Oirase, Aomori

Oirase (おいらせ町, Oirase-chō) is a town located in Kamikita District of eastern Aomori Prefecture in the Tōhoku region of Japan. As of November 2013, the town had an estimated population of 24,211 and a population density of 337 persons per km². Its total area is 71.88 square kilometres (27.75 sq mi).

Geography

Oirase is located on the eastern coastline of Aomori Prefecture, facing the Pacific Ocean. The land is mostly flat or slightly hilly, and is watered by the Oirase River. The town has a cold maritime climate characterized by cool short summers and long cold winters with heavy snowfall.

Neighbouring municipalities

History

Oirase was established by the merger of the former towns of Momoishi and Shimoda, on March 1, 2006. The town was named after the Oirase River.

Economy

The economy of Oirase is heavily dependent on agriculture, with main crops including rice, strawberries, Japanese yam and carrots. The town has become commercially more vibrant with the construction of AEON Group, Jusco Shopping center in 1995 and the spin-off retailing this has attracted. The major local industry is Momokawa Brewing, Inc, a nationally-known sake brewer. Oirase also serves as a bedroom community for nearby Misawa and Hachinohe.

List of minor planets: 31001–32000