Wanouchi, Gifu

Wanouchi(輪之内町,Wanouchi-chō)is atownlocated inAnpachi District,Gifu Prefecture,Japan. As of 1 April 2018, the town had an estimatedpopulationof 9,910 in 3,183 householdsand apopulation densityof 439 persons per km.The total area of the town is 22.33 square kilometres (8.62 sq mi).
Wanouchi is located in the northwestern portion of theNōbi Plainin southwestern Gifu Prefecture. Thekanjifor Wanouchi (輪之内) literally translates to "within a circle." This name is derived from the fact that Wanouchi is situated between theIbi Riverand theNagara River. Historically, these two rivers ran together and the area known as Wanouchi today was one of many ring-levees in the middle of the river. Naturally, these levees were prone to frequent flooding and so the waters had to be diverted. Hence, Wanouchi's physical environment and history has been greatly shaped by the constant threat of floods. The town has a climate characterized by characterized by hot and humid summers, and mild winters  (Köppen climate classificationCfa).  The average annual temperature in Wanouchi is 15.4 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1828 mm with September as the wettest month.The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 27.7 °C, and lowest in January, at around 4.1 °C.
Per Japanese census data,the population of Wanouchi has recently plateaued after a long period of growth.
The area around Wanouchi was part of traditionalMino Province. During theEdo period, it was mostly controlled byŌgaki Domain. In 1754, theTokugawa shogunate,  ordered the powerfulSatsuma DomainfromKagoshimato build embankments in order to divert the rivers in the area forflood controland as a measure to drain off Satsuma Domain's wealth to reduce its potential as a threat to Tokugawa rule. This was later known as theHōreki Age River Improvement Incident. The construction of these banks proved extremely dangerous and difficult, hampered both by nature and by obstruction from the Tokugawa shogunate. It is said that a human sacrifice was made in the Wanouchi area during the construction when a local retainer voluntarily gave his life by remaining under the rushing waters in order to keep a foundation pillar from moving until it could be secured from above. As well as aiding in the construction, this sacrifice was also treated as an offering to the gods ensuring the successful completing of the project. Several Satsuma samurai associated with the project committed "seppuku" (ritual suicide). The construction was completed in 1755. More than 80 people died. The graves of 8 of these men are located around Wanouchi, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made so that people could live in a safer environment. Due to the construction of many banks over the last 200 years, the waters surrounding Wanouchi have become two separate rivers, theIbi RiverandNagara River. The area located between the two rivers is referred to as the "Waju-tei" (輪中堤 or Waju levee). The name Wanouchi originates from this word and means "the town in Waju-tei".
During the post-Meiji restorationcadastral reforms, the area was organised intoAnpachi District, Gifu. In 1954, the three villages Niki, Fukuzuka, and Oyabu were merged to form the town of Wanouchi. In 1976, the Nagara River swelled and flooded Wanouchi's neighbouring towns,Anpachi, GifuandSunomata, Gifu. However, the people of Wanouchi were protected from the floods because of the strong embankments.
Wanouchi's main areas of employment is in the manufacturing industry. However, many citizens also derive income from agricultural activities.
Wanouchi has three public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government. The town does not have a high school.
Kayu no Tsuke
For over 100 years, every January, a ritual has been performed to predict the coming year's rice harvest. In the dead of night, farmers gather at four shrines in Wanouchi to witness the ritual. Rice is steamed together with hollow, slender stalks of bamboo about 20 cm. in length. When the rice is ready, a priest slices the bamboo lengthwise. The amount of rice that has been cooked inside the stalk is believed to indicate the abundance of the next year's harvest.
Locations: Hakusan Shrine (白山神社), Kamo Shrine (加茂神社), Hachiman Shrine (八幡神社), and Hakusan Hime Shrine (白山比売神社)
Date: January 15
The Hoei no Mai Performance
This event occurs twice a year in memory of the Satsuma samurai. For over 200 years in the spring and autumn young girls have performed special dances and songs at the Chisui Shrine.
Location: Chisui Shrine (治水神社)
Dates: April 5 and October 5
The Zosui Festival
It is said, that over 400 years ago, a god was carried by a great flood, or "zosui", to the Gotago area of Wanouchi. Thus, the Zosui Festival honours this god who is believed to protect Wanouchi from floods. Since "zosui" is also the name of a rice and vegetable porridge, people offer this porridge to the god. During the festival, the Shinmei Shrine is decorated with paper lanterns. Festivities include taiko drumming and the Shirakawa dance.
Location: Shinmei Shrine (神明神社)
Date: July 16
Noryo Hometown Festival
During Japan's stifling hot and humid summer, the Noryo Hometown Festival gives the people of Wanouchi the chance to enjoy Obon dancing in the cool of the evening. This festival occurs in the middle of August in conjunction with the nationwide festival,Obon. During Obon it is customary for people to return to their hometown, donyukatasand join in the local festivities.
Location: Town Office (役場)
Date: August 15
Sangyo Festival
The Sangyo Festival is a yearly celebration of Wanouchi's thriving industries. It is a chance for farmers and manufacturers to peddle their wares. "Takoyaki,"yakisoba," baked yams, beer, and confections are available at food booths. Various entertainment events such as lotteries, karaoke competitions and firework displays create a carnival-like atmosphere. The grand finale of the 2 day fair is the Rice Cake Toss when hundreds of rice cakes are hurled into the crowd and everyone scrambles for them. The Sangyo festival is a great way to meet people from all walks of life in Wanouchi.
Location: Town Office (役場)
Date: First weekend in October
The Gomando Festival
ThisShintofestival, honoring the water god "Gomando", dates back to 1624. In the early evening, residents of Mirushinden gather at the Myoko Temple to acknowledge the community's founder, Kazuya Sozaemon. They then proceed to Tado shrine, nestled in a small pine grove. There, thesakeflows, enhancing the pounding oftaikodrums as people wearing "happi" (festival) coats and brightly decorated umbrella hats perform the Shirakawa dance. Paper flowers on the dancers' hands add to the colourful spectacle.
Location: Tada Shrine (多度神社)
Date: October 3
Wanouchi Autumn Festival
On the evening of October 10, the rhythm  of taiko drums echoes through Wanouchi. The Autumn Festival is a time for families to get together and enjoy a feast. Wanouchi's three traditional dances, the Dengarakashi dance, the Ondo dance and the Shirakawa dance can be seen at various Shinto shrines.
Location: Various Shrines in Wanouchi
Date: October 10
The local dialect, called Wanouchi-ben, is a colourful mixture ofNagoya,GifuandKansaidialects.
Media related toWanouchi, Gifuat Wikimedia Commons