is a
city located in
Saga Prefecture on the island of
Kyushu,
Japan. Its name, formed from the
Japanese word roots 唐
kara (China, or continental East Asia in general), and 津
tsu (port), signifies its historical importance as an ancient trading port between Japan with China and Korea. The central area of Karatsu, which does not include the former cities and villages of Higashimatsuura District, has a population of 78,386.