Nagoya << nuh GOY uh >> (pop. 2,332,176) is one of the largest cities in Japan. It is the capital of Aichi prefecture on the island of Honshu. It stands on Nobi Plain, facing Ise Bay.
Nagoya was once the seat of the powerful daimyo (baron) of Owari, a province of early Japan. In 1610, a great castle was built in Nagoya by the powerful shogun (military ruler) Tokagawa Ieyasu. The castle was destroyed during World War II (1939-1945), but was rebuilt in 1959.
Nagoya is famous as a manufacturing center. It has an important textile industry. It also manufactures machines, pottery, porcelain, lacquerware, clocks, fans, and embroidery. Nagoya’s industries and its population are crowded into a closely packed area. Nagoya is also one of Japan’s major port cities.
