kobe - city of pearl

On January 17, 1995, Kobe was hit by the largest earthquake in the area in recent times, measuring at a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter's Scale. The physical infrastructure in many areas of the city was left requiring total rebuilding,and the fear ofaftershocks began to drag the economy downward. Moreover, Kobe's appeal to foreigners in the context of tourism and business took a massive jerk as well. Nonetheless, the governing body of Kobe set out to act quickly, and Kobe quickly rebuilt itself within five years. Today, Kobe is gradually rising up to its previous image of economic strength.

	Nippon Taiyo operates its domectic and international operations from its head office in the Japanese city of Kobe. Kobe, also the largest port of Japan, is a beautiful city that brags the manner in which it successfully blends traditional culture and modernization.
Situated on the central island of Honshu, Kobe is also known as the "City of Pearl." In ancient times, Kobe--being strategically located on the coast facing the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu--played the role of a marketplace for pearl farmers and traders.	*(1)