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.

External links

• Official website in English