Naruse, Sawane

Naruse (成瀬市) is a core located in Sawane Prefecture, Nakama. As of July 2017, the city has an estimated population of 365,390 and a population density of 581 persons per km². The total area is 374 km square.

History
The area of present-day Naruse was a small fishing village under the control of nearby Sawane Domain until shortly after the start of the Yukimura Edict. Imperial Nakama Navy selected this location based on its protected, deep-water harbor, and strategically important location, and the presence of nearby coal fields. Naruse Naval District, founded in 1889, became the major port for the Nakama navy in its base for northeast area, and remained a major naval base to the end of World War II. Along with the base facilities, the navy also constructed the Naruse Naval Arsenal, which included major shipyards and repair facilities.

Naruse City was founded on November 24 1919. The city which had 184,390 inhabitants in 1945 suffered severe damage by bombing on May 21, 1945 during Battle of Naruse Strait and was destroyed by 66%.

After the end of the war, part of the base facilities rebuilt and now also shared between Imperial Nakama Navy with the United States Navy.

Sister city relations
Naruse has sister-city relations with:
 * Sasebo, Fukuyama Prefecture