Chibu, Shimane

Chibu (知夫村, Chibu-mura, Chibu-son) is a village located on Chiburijima (知夫里島) in the Dōzen group of islands in the Oki District, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Chibu is the only village remaining in Shimane Prefecture as of October 1, 2005.

As of Japan's 2010 census, the village has a population of 657 people, constituting 326 households, and a population density of about 48 persons per km². This is a decrease of 68 people (9.4%) from the previous census conducted in 2005. A population estimate from March 2011 placed Chibu's population at 656 people, 334 men and 322 women.

Geography

Chibu is located on Chiburijima (知夫里島), the smallest of the Dōzen group of islands, and includes 18 smaller uninhabited islands located nearby waters. The Dōzen islands were formed from a single ancient volcanic island. The caldera of the volcano collapsed, leaving three main islands in a ring formation.

Climate

Located on an island located in the Sea of Japan, Chibu is within the Sea of Japan climate zone. Summer temperatures, though usually mild, are exacerbated by high humidity. Winter temperatures are also generally mild, though exacerbated by strong wind. The surrounding ocean has a warming effect, making winters milder than the mainland. Consequently, there is very little snow in Chibu, and what snow does fall usually melts quickly.