a city in Japan, on the island of Honshu, in Saitama Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. Population, 171,000 (1970). It is a railroad junction and an important commercial and industrial center. Its economy is oriented primarily toward serving the needs of the capital, Tokyo. Industry includes furniture, textiles (cotton and synthetic fabrics), and food and condiments. There is also an aviation plant. Hothouse agriculture is well developed in the surrounding region.