Industrial city and port on Kyushu island, southwest Japan, 150 km/93 mi southeast of Nagasaki; population (2005) 604,400. It is the seat of the prefecture of the same name. Satsumayaki porcelain, starch, caramel, vegetable oil, tobacco, wood crafts, and a silk fabric called tsumugi are produced here. Kagoshima is often compared to Naples, its twin city.
The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936.