UWAJIMA

city, Ehime ken (prefecture), Shikoku, Japan. It faces the Bungo Channel between the Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Uwajima developed as a castle town in the late 16th century. Connected by rail to major ports on the Inland Sea in 1945, it became the transport hub of southwestern Shikoku. The port is an active fishing centre; associated industries produce ships, processed foods, and fishnets. Uwajima contains places of historic interest, including the remains of its castle. Atago Park, named for the Shinto god who protects towns from fire, contains the Uwatsuhiko Shrine, well known for its festivals. The city hosts togyu (contests between bulls) after the harvest season. Pop. (1990) 68,035.