The landscape around Taketa is formed from layers of ashes and stones from the ancient eruptions of nearby Mount Aso. It is known to have erupted four times in the past. The most recent layer of ashes was deposited about 90,000 years ago. The name Taketa means “bamboo field”. When the first people settled there, that was their first impression of the area.

The entire region, including the Northern Fukuoka Prefecture, was originally designated as the “Toyo Province” by the Emperor Keiko. It means “prosperous land”. It has always been known for its good quality of life. For many centuries, Taketa existed as a prosperous cultural centre, in harmony with nature. However, like many other rural Japanese towns, young people have been leaving for the big cities; the population is decreasing and the average age of the inhabitants is rising.

The City of Taketa, led by its mayor Katsuji Shuto, has formulated a strategy to reverse this trend: the Nouson Kaki Project – The Return to Rural Life. It offers young creative people ideal conditions in which they can make a living. Since 2012, 29 young innovators have moved to Taketa and set up businesses there and local people who had left for the big cities have now returned. Young artists and crafts people are also now coming to settle there. Taketa offers them an alternative way of life in the twenty-first century.

General Information

Size and population
Town centre, area: 42 k m² population 1,280 (2015)
Taketa region, area 447 k m² population 22,815 (2015)

Tourist Information

Taketa City Tourism Association
2250-1 Aiai, Taketa
Tel. +81 974 630585
http://en.visit-oita.jp/spots/detail/4432
https://www.taketan.jp/en/