is a town in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. , the town had an estimated population of 19,733 in 10054 households, and a population density of 83 persons per km². The total area of the town is . Geography Ainan is located in far southwestern Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. It faces Utsumi Bay to the west and Sukumo Bay to the south. The mountainous area that occupies most of the town area plunges directly into the sea, creating a complex ria coastline. At the mouth of the Sozu River, which flows in a large arc in the center, there is a small open flatland, where the government office is located. Parts of the town are within the borders of the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park. Sasayama Mountain is the highest mountain in Ainan (1,064.4 m) which has a rare variety of azaleas blooming on its peak, best seen in late April, early May. Neighbouring municipalities Ehime Prefecture Uwajima Kōchi Prefecture Sukumo, Kōchi Climate Ainan has a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) characterized by warm summers and cool winters with light snowfall. The average annual temperature in Ainan is 16.3 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1910 mm with September as the wettest month. The temperatures are highest on average in January, at around 25.8 °C, and lowest in January, at around 6.7 °C. The rainy season runs from June to July. The summer is hot and humid, with infrequent rain showers. Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Ainan has been decreased steadily since the 1950s. History The area of Ainan was part of ancient Iyo Province. During the Edo period, the area was part of the holdings of Uwajima Domain ruled by the Date clan from their seat at Uwajima Castle. Seven villages within Minamiuwa were established with the creation of the modern municipalities system on October 1, 1889. These were gradually consolidated into the four towns of Jōhen, Mishō, Nishiumi, and Ipponmatsu, and the village of Uchiumi, which merged on October 1, 2004 to form the town of Ainan. Government Ainan has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 14 members. Ainan contributes one member to the Ehime Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Ehime 4th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy Ainan's economy is centered on commercial