Tokushima 徳島市 |
||
---|---|---|
City | ||
Tokushima City | ||
|
||
Location of Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture |
||
Location in Japan | ||
Coordinates: 34°4′N 134°33′E / 34.067°N 134.550°ECoordinates: 34°4′N 134°33′E / 34.067°N 134.550°E | ||
Country | Japan | |
Region | Shikoku | |
Prefecture | Tokushima Prefecture | |
Government | ||
• Mayor | Akiyoshi Endo (since April 2016) | |
Area | ||
• Total | 191.23 km2 (73.83 sq mi) | |
Population (May 1, 2011) | ||
• Total | 263,372 | |
• Density | 1,377.25/km2 (3,567.1/sq mi) | |
Symbols | ||
• Tree | Elaeocarpus | |
• Flower | Cherry blossom | |
Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) | |
City hall address | 2-5 Saiwai, Tokushima-shi, Tokushima-ken 770-8571 |
|
Website | www |
Tokushima (徳島市 Tokushima-shi?, Japanese: [tòkúꜜshìmà]) is the capital city of Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku island in Japan.
As of May 1, 2011, the city had an estimated population of 263,372, with 114,325 households and a population density of 1,377.25 persons per km². Its total area is 191.23 km². The city is situated in the north-eastern part of Tokushima Prefecture at the mouth of the Yoshino River. In terms of layout and organization, Tokushima displays the typical characteristics of a Japanese castle town. Tokushima was developed under the Hachisuka clan. Its prosperity was built on a strong indigo dye industry.
The modern city of Tokushima was founded on October 1, 1889. At the time, it was the 10th largest city in Japan. The city is served by Tokushima Airport (recently renamed to Awa Odori Airport), in nearby Matsushige.
Tokushima was selected as a target by the United States' XXI Bomber Command during World War II because of the city's role as an agricultural center for the region. On July 3, 1945 at 5:45 PM (JST) 137 aircraft took off to bomb Tokushima. 1,050 tons of incendiary bombs were dropped on Tokushima, destroying 74% of the built up areas of the city.