1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system. Kurayoshi was raised to city status on October 1, 1953. On March 22, 2005 the town of Sekigane (from Tōhaku District) was merged into Kurayoshi. Etymology The name of Kurayoshi in the Japanese language is formed from two kanji characters. The first, , means "warehouse", a historical feature of the city, and the second, means "good" or "good fortune". Government Kurayoshi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 17 members. Kurayoshi contributes three members to the Tottori Prefectural Assembly.. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Tottori 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy The economy of Kurayoshi is primarily agricultural with some light manufacturing. Education Kurayoshi has 13 public elementary schools and five public junior high schools operated by the town government. The city has four public high schools operated by the Tottori Prefectural Board of Education and one private high school. The Tottori College of Nursing and Tottori College are also located in Kurayoshi. Transportation Railway JR West - San'in Line Highways International relations Kurayoshi is twinned with: Matsudo, Chiba, Japan (2004) Naju, South Korea Local attractions Tottori Nijisseiki Pear Museum Kurayoshi Park Square, a local development featuring museums, conference rooms, a music hall, restaurants, and park space, remains a popular meeting place. Nearby Utsubuki park is known throughout the prefecture as one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in spring. The park also features sports fields and a small animal zoo. National Historic Sites Amidaji Kofun Cluster Sanmyōji Kofun Ōmidō temple ruins Ōhara temple ruins Hōki Kokunbun-ji ruins Hōki Provincial Capital ruins Gallery Noted people from Kurayoshi Kunihiko Hashida, physician, politician and Minister of Education References External links Kurayoshi City official website Cities in Tottori Prefecture