in Kitakami, and in which month did it occur?
Answer: -17.4 °C in February
Explanation: The record low temperature ever recorded in Kitakami is -17.4 °C (0.7 °F), which occurred in February.
What is the average number of snowy days Kitakami experiences per year?
Answer: 39.8 days
Explanation: Kitakami experiences an average of 39.8 snowy days per year.
Which month has the highest mean daily maximum temperature in Kitakami?
Answer: August
Explanation: August has the highest mean daily maximum temperature in Kitakami, averaging 28.9 °C (84.0 °F).
What is the average annual sunshine duration in Kitakami?
Answer: 1,562 hours
Explanation: The average annual sunshine duration in Kitakami is 1,562 hours.
Which month is typically the driest in Kitakami?
Answer: February
Explanation: February is typically the driest month in Kitakami.
What is the average annual temperature in Kitakami?
Answer: 10.5 °C
Explanation: The average annual temperature in Kitakami is 10.5 °C (50.9 °F).
What is the average annual rainfall in Kitakami?
Answer: 1319 mm
Explanation: The average annual rainfall in Kitakami is 1319 mm (51.9 inches).
Which month has the lowest mean daily minimum temperature in Kitakami?
Answer: January
Explanation: January has the lowest mean daily minimum temperature in Kitakami, averaging -4.2 °C.
What is the average snowfall in Kitakami during January?
Answer: 123 cm
Explanation: The average snowfall in Kitakami during January is 123 cm (48 inches).
What is the altitude range of Kitakami, with some eastern areas rising higher?
Answer: 50-200 meters
Explanation: Kitakami's altitude generally ranges from 50 to 200 meters above sea level, with some eastern areas rising to 400 meters.
What is the average annual rainfall in Kitakami in inches?
Answer: 51.9 inches
Explanation: The average annual rainfall in Kitakami is 1319 mm, which is equivalent to 51.9 inches.
What is the record high temperature ever recorded in Kitakami?
Answer: 37.0 °C (98.6 °F)
Explanation: The record high temperature ever recorded in Kitakami is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F).
As of February 1, 2023, Kitakami's population density was 550 persons per square kilometer.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of February 1, 2023, Kitakami's population density was 210 persons per square kilometer (550 persons per square mile).
Kitakami's population has shown consistent growth over recent decades, according to Japanese census data.
Answer: False
Explanation: Japanese census data indicate that Kitakami's population has recently plateaued after experiencing several decades of growth, not consistent growth.
Kitakami operates under a mayor-council form of government with a unicameral legislature consisting of 13 members.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Kitakami has a mayor-council government and a unicameral legislature with 13 members.
Kitakami contributes six seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature.
Answer: False
Explanation: Kitakami, in conjunction with Nishiwaga, collectively contributes four seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature, not six.
Toshihiko Takahashi has been the mayor of Kitakami since May 2011.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Toshihiko Takahashi is the current mayor of Kitakami and has held the position since May 2011.
The official bird of Kitakami is the Sakura, and its official tree is the White lily.
Answer: False
Explanation: The official bird of Kitakami is the Grey wagtail, its official flower is the White lily, and its official tree is the Sakura (cherry blossom).
Between 2010 and 2020, Kitakami's population experienced a slight decrease of 0.1%.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source indicates that Kitakami's population decreased from 93,147 in 2010 to 93,045 in 2020, representing a -0.1% change.
Kitakami's coordinates are 39.286750°N 141.113222°E, placing it in the UTC+8 time zone.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Kitakami's coordinates are correctly stated, it observes the UTC+9 time zone (Japan Standard Time), not UTC+8.
What is the official classification of Kitakami within Japan?
Answer: A city located within Iwate Prefecture
Explanation: Kitakami is officially classified as a city (Kitakami-shi) located within Iwate Prefecture, Japan.
As of February 1, 2023, what was the estimated population of Kitakami?
Answer: 92,875 residents
Explanation: As of February 1, 2023, Kitakami had an estimated population of 92,875 residents.
According to Japanese census data, what has been the recent trend in Kitakami's population?
Answer: Plateaued after experiencing several decades of growth
Explanation: Japanese census data indicate that Kitakami's population has recently plateaued after experiencing several decades of sustained growth.
How many members comprise Kitakami's unicameral city legislature?
Answer: 13 members
Explanation: Kitakami's unicameral city legislature consists of 13 members.
What is the official bird of Kitakami?
Answer: Grey wagtail
Explanation: The Grey wagtail is listed as the official bird of Kitakami.
What was Kitakami's population in 1950?
Answer: 67,097
Explanation: In 1950, Kitakami's population was 67,097.
Who is the current mayor of Kitakami, holding the position since May 2011?
Answer: Toshihiko Takahashi
Explanation: Toshihiko Takahashi has been the mayor of Kitakami since May 2011.
What is the time zone observed in Kitakami?
Answer: UTC+9
Explanation: Kitakami observes the UTC+9 time zone, also known as Japan Standard Time.
What was Kitakami's population in 1920?
Answer: 43,431
Explanation: In 1920, Kitakami had a population of 43,431.
What was the population of Kitakami in 2010?
Answer: 93,147
Explanation: In 2010, Kitakami's population was 93,147.
What was the population of Kitakami in 1940?
Answer: 52,622
Explanation: In 1940, Kitakami's population was 52,622.
Which of the following is an official symbol of Kitakami?
Answer: Sakura (cherry blossom) as its tree
Explanation: The Sakura (cherry blossom) is listed as the official tree of Kitakami.
What is the official phone number for Kitakami City?
Answer: 0197-64-2111
Explanation: The official phone number for Kitakami City is 0197-64-2111.
How many seats does Kitakami, with Nishiwaga, contribute to the Iwate Prefectural legislature?
Answer: Four seats
Explanation: Kitakami, in conjunction with the town of Nishiwaga, collectively contributes four seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature.
Which of the following is the official flower of Kitakami?
Answer: White lily
Explanation: The White lily is listed as the official flower of Kitakami.
What was the percentage growth in Kitakami's population between 1920 and 1930?
Answer: 8.5%
Explanation: Kitakami's population increased from 43,431 in 1920 to 47,101 in 1930, representing an 8.5% growth.
Which of the following is the address for Kitakami City?
Answer: 1-1 Yoshi-cho, Kitakami-shi, Iwate-ken 024-8501
Explanation: The official address for Kitakami City is 1-1 Yoshi-cho, Kitakami-shi, Iwate-ken 024-8501.
The modern city of Kitakami was founded on April 1, 1954, through the merger of the town of Kurosawajiri with six surrounding villages.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that the modern city of Kitakami was founded on April 1, 1954, through the merger of Kurosawajiri and six villages.
On April 1, 1991, Kitakami expanded its administrative area by absorbing the village of Ezuriko and the town of Waga.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that on April 1, 1991, Kitakami absorbed the village of Ezuriko and the town of Waga, both from Waga District.
During the Jōmon period, the Kitakami area was primarily settled by the Yamato people.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Jōmon period, the area of present-day Kitakami was settled by the Emishi people, not primarily the Yamato people.
Aterui was an Emishi chieftain from the Kitakami area who successfully repelled the Yamato court's general Sakanoue Tamuramaro.
Answer: False
Explanation: Aterui was an Emishi chieftain from the Kitakami area who was ultimately defeated and killed by Sakanoue Tamuramaro, not one who successfully repelled him.
The Nanbu clan controlled the Kitakami area during the later portion of the Heian period.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the later portion of the Heian period, the Kitakami area was ruled by the Abe clan and later the Northern Fujiwara clan. The Nanbu clan controlled the area during the Sengoku period.
During the Edo period, the entire Kitakami area was under the unified authority of the Morioka Domain.
Answer: False
Explanation: While primarily part of Morioka Domain, two villages on Kitakami's southeastern border were under the jurisdiction of Sendai Domain during the Edo period, indicating a divided authority.
The Ezuriko Kofun Cluster and the Hatten Site are both designated National Historic Sites in Kitakami.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source lists both the Ezuriko Kofun Cluster and the Hatten Site among the National Historic Sites found in Kitakami.
When was the modern city of Kitakami officially founded?
Answer: April 1, 1954
Explanation: The modern city of Kitakami was officially founded on April 1, 1954.
Which group of people settled the area of present-day Kitakami during the Jōmon period?
Answer: Emishi people
Explanation: During the Jōmon period, the area of present-day Kitakami was settled by the Emishi people.
Who was Aterui, and what was his ultimate fate?
Answer: An Emishi chieftain from Kitakami who was killed by Sakanoue Tamuramaro
Explanation: Aterui was an Emishi chieftain from the Kitakami area who was ultimately defeated and killed by Sakanoue Tamuramaro, a general from the Yamato court.
Which clan controlled the Kitakami area during the Sengoku period?
Answer: Nanbu clan
Explanation: During the Sengoku period, the Kitakami area came under the control of the Nanbu clan.
Which of the following is a National Historic Site in Kitakami related to the Jōmon period?
Answer: Hatten Site
Explanation: The Hatten Site is listed as a Jōmon period settlement ruin and a National Historic Site in Kitakami.
Which of the following National Historic Sites in Kitakami is described as Jōmon period settlement ruins?
Answer: Hatten Site
Explanation: The Hatten Site is listed as a Jōmon period settlement ruin and a National Historic Site in Kitakami.
Which historical period is associated with the Nanbu-Date border mounds in Kitakami?
Answer: Edo period
Explanation: The Nanbu-Date border mounds are listed as Edo period border markers and a National Historic Site in Kitakami.
When did Kitakami absorb the village of Ezuriko and the town of Waga?
Answer: April 1, 1991
Explanation: Kitakami absorbed the village of Ezuriko and the town of Waga on April 1, 1991.
Which clan ruled the Kitakami area during the later portion of the Heian period, prior to the Northern Fujiwara clan?
Answer: Abe clan
Explanation: During the later portion of the Heian period, the Kitakami area was ruled by the Abe clan, prior to the Northern Fujiwara clan.
Kitakami's economic development into a light manufacturing and transshipment center was primarily due to its convenient access to Sendai and Morioka via the Tōhoku Expressway.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source attributes Kitakami's economic growth into a light manufacturing and transshipment center primarily to its strategic access to Sendai and Morioka via the Tōhoku Expressway.
Kitakami Station is served by the Tōhoku Shinkansen, a high-speed rail line operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East).
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Kitakami Station is served by the Tōhoku Shinkansen, which is operated by JR East.
The Akita Expressway has interchanges at Kitakami-Kanegasaki IC and Kitakami-Ezuriko IC within Kitakami.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Tōhoku Expressway has interchanges at Kitakami-Kanegasaki IC and Kitakami-Ezuriko IC, while the Akita Expressway has interchanges at Kitakami IC and Kitakami-Nishi IC.
The Kitakami Line operated by JR East serves only two stations within Kitakami: Kitakami and Ezuriko.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Kitakami Line serves multiple stations within Kitakami, including Kitakami, Yanagihara, Ezuriko, Fujine, Tatekawame, Yokokawame, Iwasawa, and Wakasennin.
What was the primary reason for Kitakami's economic development into a light manufacturing and transshipment center?
Answer: Convenient access to Sendai and Morioka via the Tōhoku Expressway
Explanation: Kitakami's economic growth into a light manufacturing and transshipment center was primarily due to its convenient access to Sendai and Morioka via the Tōhoku Expressway.
Which Shinkansen line serves Kitakami Station?
Answer: Tōhoku Shinkansen
Explanation: Kitakami Station is served by the Tōhoku Shinkansen line.
Which of the following is NOT a station on the JR East Kitakami Line within Kitakami?
Answer: Murasakino
Explanation: The JR East Kitakami Line serves stations such as Kitakami, Yanagihara, Ezuriko, Fujine, Tatekawame, Yokokawame, Iwasawa, and Wakasennin. Murasakino is on the Tōhoku Main Line, not the Kitakami Line.
Which National Route passes through Kitakami?
Answer: National Route 4
Explanation: National Routes 4, 107, and 456 traverse the city of Kitakami.
Which expressway has interchanges at Kitakami IC and Kitakami-Nishi IC?
Answer: Akita Expressway
Explanation: The Akita Expressway has interchanges at Kitakami IC and Kitakami-Nishi IC.
All public schools in Kitakami, from elementary to high school, are operated by the city government.
Answer: False
Explanation: While public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the city government, public high schools are managed by the Iwate Prefectural Board of Education.
Tenshochi Park in Kitakami is renowned for its autumn foliage, making it a popular destination during fall.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tenshochi Park in Kitakami is renowned for its sakura (cherry blossoms), making it a popular destination during spring, not autumn foliage.
Oni Kenbai, the Devils Sword Dance, is a traditional dance performed in Kitakami during winter festivals.
Answer: False
Explanation: Oni Kenbai, the Devils Sword Dance, is performed during summer festivals in Kitakami, such as the Kitakami Michinoku Traditional Dance Festival.
Kitakami is home to a reputed grave of Izumi Shikibu, a famous waka poet from the Heian period.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source states that Kitakami boasts a site reputed to be the grave of Izumi Shikibu, a famous waka poet from the Heian period.
Concord, California, became a sister city to Kitakami in 1985.
Answer: False
Explanation: Concord, California, has been a sister city to Kitakami since October 25, 1974, not 1985.
Sanmenxia, China, has a friendship city relationship with Kitakami that was established in 1985.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source confirms that Sanmenxia, China, has maintained a friendship city relationship with Kitakami since May 25, 1985.
How many public high schools are managed by the Iwate Prefectural Board of Education in Kitakami?
Answer: 5
Explanation: There are five public high schools in Kitakami, which are managed by the Iwate Prefectural Board of Education.
What natural attraction is Kitakami famous for, particularly in Tenshochi Park?
Answer: Sakura (cherry blossoms)
Explanation: Kitakami is famous for the sakura, or cherry blossoms, that bloom in Tenshochi Park.
During which type of festivals is Oni Kenbai, the Devils Sword Dance, typically performed in Kitakami?
Answer: Summer festivals
Explanation: Oni Kenbai, the Devils Sword Dance, is performed during summer festivals in Kitakami.
Which famous waka poet's grave is reputedly located in Kitakami?
Answer: Izumi Shikibu
Explanation: Kitakami boasts a site that is reputed to be the grave of Izumi Shikibu, a famous waka poet from the Heian period.
Which U.S. city has been a sister city to Kitakami since October 25, 1974?
Answer: Concord, California
Explanation: Concord, California, has been a sister city to Kitakami since October 25, 1974.
Which of the following individuals is NOT listed as a notable person from Kitakami?
Answer: Shigeru Miyamoto (video game designer)
Explanation: The list of notable individuals from Kitakami includes Yoshiaki Fujiwara, Tatsuo Hirano, Tamaki Saitō, Hiroki Suzuki, Saori Takahashi, Yoshida Tatsuya, and Akira Yaegashi. Shigeru Miyamoto is not mentioned.