Shikokuchuo, Ehime
Shikokuchūō (四国中央市; -shi) is a
city located in
Ehime,
Japan.
As of
2004, the city has an estimated
population of 96,003 and the
density of 228.59 persons per
km². The total area is 419.98 km².
The city was founded on
April 1,
2004 when the cities of
Kawanoe,
Mishima, the town of
Doi and the village of
Shingu merged to form one new city. The name literally means
Shikoku Central City and was named in the hope of becoming the new capital of the island of Shikoku, should the four prefectures be merged into one as planned. However, this name has been roundly criticised for its unoriginality, and is known as one of the "Strange City Names" throughout Japan. The former cities of Kawanoe and Mishima (the two largest cities of the four that merged) have fought for political control over the new city.
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Shikokuchuo official website in English
