city, Yamaguchi ken (prefecture), Honshu, Japan, on the delta of the Abu River, facing the Sea of Japan. Hagi was founded as a castle town in 1600 and prospered as the capital of both Suō and Nagato provinces (now Yamaguchi prefecture). Economic growth since the Meiji Restoration (1868) has been slow. The manufacture of pottery and bamboo work remains important. Hagi is well known for its historic sites, including the Sho Temple and the ruins of Hagi Castle. Pop. (2005) 57,990.