city, Saitama ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan. It is situated between the Ara River and the Tone River. An early market and post town, it changed little before World War II. Ceramic-tile production was the main traditional industry. After 1960 two consecutive industrial projects were developed in the southern suburbs. A railway and expressway between Tokyo and Takasaki run through the city. Pop. (2005) 146,461.