Toki, Gifu

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**Toki**
**土岐市**
Toki's location in Gifu, Japan.
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Chūbu
Prefecture	Gifu
Physical characteristics
Area	116.16 km² (44.85 sq mi)
Population (as of March 31, 2007)
Total	63,524
Density	546.9 /km² (1,416 /sq mi)
Location	35°21′N, 137°11′E
Symbols
Tree	Japanese Fringetree
Flower	balloon flower
Toki Government Office
Mayor	Nobuhiko Ōno
Official website: City of Toki

Toki (土岐市, Toki-shi^?) is a city in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is located on the Honshū island, to the southeast of Gifu City, the prefectural capital. The Toki River runs through the downtown area. Toki is known as one of the largest producers of Japanese pottery. The products made in the region are generally referred as the Mino-yaki. Toki has a sister city arrangement with Faenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy.

In Spring 2005 Toki was in the national news in Japan when an outlet mall was opened on the outskirts of the city. Malls are a relatively rare thing outside the major cities of Japan, and the city was brought to a standstill after a nationwide advertising campaign attracted people from all over Japan.

1 History
2 Geography and demographics
3 Government
- 3.1 Mayor
- 3.2 Representative body
4 Sister Cities
5 External links

[edit] History

The history of pottery making in Toki area appears to have started more than 1,300 years ago. Some kiln traces and earthenware pieces, which are in the 7th century style, have been recovered within the territory of the city. The technical merit and artistic impression reached an acme in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568 - 1614) when crockery for tea ceremony had been produced there. Daimyo feudal lords highly admired such tea vessels, bowls, pots and utensils with unique styles as the Oribe. More emphasis has been put on daily necessities since the early Edo period (1603- 1867). By virtue of mass production successfully introduced from the Meiji Era (1868–1912) on, the porcelain and pottery from Toki are now found widely in Japan.

The city was incorporated on February 1, 1955, with the area formerly divided among 5 towns (Tokitsu, Oroshi, Tsumagi, Dachi and Izumi) and 3 villages (Tsurusato, Sogi and Hida).

In January of 2004, a referendum was called to decide whether Toki should merge with its neighboring municipalities, the cities and town of Tajimi, Mizunami and Kasahara. A proposition, which would have allowed them to consummate the merger, failed to obtain majority support.

[edit] Geography and demographics

Toki is located at 35°21′09" North, 137°10′59" East. It has a total area of 116.16 km². As of March 31, 2007, there are 63,524 people and 22,381 households living within the boundaries of the city. The population density is 546.9/km².