NARUTO

city, Tokushima ken (prefecture), eastern Shikoku, Japan. The city lies along the Naruto Strait (Naruto-kaikyo), which connects the Inland Sea with the Pacific Ocean. The narrow strait separates Naruto from Awaji Island, a large island of the eastern Inland Sea. During the Tokugawa period (16031867) Naruto was a flourishing port and centre of salt production. Since the late 19th century, chemicals and medicines have been produced there. Traditional products include socks and knitwear. Fishing and the gathering of seaweed are still important. Naruto is perhaps best known as a base for viewing Naruto Strait, popularly known as the Awa no Naruto (Roaring Gateway of Awa), a strait 1 mile (1.5 km) wide that is filled with rushing water and whirlpools at each ebb and flow of the tide. Onaruto Bridge spans the strait, connecting Naruto with Awaji Island and ultimately providing a road link with Kobe, on the island of Honshu. Pop. (1995) 64,923.