SASEBO

city, Nagasaki Prefecture (ken), Kyushu, Japan, near the mouth of Omura-wan (Omura Bay). Originally a small village on a good natural harbour, it expanded rapidly in the late 19th century as a naval base. The town was partially destroyed during World War II but later revived as a base for the Maritime Self-Defense Force, established in 1973. The city is also a commercial and fishing port. Pop. (1990) 244,693.