Taishi, Hyōgo

Taishi (太子町, Taishi-chō) is a town located in Ibo District, Hyōgo, Japan.

As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 34,088 and a density of 1,435.28 persons per km². The total area is 22.62 km².

Originally the Ibo District was divided into three towns (Ibogawa, Shingou, Mitsu). In October of 2005 the three towns along with the town of Tatsuno merged into a single city bearing the name of Tatsuno. The merger left Taishi as the sole remaining independent town of the Ibo District. Separate plans have been laid out respectively for the merger Taishi and Tatsuno, and the merger of Taishi and Himeji into a single municipal district

Geography

Natural Features

Hills - Dantoku Hill.
Rivers - Outsumo River.

Neighboring Cities

Himeji, Tatsuno

History

1931 - The town of Ikaruga was incorporated on present grounds.
1951 - The villages (mura) of Seikai and Ouda were merged with Ikargua to form Taishi.
1955 - The village of Tatsuda was incorporated into Taishi.

Notable Places In Taishi

Ikaruga Temple - A Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect that is connected to Prince Shotoku and given a construction date of A.D. 606 in historical writings.
Asuka Hall - Built in 1993, a culture and arts center where music and other performances are held. Seats an audience of 800.

Notable People From Taishi

Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645) - Influential nobleman known for both swordplay and penmanship; born in Taishi; noted in the collection of writings known as the Harimakagami. The fact is in doubt as many cities claim to be the birth place of Miyamoto.
Noguchi Souichi (1965-) - Astronaut and engineer; attended elementary school in Taishi starting from 3 years of age until completing the 5th grade.