Toki, Gifu

Infobox City Japan
Name= Toki
JapaneseName= 土岐市
Map

Region= Chūbu
Prefecture= Gifu
District=
Area_km2= 116.16
PopDate= March 31, 2007
Population= 63,524
Density_km2= 546.9
Coords= coord|35|21|N|137|11|E|region:JP_type:city
Tree= Japanese Fringetree
Flower= balloon flower
Bird=
Symbol

SymbolDescription=
Mayor= Nobuhiko Ōno
CityHallPostalCode=
CityHallAddress=
CityHallPhone=
CityHallLink= [http://www.city.toki.lg.jp/wcore/english/index.html City of Toki]

nihongo|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.

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 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.

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.

Government

Mayor

The current Mayor of Toki is Nobuhiko Ohno. Previous Mayors include:
*Yasuo Tsukamoto (1983-2007)
*Okizo Mizuno (1975-1983)
*Yasunori Ninomiya (1955-1975)

Representative body

Toki has an eighteen-member city council, which serves as the legislative body of the city.

ister Cities

;Inside Japan
*Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture (est. October 10, 1978, as a Sports Sister City);Outside Japan
*flagicon|Italy Faenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy (est. October 23, 1979)

External links

* [http://www.city.toki.lg.jp/wcore/english/index.html Official website] en