Niihama

Niihama (新居浜市, Niihama-shi) is a city located in the eastern part of Ehime Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 July 2022, the city had an estimated population of 115,824 in 57781 households and a population density of 490 persons per km². The total area of the city is 234.50 square kilometres (90.54 sq mi). It has the third largest population in Ehime, behind the prefectural capital of Matsuyama and the recently expanded city of Imabari. It is famous for its Besshi copper mine as well as the annual Niihama Taiko Festival (also known as "The Man Festival", otokomatsuri 男祭り) that is the center of annual drunken and boisterous activity and draws tourists from around the country.