to Takarazuka. On April 1 1954 it merged with the village of Yoshimoto (吉本村) in Muko District to become the city of Takarazuka. The city continued to expand by annexing Nagao Village on March 10, 1955, and Nishitani Village on March 14, 1955, but losing some areas in a border adjustment with the city of Itami on April 1, 1955. On January 17, 1995 the Great Hanshin earthquake caused more than 100 casualties. Takarazuka was designated as a Special City on April 1, 2003 with increased autonomy. At one time, the idea was raised of merging Takarazuka with Itami, Kawanishi, and Inagawa, but it is currently on hold. Government Takarazuka has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 26 members. Takarazuka contributes three members to the Hyōgo Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is divided between the Hyōgo 6th districts of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy Takarazuka has a mixed economy of commerce, manufacturing and market gardening. It is increasing a bedroom community for Osaka and Kobe, with quiet, upscale residential neighborhoods like Nigawa, Obayashi, Sakasegawa, and Hibarigaoka. Companied headquartered in Takarazuka HI-LEX Corporation, a manufacturer of remote-controlling cables and accessories for multiple applications is headquartered in the city. ShinMaywa Industries, a manufacturer of military aircraft (especially seaplanes) and heavy duty trucks is headquartered in the city. Education Universities and colleges Koshien University, Takarazuka University of Art and Design Takarazuka Music School Primary and secondary schools Takazuka has 23 public elementary schools and 12 public middle schools operated by the city government, and five public high schools operated by the Hyōgo Prefectural Board of Education. There are three private elementary schools, two private middle schools and two private high schools. In addition, the prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped. Transportation Railways Kawanishi is serviced by the JR Takarazuka Line and the Hankyu Takarazuka Line. Hankyu's Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station is a transfer station to the Nose Railway, which runs primarily within Kawanishi. JR West - Fukuchiyama Line - - Hankyu - Takarazuka Main Line - - - - Hankyu - Imazu Line - - - - Highways Chūgoku Expressway Shin-Meishin Expressway Buses Hankyu Bus Hanshin Dentetsu Bus Hankyu Country Bus Shinki Bus Twin towns – sister cities Takarazuka is twinned with: Alsergrund (Vienna), Austria Augusta, United States Local attractions Specialty products Ornamental