HYOGO

ken (prefecture), western Honshu, Japan. Hyogo is bounded by the Sea of Japan (north) and the Inland Sea (south) and includes Awaji Island, the largest island of the Inland Sea. Hyogo is dominated by its capital, Kobe, and other southern coastal cities forming part of the Osaka-Kobe metropolitan area. Hyogo's industries include the production of iron, steel, textiles, and lumber. Agriculture and forestry are also well developed. An ancient centre of communication with western Japan and continental Asia, Hyogo is well served by railways. Kobe is one of Japan's leading ports in foreign trade. Other important cities are Nishinomiya, Amagasaki, Akashi, and Takarazuka. Area 3,236 square miles (8,381 square km). Pop. (1991 est.) 5,436,664.