city, Aomori ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean. It was a castle town during the Tokugawa era (1603–1867) and served as a small commercial centre and port for the excellent fishing grounds off southeastern Hokkaido. The processing of marine products developed after the late 19th century, and industry (ammonium sulfate, steel, cement) was introduced after World War II. Hachinohe continues to be one of the main deep-sea fishing (cuttlefish, mackerel) ports of Japan. Parts of its coast are renowned for their scenic beauty. Pop. (2005) 244,700.