Kobe

Kobe (pop. 1,468,000), city located on the southern coast of the island of Honshu, Japan. This major seaport is a hub for export and import as well as industry and shipbuilding. It is also considered to be a cultural center, with many places of worship and centers of learning. Modern Kobe is largely the result of rebuilding after the heavy bombings of World War II. In 1995 the city was struck by an earthquake that destroyed thousands of houses and buildings and caused the death of more than 5,000 people.

See also: Japan.