HIROSHIMA, a city seaport and district of central Japan. Pop. (1930), 270,417. It is very beautifully situated on a small plain surrounded by hills, the bay being studded with islands. It is one of the most important commercial centres on the inland sea. The government has an area of about 3,00o sq.m., with a popula tion of about 1,500,000. Hiroshima is famous all over Japan owing to its association with the neighbouring islet of Itaku-Shima, "Island of Light," which is dedicated to the goddess Bentin and regarded as one of the three wonders of Japan. The chief temple dates from the year 587.