Maebashi
Capital of Gunma Prefecture, known for water, greenery, and poets.
Maebashi is the capital city of Gunma Prefecture, located in the northern Kantō region of Japan. It is known as the 'City of Water, Greenery and Poets' due to its pure waters, rich nature, and as the birthplace of several Japanese contemporary poets, including Sakutarō Hagiwara.
- prefecture
- Gunma Prefecture
- country
- Japan
- known_for
- City of Water, Greenery and Poets; birthplace of poet Sakutarō Hagiwara
Lore & Background
The Maebashi area was originally called Umayabashi during the Nara period, named after a bridge crossing the Tone River near a refreshment house with a stable.
Reader's Guide
The city's economy includes manufacturing sites for Sanden Corporation and Sagamiya Foods, and it is the headquarters of Gunma Bank. Maebashi is located at the foot of Mount Akagi, surrounded by Mount Haruna and Mount Myōgi, with the Tone and Hirose rivers running through it. Notable residents include poet Sakutarō Hagiwara, game designer Shigesato Itoi, and professional wrestler Great-O-Khan. Maebashi is twinned with Birmingham, United States, and has friendly relations with Menasha, United States, and Orvieto, Italy.
Did You Know?
- Maebashi was originally called Umayabashi during the Nara period, named after a bridge and a stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the nickname 'City of Water, Greenery and Poets' refer to?
The moniker celebrates three pillars of Maebashi's identity: its pristine natural waterways, the abundant greenery surrounding the area, and its legacy as the hometown of multiple prominent poets from Japan's modern literary era.
Which well-known poet is Maebashi most associated with?
Maebashi is the birthplace of Sakutarō Hagiwara, a towering figure in Japanese modern poetry. His deep ties to the city remain a central part of its cultural branding.
More in Japanese Cities 1-23
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