Hobara, Fukushima

Japanese city| Name = Hobara-machi
JapaneseName = 保原町
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Prefecture = Fukushima prefecture
Region = Tōhoku
Area_km2 = 41.99
Population = 24,491
PopDate = January 1, 2006
Density_km2 = 583.25
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Hobara (保原町; -machi) was a town located in Date District, Fukushima, Japan. It is a part of the Kenpoku Region.

On January 1, 2006, Hobara with four towns in Date District merged it and became Date City.At that time, studies reported the town has an estimated population of 24,491 people and a density of 583.25 persons per km². The total area is 41.99 km². [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BF%9D%E5%8E%9F%E7%94%BA Japanese Wikipedia Article: 保原町 (Hobara-machi)] (site), Wikipedia.org. Retrieved on March 19, 2007.]

Local Events

Tsutsukobiki

Tsutsukobiki is a yearly festival that happens in Hobara in March. Members of the community and surrounding towns join together to carry, shake, and smash a straw bushel containing mochi inside. The event proceeds with a three team tug-of-war (split by where the participants live). Eventually, participants carry the straw to a nearby shrine, at which the bushel is cut open with a ceremonial sword.

Momo Marathon

There is a yearly "Momo Marathon" (Peach Marathon) which passes through Hobara each summer.

Folk Tales and Local Legends

hinkeibo

Shinkeibo (真敬坊) was a Japanese monk who travelled through Hobara during a plague and was able to treat the villagers, saving them from their sickness. Shinkeibo was asked by the villagers to stay in the town permanently, but stories vary as to whether he resumed wandering or spent the rest of his life in Hobara. Shinkeibo is still considered a hero for his help.

Bomaka

Bomaka (ぼまか) is the name of a playful spirit that caused trouble to residents of Hobara for approximately one year. Little is known about him beyond his great power and mischievous nature.

Kamekyo

Kamekyo is the name of a spirit that resides in a local shrine, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社) in Hobara. Local legends include tales in which Kamekyo, a childlike spirit, plays with village children or helps villagers in times of famine or poverty.

Local Foods

Mame Kojiru

Mame Kojiru (豆っこ汁) is a kind of bean used in making dango, [http://www.bpf.or.jp/tokukon/mamekojiru.html Product Plaza Fukushima] (site), Retrieved on March 19, 2007.] a dumpling that is eaten both on its own and as an additive (in miso soup broth, for instance). Mame Kojiru is considered to be a creation native to Hobara.

References/Notes

External links

* [http://www.city.date.fukushima.jp/town-hobara/index.html Hobara official website] in Japanese
* [http://www.city.date.fukushima.jp/ Date official website] in Japanese
* [http://www.city.date.fukushima.jp/english/index.html Date official website] English version