Named for a city in eastern Ehime prefecture, famous for the shipbuilding and textile industries, especially the production of towels. Imabari is the terminal city on the Shikoku {see planet  (4223)} Island side of the Nishiseto Expressway (Shimanami Kaido) {see planet  (9235)} and expects to welcome many visitors after this road opens on 1999 May 1. (M 34630) _ _.