Matsudo, Chiba

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**Matsudo**
**松戸市**
Matsudo's location in Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Kantō
Prefecture	Chiba Prefecture
Physical characteristics
Area	61.33 km² (23.68 sq mi)
Population (as of January 1, 2007)
Total	481,119
Density	7,844.8 /km² (20,318 /sq mi)
Location	35°47′N, 139°54′E
Symbols
Tree	Castanopsis, eucalyptus and cherry blossom
Flower	Azalea and hydrangea
Bird	Ural Owl, Barn Swallow and White Heron
Symbol of Matsudo
Matsudo Government Office
Mayor	Toshihisa Kawai
Address	〒271-8588 387-5, Nemoto, Matsudo, Chiba
Phone number	047-366-1111
Official website: Matsudo City

Matsudo (松戸市, Matsudo-shi^?) is the third-largest city in Chiba, Japan, and a major bedroom community (11th largest city) in the Greater Tokyo Area. As of January 1, 2007, the city has an estimated population of 481,119. The total area is 61.33 km².

Front of Bandai Museum from the exit of the Matsudo Train Station

[edit] History

The Matsudo area was mainly inhabited by farmers until the 1960s, and the village was only used as a stopover point on the road between Tokyo and Mito (supplanted by the opening of Matsudo Station on the Joban Line in 1896). Matsudo Town was incorporated in 1889 and became a city on April 1, 1943.

Beginning in the 1960s, the rapid economic growth in Japan (and the Tokyo area in particular) led to a construction boom in Matsudo and the development of the area as a major suburb of Tokyo.

[edit] Sister city

On May 12, 1971, Matsudo established a sister city relationship with the then City of Box Hill near the City of Melbourne, Australia. When Box Hill amalgamated with Nunawading in December 1994, the relationship was re-affirmed with the new City of Whitehorse.

A small, multi-story department store attached to Matsudo train station bears the name "Box Hill".