Ube 5.18

Ube is a city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan on the Seto Inland Sea. The city was founded on November 1, 1921.As of October 2016, the city has an estimated population of 168,398 and a population density of 590 persons per km2. The total area is 287.69km2.On November 1, 2004, the town of Kusunoki (from Asa District) was merged into Ube.Its industrial base is in chemicals, concrete, and steel. The presence of Ube Industries in the city's economy is significant.Previously a coal mining town, the city has developed an effective policy to improve its environment. In particular it has combated the problem of air pollution and its success in doing so saw it being recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme as among UNEP's Global 500 Roll of Honour in 1997.Former prime minister of Japan Naoto Kan was born in Ube.Tokiwa Park (Tokiwa Koen)Ube publicizes itself as "a city of greenery, flowers, and sculptures". Tokiwa Park is the centerpiece of this marketing, as it covers a large area near the center of the city and houses a large number of modern, mostly domestic sculptures on the shores of Lake Tokiwa. The sculptures can be found around the city. A sculpture competition is held biennially to provide new additions.