Nakano, Tokyo
Nakano (, ) is a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis in Japan. The English translation of its Japanese self-designation is Nakano City (, ). As of May 1, 2015, the ward has an estimated population of 322,731, and a population density of 20,701 persons per km2. The total area is 15.59 km2. Nakano is the most densely populated city in Japan. History The ward was founded on October 1, 1932, when the towns of Nogata and Nakano were absorbed into the former Tokyo City as Nakano Ward. The present administration dates from March 15, 1947, when the Allied occupation reformed the administration of Tokyo-to. 1447: Ōta Dōkan defeated Toshima Yasutsune in a battle here. 1606: The Naruki Kaidō, predecessor of today's Ōme Kaidō (a road to Ōme) was established. 1695: In connection with the Shorui Awaremi no Rei (a law for the protection of animals), a facility for keeping wild dogs opened. 1871: The twelve villages that comprise present-day Nakano became part of Tokyo Prefecture. 1889: The Kofu Railway opens. The forerunner of today's Chūō Main Line included a station at Nakano en route from Shinjuku to Hachioji. 1897: Nakano becomes a village. 1932: Tokyo City expands to encompass