Toki (Gifu) 5.27

Toki is a city located in Gifu Prefecture, Japan. The city is located on the Honshū island, to the southeast of Gifu City, the prefectural capital. The Toki River runs through the downtown area. Toki is known as one of the largest producers of Japanese pottery, generally referred to as Mino ware.HistoryThe history of pottery making in Toki area appears to have started more than 1,300 years ago. The production of Mino ware dates to the 16th century during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Oribe ware developed as a style of Mino ware.The city was incorporated on February 1, 1955, with the area formerly divided among 5 towns (Tokitsu, Oroshi, Tsumagi, Dachi and Izumi) and 3 villages (Tsurusato, Sogi and Hida).In January 2004, a referendum was called to decide whether Toki should merge with its neighboring municipalities, the cities and town of Tajimi, Mizunami and Kasahara. A proposition, which would have allowed them to consummate the merger, failed to obtain majority support.In Spring 2005, Toki was in the national news in Japan when an outlet mall was opened on the outskirts of the city. Malls are a relatively rare thing outside the major cities of Japan, and the city was brought to a standstill after a nationwide advertising campaign attracted people from all over Japan.