Akishima, city in central Japan on east-central Honshu Island, in western Tokyo Prefecture about 33 km (about 20.6 mi) west of downtown Tokyo. Once an important center of vegetable production for the Tokyo market, Akishima has developed into an industrial and commuter suburb of Tokyo. Products of the aviation industry are manufactured in Akishima. Other industrial products include electronics, optical equipment, machinery, furniture, and cement. The Tama River Canal, once a major source of irrigation water for farmers in the region, flows through the northern part of Akishima. The Tama River, which flows eastward to Tokyo Bay, forms the city's southern boundary. Akishima's riverfront has parks and other recreation facilities. Showanomori Golf Course occupies a large tract near the center of Akishima. Another popular recreation area is Showa Memorial Park, which commemorates Emperor Hirohito, whose reign (1926-1989) was known as Showa (“enlightened peace”).
Shortly before and during World War II (1939-1945) Akishima was an important center of aircraft manufacturing. It also was the site of Tachikawa Airfield, which extended into Akishima from the neighboring city of Tachikawa. After the war the airfield became a United States Air Force base, and in 1978 it became the site of Showa Memorial Park. Akishima was established as a city in 1954. Population 105,869 (1999).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
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