Soka, city in central Japan, on Honshu Island, in southeastern Saitama Prefecture. Soka is near the border of Tokyo Prefecture and is about 18 km (about 11 mi) north of downtown Tokyo. The city is especially known for its senbei (rice crackers). Textiles, leather, and machine parts are also manufactured. Soka is served by the Isesaki passenger-rail line of the Tobu Railway Company. The area around the rail station is a thriving retail district. The main campus of Dokkyo University (founded in 1964) is located in the city.
Soka was founded during the Edo period (1603-1867) as a post-station town (an officially regulated settlement catering to travelers) on the Oshu Kaido, one of the five historic highways that radiated from Edo (now Tokyo) to surrounding provinces. In recent years Soka has developed as a commercial and residential suburb of Tokyo. Population (1999) 221,118.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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