Hekinan

▪ Japan

      city, southwestern Aichi ken (prefecture), central Honshu, Japan. It is located at the mouth of the Yahagi River, facing Chita Bay. The city was formed in 1948 by the merger of the towns of Ohama, Shinkawa, and Tarao. During the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867), Ohama was an important port for the shipment of rice, salt, and sake (rice wine) to Edo (now Tokyo). Shinkawa, settled in 1700, was known for its pottery and roof tile manufacture. Such traditional activities continue beside modern industries that include the manufacture of transport equipment. Pop. (2005 prelim.) 71,402.

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