is a city located in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. , the city had an estimated population of 55,325 in 23,270 households, and a population density of 300 persons per km2. The total area of the city is . Geography Takizawa is located in central Iwate Prefecture, bordered to the north and west by the Iwate Mountains, and the Kitakami River to the east and the Shizukuishi River to the south. Neighboring municipalities Iwate Prefecture Morioka Hachimantai Shizukuishi Climate Takizawa has a cold humid continental climate (Köppen Dfa) characterized by mild summers and cold winters with heavy snowfall. The average annual temperature in Takizawa is 9.5 °C. The average annual rainfall is 1386 mm with September as the wettest month and February as the driest month. The temperatures are highest on average in August, at around 23.3 °C, and lowest in January, at around -3.3 °C. Demographics Per Japanese census data, the population of Takizawa grew rapidly in the late 20th century and has grown at a slower pace in recent decades. History The area of present-day Takizawa was part of ancient Mutsu Province. During the Heian period, it was ruled by the Abe clan. During the Sengoku period, the area came under the control of the Nambu clan during the Edo period, who ruled Morioka Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. In the Meiji period, the village of Takizawa was established within Iwate District on April 1, 1889, with the establishment of the modern municipalities system. Takizawa was promoted directly from a village to a city on January 1, 2014. Government Takizawa has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city legislature of 18 members. Takizawa, together with the town of Shizukuishi, contributes three seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Iwate 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy Takizawa is a bedroom community for Morioka, and a center for many institutions of higher education. Agriculture still plays an important role in the local economy, with Takizawa known for its summer watermelon and fall apples. Education Universities and colleges Iwate Prefectural University Morioka University Morioka Junior College Iwate College of Nursing Primary and secondary education Takizawa has nine public elementary schools, eight of which are operated by the city government, and one of which is operated by the Morioka city government, although