KIRYU

city, Gumma ken (prefecture), central Honshu, Japan. It lies on the edge of the Kanto Plain, northwest of Tokyo. In the 17th century fine Kiryu silks were worn by samurai and court nobles. In the 20th century the city became a major production centre for brocades, satins, and other fine silks for export. After World War II the textile industry was expanded to include the manufacture of rayon. Kiryu's other industries produce electrical appliances, machinery, and automotive parts. Pop. (1985) 131,268; (1990) 126,446; (1994 est.) 121,858.