Nakano is a special ward in the Tokyo Metropolis in Japan. The English translation of its Japanese self-designation is Nakano City (中野区, ). , the ward has an estimated population of 322,731, and a population density of 20,701 persons per km2. The total area is 15.59 km2. Nakano is the most densely populated city in Japan.

History

The ward was founded on October 1, 1932, when the towns of Nogata and Nakano were absorbed into the former Tokyo City as Nakano Ward. The present administration dates from March 15, 1947, when the Allied occupation reformed the administration of Tokyo-to.

Districts and neighborhoods

Geography

Five special wards surround Nakano: Shinjuku, Suginami, Nerima, Shibuya, and Toshima. It lies just west of the bustling Shinjuku area. Rivers include the Kanda, Myosho-ji and Zenpuku-ji Rivers, and the Aratama Waterway.

Places

Education

Public schools

Metropolitan senior high and combined junior-senior high schools are operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education. Municipal kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools are operated by the Nakano City Board of Education. Municipal junior high schools: Municipal elementary schools: Kindergartens:

Private schools

Colleges and universities

Transportation

Rail

Nakano Ward is served by the JR East Chūō and Sobu lines, the Seibu Shinjuku Line, the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, and the Toei Oedo Line.

Bus

A complicated bus network is constructed throughout Nakano Ward because most train lines only run east and west.

Roads

Shuto Expressway: Prefectural road:

Business and entertainment

Benza series

The Benza is a 2019 Amazon Prime Video series about two foreigners (Christopher McCombs and Kyle Card) who are trying to fix their broken toilet seat (便座) and are suddenly tasked with saving the world. The series takes place entirely in Higashi Nakano. Benza English is a 2020 spin-off series that also takes place in Higashi Nakano. The Benza RPG is a 2020 video game adaption available on iOS, Android, and Steam.

Notable people