Sōja

Sōja 総社市
City
Pagoda style Bichu Kokubunji
Flag Symbol
Sōja Location in Japan
Coordinates: 34°39′33″N 133°45′58″E / 34.65917°N 133.76611°ECoordinates: 34°39′33″N 133°45′58″E / 34.65917°N 133.76611°E
Country	Japan
Region	Chūgoku (San'yō)
Prefecture	Okayama Prefecture
Government
• Mayor	Soichi Kataoka (since October 2007)
Area
• Total	212.00 km^2 (81.85 sq mi)
Population (April 30, 2011)
• Total	67,357
• Density	320/km^2 (820/sq mi)
Symbols
• Tree	Maple Leaf
• Flower	Astragalus
• Bird	Crane
Time zone	Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
City hall address	1-1-1 Chuo, Soja-shi, Okayama-ken 719-1192
Website	www.city.soja.okayama.jp

Sōja (総社市 Sōja-shi) is a city located in Okayama Prefecture, Japan.

As of April 30, 2011, the city has an estimated population of 67,357, with 24,623 households and a population density of 317.72 persons per km². The total area is 212.00 km².^[1]

History

In the 7th century, Ki Castle was built atop the mountain Kijōyama. Long in ruins, excavation and partial reconstruction began in 1999.

The city was founded on March 31, 1954.^[1]

On March 22, 2005, the villages of Yamate and Kiyone (both from Tsukubo District) were merged into Sōja.^[1]

Geography

Adjacent municipalities

Sōja is surrounded by the following cities and towns, all within Okayama Prefecture.

• Okayama
• Kurashiki
• Ibara
• Takahashi
• Yakage
• Kibichūō

Rivers

• Takahashi River
• Shinpon River
• Makidani River

Mountains

• Ki castle mountain
• Mount Fuku
• Mount Karube

Sister cities

Sōja has been twinned with Chino, Nagano in Japan since 1984.^[2]

References

1. Official website(Japanese)
2. Official website, History of Sōja (Japanese)

External links

• Sōja City official website (Japanese)