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Mitaka
Mitaka; 三鷹市
	; Flag
	; Flag
	; Mitaka
	Coordinates: 35°41′N 139°34′E / 35.683°N 139.567°E
Country	Japan
Region	Kantō
Prefecture	Tokyo
	Area
- Total	16.50 km2 (6.4 sq mi)
Population; (2003)	175,995
- Density	10,666/km2 (27,624.8/sq mi)
Website	Mitaka

The Ghibli Museum, in Mitaka, Tokyo

Mitaka (三鷹市, Mitaka-shi^?) is a city located in Tokyo, Japan. As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 175,995 and a population density of 10,666.36 persons per km². The total area is 16.50 km². Mitaka City was officially founded on November 3, 1950, though settlement on its site can be traced back as far as 1590.

The Tamagawa Josui Canal, which runs alongside Mitaka station, has an important place in history, built in 1653 to feed the local metropolis. It is also the place where novelist Osamu Dazai committed suicide in 1948. The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan is located in Mitaka.

Mitaka is home to the Ghibli Museum, which is located in Inokashira Park, a popular destination in its own right, especially during spring cherry blossom viewing season.

[edit] Education

Mitaka is the site of International Christian University, Japan's oldest and largest United States style university, founded in 1949.

Public elementary and junior high schools are operated by Mitaka. Mitaka High School ([1] JA) is operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education.

[edit] Geography

Mitaka is located on the Kantō Plain, just outside the 23 Central Wards of metropolitan Tokyo, which are on its eastern borders. It is bordered by the cities of Musashino to the north, Chōfu to the south, and Koganei to the west.