Asao Ward was officially established on July 1st 1982 when it was separated from Tama ward under the city's administrative district reorganization plan. The name Asao is said to originate from the area's agricultural production of hemp, or "asao" in Japanese. It is said that linen cloth made from hemp of the area was offered as tribute to the Imperial Court in the 8th century.
Today, Asao Ward continues to develop as the newest urban center of the city, particularly in the commercial area surrounding Shin-Yurigaoka station, where arts and cultural events such as the Asao Music Festival and Kawasaki Shinyuri Film Festival are held. With the opening of Showa Academia Musicae's Kawasaki campus and the Art Center right here, respectively in April and October 2007, Asao Ward is expected to witness further development as a lively neighborhood enriched in culture and music.
Agricultural lands of Asao Ward add to its rich natural resources that make this area an attractive destination to the public for harvesting of potatoes and peanuts on the farms in autumn.
