city, Aichi ken (prefecture), central Honshu, Japan. It lies along the Kiso River, in the northern part of the Owari plain. Kōnan has been a centre of sericulture (silk-production) since the Edo (Tokugawa) period (1603–1867) and includes Kochina, the oldest commercial centre in the district. After World War II the city became an important centre for the manufacture of synthetic fibres and textiles. Processed foods and machinery are also produced. Vegetables, fruits, and flowers are grown in the surrounding area. Pop. (2005 prelim.) 99,053.