city, Miyazaki ken (prefecture), Kyushu, Japan, on the delta of the Gokase River (Gokase-gawa). It developed as a castle town in the 12th century and has been a fishing port since the mid-18th century. Nobeoka is now the largest industrial city of the prefecture. Several large chemical plants produce fertilizer, medicines, and fibres. Pearls are cultivated along the coast, and sweet potatoes, cereals, and tobacco are grown. Pop. (2005) 130,704.