View source for Core cities of Japan

{{Short description|Category of Japanese city}}
{{Japan Metropolitan cities map}}
{{Administrative divisions of Japan}}
A {{Nihongo|'''core city'''|中核市|chūkakushi|{{IPA|ja|tɕɯː.ka.kɯ̥ꜜ.ɕi, -kaꜜ.kɯ̥-}}<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:[[Daijirin|大辞林]]|publisher=[[Sanseidō]]|editor-last=Matsumura|editor-first=Akira|edition=4th|date=5 September 2019|language=ja}}</ref>}} is a class or category of [[cities of Japan|Japanese cities]].  It is a local [[administrative division]] created by the national government.<ref name="web-japan">Web-Japan.org, [http://web-japan.org/factsheet/en/pdf/e10_local.pdf "Local self-government", p. 3]; retrieved 2012-11-28.</ref> Core cities are delegated many functions normally carried out by [[Prefectures of Japan|prefectural governments]], but not as many as [[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|designated cities]]. To become a candidate for core city status, a [[city]] must have a population greater than 300,000 and an area greater than 100 square kilometers, although special exceptions may be made by order of the cabinet for cities with populations under 300,000 but over 200,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nippon.zaidan.info/seikabutsu/1999/00168/contents/145.htm |script-title=ja:日本財団図書館（電子図書館） Ｒｅｖｉｓｅｄ Ｌｏｃａｌ Ａｕｔｏｎｏｍｙ Ｌａｗ|website=nippon.zaidan.info}}</ref> After the abolition of [[Special cities of Japan|special city]] status on April 1, 2015, any city with a population above 200,000 may apply for core city status.<ref name="soumu">{{cite web |url=http://www.soumu.go.jp/cyukaku/ |script-title=ja:日本總務省 - 中核市・施行時特例市 |website=soumo.go.jp |language=ja}}</ref>

Application for designation is made by a city with the approval of both the city and prefectural assemblies.

==History==
The term "core city" was created by the first clause of Article 252, Section 22 of the [[Local Autonomy Law]] of [[Japan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nippon.zaidan.info/seikabutsu/1999/00168/contents/143.htm |script-title=ja:日本財団図書館（電子図書館） Ｒｅｖｉｓｅｄ Ｌｏｃａｌ Ａｕｔｏｎｏｍｙ Ｌａｗ|website=nippon.zaidan.info}}</ref>

== List of core cities==
As of 1 April 2021, 62 cities have been designated core cities:<ref name="soumu" />

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=80% style="font-size:100%;" align=center
|-
! Name
! Japanese
! Flag
! Emblem
! Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! Population ([[List of Japanese cities by population|2012]])
! Date of designation
! Region
! Prefecture
!Map
|-
| [[Akashi, Hyōgo|Akashi]]
| {{lang|ja|明石市}}
| [[File:Flag of Akashi, Hyogo.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Akashi, Hyogo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 49.22
| 290,927
| 2018-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]
| [[File:Akashi in Hyogo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Akita (city)|Akita]]
| {{lang|ja|秋田市}}
| [[File:Flag of Akita, Akita.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Akita, Akita.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 906.07
| 322,224
| 1997-04-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Akita Prefecture|Akita]]
| [[File:Akita in Akita Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Amagasaki]]
| {{lang|ja|尼崎市}}
| [[File:Flag of Amagasaki, Hyogo.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Amagasaki, Hyogo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 49.77
| 451,353
| 2009-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]
| [[File:Amagasaki in Hyogo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Aomori]]
| {{lang|ja|青森市}}
| [[File:Flag of Aomori, Aomori.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Aomori City Emblem.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 824.61
| 297,348
| 2006-10-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]]
| [[File:Aomori in Aomori Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|33x33px]]
|-
| [[Asahikawa, Hokkaido|Asahikawa]]
| {{lang|ja|旭川市}}
| [[File:Flag of Asahikawa, Hokkaido.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Asahikawa, Hokkaido.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 747.6
| 351,765
| 2000-04-01
| colspan="2" | [[Hokkaidō]]
| [[File:Asahikawa in Hokkaido Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Fukui (city)|Fukui]]
| {{lang|ja|福井市}}
| [[File:Flag of Fukui, Fukui.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Fukui, Fukui.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 536.41
| 266,612
| 2019-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Fukui Prefecture|Fukui]]
| [[File:Fukui in Fukui prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|37x37px]]
|-
| [[Fukushima, Fukushima|Fukushima]]
| {{lang|ja|福島市}}
| [[File:Flag of Fukushima, Fukushima.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Fukushima, Fukushima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 767.72
| 289,355
| 2018-04-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
| [[File:Fukushima in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|40x40px]]
|-
| [[Fukuyama, Hiroshima|Fukuyama]]
| {{lang|ja|福山市}}
| [[File:Flag of Fukuyama, Hiroshima.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Fukuyama Hiroshima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 518.14
| 462,144
| 1998-04-01
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Hiroshima Prefecture|Hiroshima]]
| [[File:Fukuyama in Hiroshima Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Funabashi, Chiba|Funabashi]]
| {{lang|ja|船橋市}}
| [[File:Flag of Funabashi, Chiba.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Funabashi, Chiba.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 85.62
| 610,492
| 2003-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| [[File:Funabashi in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Gifu]]
| {{lang|ja|岐阜市}}
| [[File:Flag of Gifu, Gifu.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Gifu, Gifu.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 203.60
| 412,718
| 1996-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Gifu Prefecture|Gifu]]
| [[File:Gifu in Gifu Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Hachinohe, Aomori|Hachinohe]]
| {{lang|ja|八戸市}}
| [[File:Flag of Hachinohe, Aomori.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Hachinohe Aomori.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 305.56
| 241,613
| 2017-01-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]]
| [[File:Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|33x33px]]
|-
| [[Hachiōji, Tokyo|Hachiōji]]
| {{lang|ja|八王子市}}
| [[File:Flag of Hachioji, Tokyo.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Hachiōji, Tokyo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 186.38
| 579,799
| 2015-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Tokyo]]
| [[File:Hachioji in Tokyo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|42x42px]]
|-
| [[Hakodate, Hokkaido|Hakodate]]
| {{lang|ja|函館市}}
| [[File:Flag of Hakodate, Hokkaido.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Hakodate, Hokkaido.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 677.89
| 279,056
| 2005-10-01
| colspan="2" | [[Hokkaidō]]
| [[File:Hakodate in Hokkaido Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Higashiōsaka, Osaka|Higashiōsaka]]
| {{lang|ja|東大阪市}}
| [[File:Flag of Higashiosaka, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Higashiosaka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 61.78
| 508,267
| 2005-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Higashiosaka in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Himeji, Hyōgo|Himeji]]
| {{lang|ja|姫路市}}
| [[File:Flag of Himeji, Hyogo.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Himeji, Hyogo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 534.43
| 536,218
| 1996-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]
| [[File:Himeji in Hyogo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Hirakata, Osaka|Hirakata]]
| {{lang|ja|枚方市}}
| [[File:Flag of Hirakata, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Hirakata, Osaka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 65.08
| 407,997
| 2014-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Hirakata in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Ichinomiya, Aichi|Ichinomiya]]
| {{lang|ja|一宮市}}
| [[File:Flag of Ichinomiya, Aichi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Ichinomiya, Aichi.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 113.82
| 379,654
| 2021-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]]
| [[File:Ichinomiya in Aichi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Iwaki, Fukushima|Iwaki]]
| {{lang|ja|いわき市}}
| [[File:Flag of Iwaki, Fukushima.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Iwaki Fukushima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 1,232.02
| 332,994
| 1999-04-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
| [[File:Iwaki in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|40x40px]]
|-
| [[Kagoshima]]
| {{lang|ja|鹿児島市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kagoshima, Kagoshima.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Kagoshima, Kagoshima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 547.58
| 607,257
| 1996-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Kagoshima Prefecture|Kagoshima]]
| [[File:Location of Kagoshima city Kagoshima prefecture Japan.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Kashiwa, Chiba|Kashiwa]]
| {{lang|ja|柏市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kashiwa, Chiba.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:千葉県柏市市章.svg|frameless|33x33px]]
| 114.74
| 404,863
| 2008-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
| [[File:Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Kanazawa, Ishikawa|Kanazawa]]
| {{lang|ja|金沢市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kanazawa, Ishikawa.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Kanazawa, Ishikawa.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 468.64
| 462,796
| 1996-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Ishikawa Prefecture|Ishikawa]]
| [[File:Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Kawagoe, Saitama|Kawagoe]]
| {{lang|ja|川越市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kawagoe, Saitama.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Kawagoe, Saitama.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 109.13
| 345,361
| 2003-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
| [[File:Kawagoe in Saitama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|56x56px]]
|-
| [[Kawaguchi, Saitama|Kawaguchi]]
| {{lang|ja|川口市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kawaguchi, Saitama.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:埼玉県川口市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 61.95
| 561,788
| 2018-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
| [[File:Kawaguchi in Saitama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|56x56px]]
|-
| [[Kōchi, Kōchi|Kōchi]]
| {{lang|ja|高知市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kochi, Kochi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Kochi, Kochi.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
| 309.22
| 342,568
| 1998-04-01
| [[Shikoku]]
| [[Kōchi Prefecture|Kōchi]]
| [[File:Kochi in Kochi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|37x37px]]
|-
| [[Kōfu]]
| {{lang|ja|甲府市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kofu, Yamanashi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:山梨県甲府市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 212.47
| 197,318
| 2019-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Yamanashi Prefecture|Yamanashi]]
| [[File:Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Kōriyama, Fukushima|Kōriyama]]
| {{lang|ja|郡山市}}
| [[File:Flag of Koriyama, Fukushima.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Koriyama Fukushima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 757.20
| 331,140
| 1997-04-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Fukushima Prefecture|Fukushima]]
| [[File:Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|40x40px]]
|-
| [[Koshigaya, Saitama|Koshigaya]]
| {{lang|ja|越谷市}}
| [[File:Flag of Koshigaya, Saitama.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Koshigaya, Saitama.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 60.24
| 328,079
| 2015-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
| [[File:Koshigaya in Saitama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|56x56px]]
|-
| [[Kurashiki]]
| {{lang|ja|倉敷市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kurashiki, Okayama.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Kurashiki, Okayama.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 355.63
| 477,086
| 2002-04-01
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
| [[File:Kurashiki in Okayama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Kure, Hiroshima|Kure]]
| {{lang|ja|呉市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kure, Hiroshima.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Kure, Hiroshima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 352.80
| 236,595
| 2016-04-01
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Hiroshima Prefecture|Hiroshima]]
| [[File:Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Kurume, Fukuoka|Kurume]]
| {{lang|ja|久留米市}}
| [[File:Flag of Kurume, Fukuoka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Kurume, Fukuoka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 229.96
| 301,821
| 2008-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]]
| [[File:Kurume in Fukuoka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Maebashi]]
| {{lang|ja|前橋市}}
| [[File:Flag of Maebashi, Gunma.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Maebashi, Gunma.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 311.59
| 338,481
| 2009-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
| [[File:Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Matsue]]
| {{lang|ja|松江市}}
| [[File:Flag of Matsue, Shimane.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Matsue, Shimane.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 572.99
| 208,160
| 2018-04-01
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Shimane Prefecture|Shimane]]
| [[File:Matsue in Shimane Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|34x34px]]
|-
| [[Matsumoto, Nagano|Matsumoto]]
| {{lang|ja|松本市}}
| [[File:Flag of Matsumoto, Nagano.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Matsumoto, Nagano.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 978.47
| 239,466
| 2021-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]]
| [[File:Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Matsuyama, Ehime|Matsuyama]]
| {{lang|ja|松山市}}
| [[File:Flag of Matsuyama, Ehime.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Matsuyama, Ehime.svg|frameless|31x31px]]
| 429.40
| 516,823
| 2000-04-01
| [[Shikoku]]
| [[Ehime Prefecture|Ehime]]
| [[File:Ehime-matsuyama-city.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Mito, Ibaraki|Mito]]
| {{lang|ja|水戸市}}
| [[File:Flag of Mito, Ibaraki.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Mito Ibaraki.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 217.32
| 269,162
| 2020-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
| [[File:Mito in Ibaraki Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Miyazaki, Miyazaki|Miyazaki]]
| {{lang|ja|宮崎市}}
| [[File:Flag of Miyazaki, Miyazaki.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Miyazaki, Miyazaki.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 643.67
| 402,289
| 1998-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Miyazaki Prefecture|Miyazaki]]
| [[File:Miyazaki in Miyazaki Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Morioka]]
| {{lang|ja|盛岡市}}
| [[File:Flag of Morioka, Iwate.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Morioka, Iwate.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 886.47
| 299,734
| 2008-04-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Iwate Prefecture|Iwate]]
| [[File:Morioka in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Naha]]
| {{lang|ja|那覇市}}
| [[File:Flag of Naha, Okinawa.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Naha, Okinawa.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 39.98
| 321,695
| 2013-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]
| [[File:Naha in Okinawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|39x39px]]
|-
| [[Nagano, Nagano|Nagano]]
| {{lang|ja|長野市}}
| [[File:Flag of Nagano, Nagano.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Nagano Nagano.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 834.81
| 380,581
| 1999-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Nagano Prefecture|Nagano]]
| [[File:Nagano in Nagano Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Nagasaki]]
| {{lang|ja|長崎市}}
| [[File:Flag of Nagasaki, Nagasaki.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Nagasaki Nagasaki chapter.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 240.71
| 440,911
| 1997-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Nagasaki Prefecture|Nagasaki]]
| [[File:Nagasaki in Nagasaki Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|35x35px]]
|-
| [[Nara, Nara|Nara]]
| {{lang|ja|奈良市}}
| [[File:Flag of Nara, Nara.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Nara, Nara.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 276.84
| 365,421
| 2002-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Nara Prefecture|Nara]]
| [[File:Nara in Nara Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Neyagawa, Osaka|Neyagawa]]
| {{lang|ja|寝屋川市}}
| [[File:Flag of Neyagawa, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Neyagawa, Osaka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 24.73
| 238,819
| 2019-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Neyagawa in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Nishinomiya]]
| {{lang|ja|西宮市}}
| [[File:Flag of Nishinomiya, Hyogo.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Nishinomiya, Hyogo.svg|frameless|35x35px]]
| 99.96
| 483,878
| 2008-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]]
| [[File:Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Ōita, Ōita|Ōita]]
| {{lang|ja|大分市}}
| [[File:Flag of Oita, Oita.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Oita Oita.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 502.38
| 476,008
| 1997-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Ōita Prefecture|Ōita]]
| [[File:Oita in Oita Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Okazaki, Aichi|Okazaki]]
| {{lang|ja|岡崎市}}
| [[File:Flag of Okazaki, Aichi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Okazaki, Aichi.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 387.20
| 374,085
| 2003-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]]
| [[File:Okazaki in Aichi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Ōtsu, Shiga|Ōtsu]]
| {{lang|ja|大津市}}
| [[File:Flag of Otsu, Shiga.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Ōtsu, Shiga.svg|frameless|34x34px]]
| 464.51
| 339,469
| 2009-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Shiga Prefecture|Shiga]]
| [[File:Otsu in Shiga Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Sasebo, Nagasaki|Sasebo]]
| {{lang|ja|佐世保市}}
| [[File:Flag of Sasebo, Nagasaki.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Sasebo, Nagasaki.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 426.06
| 259,676
| 2016-04-01
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Nagasaki Prefecture|Nagasaki]]
| [[File:Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Shimonoseki]]
| {{lang|ja|下関市}}
| [[File:Flag of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
| 716.14
| 277,937
| 2005-10-01
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Yamaguchi Prefecture|Yamaguchi]]
| [[File:Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|41x41px]]
|-
| [[Suita, Osaka|Suita]]
| {{lang|ja|吹田市}}
| [[File:Flag of Suita, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Suita, Osaka.svg|frameless|31x31px]]
| 36.11
| 357,917
| 2020-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Suita in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Takamatsu]]
| {{lang|ja|高松市}}
| [[File:Flag of Takamatsu, Kagawa.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Takamatsu, Kagawa.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 375.41
| 420,356
| 1999-04-01
| [[Shikoku]]
| [[Kagawa Prefecture|Kagawa]]
| [[File:Kagawa-takamatsu-city.svg|frameless|37x37px]]
|-
| [[Takasaki, Gunma|Takasaki]]
| {{lang|ja|高崎市}}
| [[File:Flag of Takasaki, Gunma.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:群馬県高崎市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 459.16
| 371,820
| 2011-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Gunma Prefecture|Gunma]]
| [[File:Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Takatsuki, Osaka|Takatsuki]]
| {{lang|ja|高槻市}}
| [[File:Flag of Takatsuki, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Takatsuki, Osaka.svg|frameless|34x34px]]
| 105.31
| 355,840
| 2003-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Takatsuki in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Tottori, Tottori|Tottori]]
| {{lang|ja|鳥取市}}
| [[File:Flag of Tottori, Tottori.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Tottori, Tottori.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 765.31
| 196,538
| 2018-04-01
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Tottori Prefecture|Tottori]]
| [[File:Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|52x52px]]
|-
| [[Toyama, Toyama|Toyama]]
| {{lang|ja|富山市}}
| [[File:Flag of Toyama, Toyama.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Toyama, Toyama.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 1,241.77
| 421,393
| 2005-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Toyama Prefecture|Toyama]]
| [[File:Toyama in Toyama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Toyohashi, Aichi|Toyohashi]]
| {{lang|ja|豊橋市}}
| [[File:Flag of Toyohashi, Aichi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Toyohashi, Aichi.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 261.86
| 375,804
| 1999-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]]
| [[File:Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Toyonaka, Osaka|Toyonaka]]
| {{lang|ja|豊中市}}
| [[File:Flag of Toyonaka, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Toyonaka, Osaka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 36.38
| 390,457
| 2012-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Toyonaka in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Toyota, Aichi|Toyota]]
| {{lang|ja|豊田市}}
| [[File:Flag of Toyota, Aichi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Toyota, Aichi.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 918.32
| 420,680
| 1998-04-01
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Aichi Prefecture|Aichi]]
| [[File:Toyota in Aichi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Utsunomiya, Tochigi|Utsunomiya]]
| {{lang|ja|宇都宮市}}
| [[File:Flag of Utsunomiya, Tochigi.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Utsunomiya, Tochigi.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 416.85
| 513,722
| 1996-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Tochigi Prefecture|Tochigi]]
| [[File:Utsunomiya in Tochigi Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Wakayama, Wakayama|Wakayama]]
| {{lang|ja|和歌山市}}
| [[File:Flag of Wakayama, Wakayama.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Symbol of Wakayama, Wakayama.svg|frameless|34x34px]]
| 210.25
| 368,684
| 1997-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Wakayama Prefecture|Wakayama]]
| [[File:Wakayama in Wakayama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Yamagata (city)|Yamagata]]
| {{lang|ja|山形市}}
| [[File:Flag of Yamagata, Yamagata.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Yamagata, Yamagata.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 381.58
| 254,519
| 2019-04-01
| [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| [[Yamagata Prefecture|Yamagata]]
| [[File:Yamagata in Yamagata Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Yao, Osaka|Yao]]
| {{lang|ja|八尾市}}
| [[File:Flag of Yao, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:Emblem of Yao, Osaka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 41.71
| 270,735
| 2018-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
| [[File:Yao in Osaka Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Yokosuka, Kanagawa|Yokosuka]]
| {{lang|ja|横須賀市}}
| [[File:Flag of Yokosuka, Kanagawa.svg|50x50px]]
| [[File:神奈川県横須賀市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
| 100.7
| 415,259
| 2001-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
| [[File:Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|43x43px]]
|}

== Former core cities ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width=80% style="font-size:100%;" align=center
|-
! Name
! Japanese
!Flag
!Emblem
!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
!Population
! Date of designation
! Date of reclassification
! Region
! Prefecture
!Map
|-
| [[Hamamatsu]]
| {{lang|ja|浜松市}}
|[[File:Flag of Hamamatsu, Shizuoka.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Symbol_of_Hamamatsu_Shizuoka_chapter.svg|23x23px]]
|1,558.06
|795,350
| 1996-04-01
| 2007-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
|[[File:Hamamatsu_in_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|36x36px]]
|-
| [[Kumamoto City|Kumamoto]]
| {{lang|ja|熊本市}}
|[[File:Flag of Kumamoto, Kumamoto.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Kumamoto,_Kumamoto.svg|24x24px]]
|390.32
|737,812
| 1996-04-01
| 2012-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Kyushu]]
| [[Kumamoto Prefecture|Kumamoto]]
|[[File:Kumamoto_in_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|34x34px]]
|-
| [[Niigata, Niigata|Niigata]]
| {{lang|ja|新潟市}}
|[[File:Flag of Niigata, Niigata.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Niigata,_Niigata.svg|23x23px]]
|726.45
|807,450
| 1996-04-01
| 2007-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Niigata Prefecture|Niigata]]
|[[File:Niigata_in_Niigata_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Okayama]]
| {{lang|ja|岡山市}}
|[[File:Flag of Okayama, Okayama.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Okayama,_Okayama.svg|23x23px]]
|789.95
|720,841
| 1996-04-01
| 2009-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Chūgoku region|Chūgoku]]
| [[Okayama Prefecture|Okayama]]
|[[File:Okayama_in_Okayama_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Sagamihara]]
| {{lang|ja|相模原市}}
|[[File:Flag of Sagamihara, Kanagawa.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:神奈川県相模原市市章.svg|23x23px]]
|328.91
|720,986
| 2003-04-01
| 2010-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
|[[File:Sagamihara_in_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|43x43px]]
|-
| [[Sakai, Osaka|Sakai]]
| {{lang|ja|堺市}}
|[[File:Flag of Sakai, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Sakai,_Osaka.svg|23x23px]]
|149.82
|833,544
| 1996-04-01
| 2006-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
|[[File:Sakai_in_Osaka_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Shizuoka, Shizuoka|Shizuoka]]
| {{lang|ja|静岡市}}
|[[File:Flag_of_Shizuoka, Shizuoka.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Shizuoka,_Shizuoka.svg|23x23px]]
|1,411.90
|697,578
| 1996-04-01
| 2005-04-01 ([[Cities designated by government ordinance of Japan|Designated city]])
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
|[[File:Location_of_Shizuoka_city_Shizuoka_prefecture_Japan.svg|frameless|41x41px]]
|}

== Scheduled to become a core city ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width=80% style="font-size:100%;" align=center
|-
! Name
! Japanese
!Flag
!Emblem
!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! Population ([[List of Japanese cities by population|2012]])
! Scheduled date
! Region
! Prefecture
!Map
|-
| [[Chigasaki, Kanagawa|Chigasaki]]
| {{lang|ja|茅ヶ崎市}}
|[[File:Flag of Chigasaki, Kanagawa.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:神奈川県茅ヶ崎市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|35.71
| 236,222
| 2020-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
|[[File:Chigasaki_in_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|43x43px]]
|-
| [[Fuji, Shizuoka|Fuji]]
| {{lang|ja|富士市}}
|[[File:Flag of Fuji, Shizuoka.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Fuji, Shizuoka.svg|frameless|31x31px]]
|244.95
| 253,455
| TBD
| [[Chūbu region|Chūbu]]
| [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
|[[File:Fuji_in_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|41x41px]]
|-
| [[Kishiwada, Osaka|Kishiwada]]
| {{lang|ja|岸和田市}}
|[[File:Flag of Kishiwada, Osaka.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Kishiwada,_Osaka.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|72.68
| 198,615
| 2020-04-01
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Osaka Prefecture|Osaka]]
|[[File:Kishiwada_in_Osaka_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Odawara]]
| {{lang|ja|小田原市}}
|[[File:Flag of Odawara, Kanagawa.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:神奈川県小田原市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|113.79
| 197,413
| 2020-04-01
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
|[[File:基礎自治体位置図_14206.svg|frameless|43x43px]]
|-
| [[Tsukuba, Ibaraki|Tsukuba]]
| {{lang|ja|つくば市}}
|[[File:Flag of Tsukuba, Ibaraki.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Symbol_of_Tsukuba_Ibaraki.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|283.72
| 216,221
| TBD
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Ibaraki Prefecture|Ibaraki]]
|[[File:Tsukuba_in_Ibaraki_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Tokorozawa, Saitama|Tokorozawa]]
| {{lang|ja|所沢市}}
|[[File:Flag of Tokorozawa, Saitama.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Tokorozawa, Saitama.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|72.11
| 342,321
| TBD
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
|[[File:Tokorozawa in Saitama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|56x56px]]
|-
| [[Yokkaichi, Mie|Yokkaichi]]
| {{lang|ja|四日市市}}
|[[File:Flag of Yokkaichi, Mie.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem_of_Yokkaichi,_Mie.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|206.44
| 307,599
| 2020 (aiming)
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Mie Prefecture|Mie]]
|[[File:Yokkaichi_in_Mie_Prefecture_Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|}

== Cities that meet the requirements but have not yet been nominated ==
The following cities have populations greater than 200,000 but have not yet been nominated. (Special cities and cities planning to apply for core city status are not shown.)
{| class="wikitable sortable" width=80% style="font-size:100%;" align=center
|-
! Name
! Japanese
!Flag
!Emblem
!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! Population
! Region
! Prefecture
!Map
|-
| [[Ageo]]
| {{lang|ja|上尾市}}
|[[File:Flag of Ageo, Saitama.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Ageo, Saitama.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|45.51
| 229,517
|[[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
|[[File:Ageo in Saitama Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|56x56px]]
|-
|[[Chōfu, Tokyo|Chōfu]]
| {{lang|ja|調布市}}
|[[File:Flag of Chofu, Tokyo.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Chōfu, Tokyo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|21.58
| 240,668
|[[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Tokyo]]
|[[File:Chofu in Tokyo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|42x42px]]
|-
|[[Fuchū, Tokyo|Fuchū]]
| {{lang|ja|府中市}}
|[[File:Flag of Fuchu, Tokyo.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:東京都府中市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|29.43
| 260,891
|[[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Tokyo]]
|[[File:Fuchu in Tokyo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|42x42px]]
|-
| [[Fujisawa, Kanagawa|Fujisawa]]
| {{lang|ja|藤沢市}}
|[[File:Flag of Fujisawa, Kanagawa.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:神奈川県藤沢市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|69.57
| 420,254
|[[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Kanagawa Prefecture|Kanagawa]]
|[[File:Fujisawa in Kanagawa Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|43x43px]]
|-
| [[Ichihara, Chiba|Ichihara]]
| {{lang|ja|市原市}}
|[[File:Flag of Ichihara, Chiba.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Ichihara, Chiba.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|368.17
| 274,117
|[[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
|[[File:Ichihara in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Ichikawa, Chiba|Ichikawa]]
| {{lang|ja|市川市}}
|[[File:Flag of Ichikawa, Chiba.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:千葉県市川市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|56.39
| 491,804
| [[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
|[[File:Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Machida, Tokyo|Machida]]
| {{lang|ja|町田市}}
|[[File:Flag of Machida, Tokyo.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Machida, Tokyo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|71.80
| 429,040
| [[Chūbu region|Kantō]]
| [[Tokyo]]
|[[File:Machida in Tokyo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|42x42px]]
|-
| [[Matsudo]]
| {{lang|ja|松戸市}}
|[[File:Flag of Matsudo, Chiba.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Matsudo Chiba chapter.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|61.38
| 498,575
| [[Kantō region|Kantō]]
| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
|[[File:Matsudo in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Nagareyama]]
| {{lang|ja|流山市}}
|[[File:Flag of Nagareyama, Chiba.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:千葉県流山市市章.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|35.28
| 211,620
| [[Kansai region|Kantō]]
| [[Chiba Prefecture|Chiba]]
|[[File:Nagareyama in Chiba Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|-
| [[Nishitokyo]]
| {{lang|ja|西東京市}}
|[[File:Flag of Nishitokyo, Tokyo.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Nishitokyo, Tokyo.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|15.75
| 206,047
| [[Kansai region|Kantō]]
| [[Tokyo]]
|[[File:Nishitokyo in Tokyo Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|42x42px]]
|-
| [[Tokushima (city)|Tokushima]]
| {{lang|ja|徳島市}}
|[[File:Flag of Tokushima, Tokushima.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Tokushima, Tokushima.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|191
| 258,554
| [[Shikoku region|Shikoku]]
| [[Tokushima Prefecture|Tokushima]]
|[[File:Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|38x38px]]
|-
| [[Tsu, Mie|Tsu]]
| {{lang|ja|津市}}
|[[File:Flag of Tsu, Mie.svg|50x50px]]
|[[File:Emblem of Tsu, Mie.svg|frameless|30x30px]]
|711.11
| 279,304
| [[Kansai region|Kansai]]
| [[Mie Prefecture|Mie]]
|[[File:Tsu in Mie prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|32x32px]]
|}

==See also==
* [[Administrative division]]
* [[Urban area]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.hindawi.com/journals/usr/2011/692764/  "Japan's Evolving Nested Municipal Hierarchy: The Race for Local Power in the 2000s"], by A. J. Jacobs at ''Urban Studies Research'', Vol. 2011 (2011); {{doi|10.1155/2011/692764|doi-access=free}}
* [http://www3.grips.ac.jp/~coslog/activity/01/04/file/Bunyabetsu-20_en.pdf "Large City System of Japan"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917003255/http://www3.grips.ac.jp/~coslog/activity/01/04/file/Bunyabetsu-20_en.pdf |date=2019-09-17 }}—graphic shows core cities compared with other Japanese city types at p.&nbsp;1 (PDF p.&nbsp;7 of 40)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20131203003710/http://www.corecities.com/sites/default/files/images/publications/Growth%20in%20second%20tier%20cities%20-%20urban%20policy%20lessons%20from%20Japan_0.pdf "Growth in Second Tier Cities - Urban Policy Lessons from Japan"]—briefing by [[Council of Local Authorities for International Relations|CLAIR London]] on classes of Japanese cities (PDF)

{{Metropolitan cities of Japan}}

[[Category:Cities in Japan| ]]