History

Oita City is situated in the middle of Oita Prefecture and faces Beppu Bay. It is blessed with a warm climate, lush greenery, and an abundance of natural resources.

Oita’s history dates back to the 4th century when it was called the “Land of Bungo.” From the end of the 12th century, the Otomo clan ruled Bungo for about 400 years. During the time of Sorin, the 21st Otomo feudal lord, trade with foreign countries was promoted, and Bungo flourished as the center of western culture in Kyushu.

In the 16th century the Otomo clan was overthrown and Bungo was broken up into many feudal domains. It was not until the Meiji Restoration in 1871, when the fief system was abolished, that Oita City became the central seat of government for Oita Prefecture.

During World War II, the central part of the city was burned to the ground, and postwar reconstruction transformed Oita into a modern city. In March 1963, Oita merged with six neighboring municipalities to create a new and larger city. The current population is 450,000. Oita was chosen to become a new industrial city by the Japanese Government in January 1964, and designated as a core city in April 1997. Oita has gained influence in accordance with its role as a major city, and continues to progressrapidly as the heart of Eastern Kyushu.