Omitama City is located in the central-southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, in the Ken-Ō region. It is a city that harmoniously blends natural landscapes with modern facilities. In the eastern part of the city lies the Hyakuri Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, as well as Ibaraki Airport, which also serves civilian functions, making it an important hub for regional transportation and defense.
Omitama City was officially established on March 27, 2006, through the merger of the former Ogawa Town and Minori Town from Higashiibaraki District, and Tamari Village from Niihari District. The city name “Omitama” was created by combining the first characters of the three former municipalities, symbolizing unity and a new beginning. “Ogawa” and “Tamari” are historic place names that date back before the implementation of the municipal system, while “Minori” was a newly created name following a village merger in 1956.
The name “Omitama” carries rich meaning, including visions such as “a city that coexists with nature like a pure stream (Ogawa) and grows brilliantly like a beautiful gem (Tamama),” and “a hometown with a small but precious, jewel-like heart.” Although “Hyakuri City” received the most votes in a public naming contest before the city’s establishment, the name “Omitama” had already been used by regional institutions such as the area-wide fire department. Ultimately, “Omitama” was chosen to preserve and integrate the local history and sentiment.
