Uozu 4.47

Uozu is a city in the eastern part of Toyama Prefecture, Japan., the city had an estimated population of 42,556 and a population density of 212 persons per km². Its total area was 200.61sqkm.GeographyUozu lies in between Namerikawa and Kurobe, stretching from Toyama Bay and the Sea of Japan in the northwest to tall mountain ranges in the southeast. The highest mountains in Uozu are Sougadake and Kekachiyama, and the highest elevation in Uozu is 2,414 m. Several rapid rivers run through Uozu; from east to west, they are the Fuse River, the Katakai River, the Kado River, and the Hayatsuki River.Surrounding municipalitiesToyama Prefecture Kurobe Namerikawa KamiichiHistoryThe area of present-day Uotsu was part of ancient Etchu Province and has been inhabited since at least the Jomon period. Discovery of gold in the mountains of Uozu around 1394 led to an influx of people, making the area around Matsukura Castle a center for the region. Later, when Matsukura Castle was destroyed, the center was reestablished around Uozu Castle close to the sea. In 1582, the Siege of Uozu occurred between forces allied to the Uesugi clan, and forces under Oda Nobunaga. Uozu Castle was captured by Oda forces only three days before Oda's assassination at the Honnō-ji incident.