Sendai
(2000 est. pop. 1 million). Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in northeast Japan. The city extends from the Pacific coast on the east to the mountainous border of Yamagata Prefecture on the west. Founded as a castle town in 1601, it lies at the foot of Aoba Castle, constructed by Date Masamune (1567–1636), a feudal lord who gained sway over most of the Tohoku region.
Quickly becoming the administrative, economic, educational, and cultural center of the region, Sendai is the major metropolis of the northern five prefectures of Honshu. The center of the city was completely destroyed during World War II, although the Osaki Hachiman Shrine and Toshogu Shrine survived. While retaining the original attractiveness of its treelined boulevards and the natural environment of the Hirose River, Sendai is convenient and modern. Connected domestically by air and Shinkansen (superexpress train) and internally by a new subway system, the city ranks high nationally in terms of quality of life. The site of the prestigious national Tohoku University and a large number of private colleges and universities, Sendai is referred to as an "academic city." Regional offices of major government agencies and banking and trading companies are located here. Commercial activities center on petrochemicals and marine and agricultural products. Sendai draws tourists especially for the elaborate decorations of the Tanabata Festival, 6 to 8 August.
Further Reading
Vardaman, James M. (2001) In and around Sendai. Sendai, Japan: Keyaki no Machi Co.
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