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Bibai

is a city located in Sorachi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of 2023, the city has an estimated population of 19,242, and the density of 69.3 persons per km<sup>2</sup>. The total area is 277.69&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>.

History

The name Bibai is derived from Ainu word "pipa o i", meaning "Place (swamp) with many cockscomb pearl mussels".

  • 1890 - The village of Numakai was founded.
  • 1925 - Numakai village became Numakai town.
  • 1926 - Numakai was renamed Bibai.
  • 1950 - Bibai town became Bibai city.
  • 1982 - Bibai Dam was completed.

At its peak, Bibai was a coal town that produced over a million tons annually. However, ever since the mine was closed in 1972, the city has suffered a slowly declining population.

Geography

The Ishikari River flows to the west of Bibai. The Bibai Dam was built on the Bibai River, a tributary of the Ishikari River.

Lake Miyajima was registered as a wetland under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.

Climate

Demographics

Per Japanese census data, the population of Bibai has declined by more than half over the past half-century.

Education

High schools

  • Hokkaido Bibai Shoei High School
  • Hokkaido Bibai Seika High School

School for special needs

  • Hokkaido Bibai School for Special Needs

Transportation

Rail

Hakodate Main Line Minami-Bibai Branch Line used to run from Bibai to Minami-Bibai.

Road

Straight line section of Route 12 is the longest in Japan.

Culture

Mascots

Bibai's mascots are . He is a greater white-fronted goose. He was unveiled in 1986. is Mami-chan's assistant who is a yakitori.

References

External links