is a town located in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 18,128 in 7214 households and a population density of 112 persons per km². The percentage of the population aged over 65 was 37.6%. The total area of the town is . Geography Located in central-west Ibaraki Prefecture, Shinsato is bordered by Tochigi Prefecture to the west. The Naka River passes through the town. Surrounding municipalities Ibaraki Prefecture Mito Kasama Hitachiōmiya Naka Tochigi Prefecture Motegi Climate Shirosato has a Humid continental climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Shirosato is 13.6 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1390 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 25.2 °C, and lowest in January, at around 2.8 °C. Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Shirosato has declined in recent decades. History Shirosato was formed on February 1, 2005, from the merger of the town of Jōhoku, the village of Katsura, both from Higashiibaraki District, and the village of Nanakai, from Nishiibaraki District. Government Shirosato has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 14 members. Shirosato, together with city of Mito, contributes seven members to the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Ibaraki 1st district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy The economy of Shirosato is primarily agricultural. Education Shirosato has five public elementary schools and two public middle schools operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Ibaraki Prefectural Board of Education. Transportation Railway Shirosato does not have any passenger train service. Highway Noted people from Shirosato Akihiro Ohata, politician References External links Official Website Towns in Ibaraki Prefecture Shirosato, Ibaraki