Where is Japan's "Center"?—The Secrets of Akashi City and Standard Time

Where is Japan's "Center"?—The Secrets of Akashi City and Standard Time

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Japan's archipelago stretches long from north to south, and it's well-known that Tokyo is the center of the country's economy and politics. But where exactly is Japan's "center"? Let's delve into this intriguing question.

Actually, the reference line for Japan's time standard, known as "Japan Standard Time" (JST), is located in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture! Yes, Akashi City, famously known as "the town of the meridian." The eastern longitude 135-degree meridian, which serves as the official time reference for Japan, runs through this city, passing near the Akashi City Planetarium.
In 1886, Japan established its standard time based on a position 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in England. Therefore, the eastern longitude 135-degree meridian became the standard time reference for Japan. Akashi City was the first in Japan to set up a meridian marker in 1910 (the marker is still present in front of the "Meridian Police Box").
Also, the clock tower at the Akashi City Planetarium displays the letters "JSTM," which stands for "Japan Standard Time Meridian." This means that Japan's time is based on this eastern longitude 135-degree meridian. Consequently, at noon in Japan, the sun can be seen directly south of the Akashi City Planetarium.

As you stroll through Akashi City, you'll find the eastern longitude 135-degree meridian marked in various places. When you think of Japan's "center," Tokyo often comes to mind, but in reality, Akashi City plays a crucial role in supporting Japan's standard time. Visiting this town, where history and science intersect, might give you a unique sense of standing at the center of Japan's time.

The Akashi City Planetarium also offers a planetarium show and opportunities to learn more about space. Why not visit this time center and explore the wonders of the universe?

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