city, Aichi ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan. The city is situated on Atsumi Bay. Formerly called Yoshida, the old castle town was the scene of much fighting during the 16th century, and it changed hands often during the Tokugawa period (1603–1867). After the late 19th century, it became one of the largest silk manufacturing centres of Japan. Main production shifted to cotton and synthetic textiles following the decline in silk consumption after World War II. Pop. (2005) 372,479.