IWAKI

city, Fukushima ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean. The city is divided into several sections that are located on the Abukuma Plateau and the alluvial plains of the Natsui and Same rivers. The northern section, which is known as Taira, was a castle town during the Tokugawa period (16031867); the Nakoso, Joban, and Shikura sections were post towns. Since the first exploitation of the Joban coal mines in the late 19th century, the entire city was dominated by the mining industry. Output declined after 1951, however, and after the 1970s only the mines in the west remained in operation. Chemical and petrochemical industries have developed, especially around Onahama. Tobacco is grown in the rural areas, and there is a lumber industry. Pop. (1991 est.) 356,746.