Suzuka, city in central Japan on central Honshu Island, in northern Mie Prefecture in the Ise Plain near Ise Bay, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean. Suzuka is about 20 km (about 12.5 mi) north of Tsu, the capital of Mie Prefecture, and about 45 km (about 28 mi) southwest of Nagoya, the main urban center of the region. Suzuka is an important industrial center. Its industries include wool spinning and food processing. It also manufactures chemicals and electrical equipment. The most notable factory is Honda Motor Company's motorcycle assembly plant, which opened in 1962. The city also has numerous suppliers and subcontracting firms that serve the Honda plant. Many Japanese know the city because of the Suzuka Circuit, a popular automobile and motorcycle racetrack that is associated with the Honda industries in the area. The history of the city dates to about 645, a year before the far-reaching political and economic reforms known as the Taika Reform were ordered by Prince Naka no Oe. Suzuka was established in the 8th century as one of three principal government-run barrier stations (sekisho) where travelers were stopped for inspections. It was known then as Suzuka-no-Seki. During the Edo period (1603-1867) the city was a castle town (administrative headquarters) and a post-station town (a settlement catering to travelers). During World War II (1939-1945) Suzuka was a naval airbase, arsenal, and naval aircraft assembly center. Population (1999) 183,280.
