Fukui, Fukui

is the capital of Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The city is located in the north-central part of the prefecture on the coast of the Sea of Japan.

Demographics

As of November 1, 2009, the city has an estimated population of 267,428 and a density of 499 persons per km². The total area is 536.17 km². Most of the population lives in a small central area; the city limits include rural plains, mountainous areas, and suburban sprawl along the Route 8 by-pass.

History

The city was incorporated under its present name on April 1, 1889, although it had been an important city in the region for at least 1000 years before that, serving as the capital of Echizen province during the Edo period (1603–1868).

Fukui was devastated by Allied bombing in 1945, and again by a major earthquake in 1948. The city has regained its energy and vitality. Hence, the city's official symbol—the phoenix.

On February 1, 2006, the towns of Miyama and Shimizu and the village of Koshino merged into the city of Fukui.

Industry

Fukui is home to several companies, including:

• Aoyama Harp, the only harp manufacturer in Japan
• Matsuura Machinery, an international heavy machinery manufacturing company
• Morinaga Hokuriku Dairy, a dairy products subsidiary of Morinaga Milk Industry
• , a trading house with strong ties to China

Transport

Rail

Fukui Station is the city's central railway station; it is a major stop on the JR West Hokuriku Main Line. It also serves as the terminus for the JR......
Read More