Takizawa, Iwate

Takizawa (滝沢村; -mura) is a village located in Iwate District, Iwate, Japan.

As of 2003, the village has an estimated population of 52,981 and a density of 290.59 persons per km². The total area is 182.32 km².

Takizawa is the largest village in Japan by size and population. However, it is unlikely to ever gain city status as the village has no city center. The population is fairly well spread out throughout the village and there are no industrial or commercial centers within its borders.

Festivals

The Chagu-Chagu Horse Festival ( チャグチャグ馬コ )

Takizawa is famous for its Chagu-Chagu Festival held every June. The festival is designated by the Japanese government to be an important cultural asset. The festival celebrates the horses which once played an important role in the areas agriculture. The festival gets its name from the bells the horses wear during the procession. The sound the bells make, in Japanese, is "chagu-chagu".

The festival begins at Chagu-Chagu Shrine which is a large shrine in Takizawa dedicated to horses. After a brief ceremony a long line of colorfully dressed horses ridden mostly by children in traditional dress leave the shrine and go on a 10km procession that takes them to Hachimangu Shrine in Morioka. In total the trip takes nearly five hours to complete.

The Koiwai Snow Festival（ 小岩井雪祭 ）

Every year Kowai Farm puts on the "Koiwai Yuki Matsuri". This festival is noteworthy for its giant snow sculptures. Many of the sculptures can reach 30ft in height or more while most of them can be touched and even climbed on. During the festival there are several traditional musical and dance performances held on a giant stage made from packed snow. The festival ends with an impressive fireworks display which is choreographed to music.

A popular event at the festival is eating "yakiniku" or "gageskhan" (thinly sliced beef or lamb grilled over a fire or on a hot plate) in an igloo.

Agriculture and Industry

Takizawa is known for its summer watermelon and fall apples. Both industries are well represented within in the village. People from all over Japan order Takizawa watermelon and apples when they are in season.

Dairy production is a large industry in Takizawa as well. Koiwai Farm is currently the largest privately owned dairy production center in Japan. The farm produces a full range of dairy products from milk, an assortment of cheeses, and various butters. Koiwai products can be bought throughout the nation.

External links

* [http://www.vill.takizawa.iwate.jp/ Takizawa's official website] jp icon
* [http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/history/traditionalevents/a30_fes_chagu.html Information about the Chagu-Chagu Horse Festival] from the Japan National Tourist Organization
* [http://www.koiwai.co.jp/ Koiwai's official website] jp icon
* [http://www.koiwai.co.jp/english/ Koiwai's English website]