Fujisawa town was elevated in status to Fujisawa city on October 1, 1940. Fujisawa expanded by annexing Muraoka village in 1941, Mutsuai village in 1942, Katase town in 1947 and Goshomi, Chogo, Takakura, Endo villages in 1955. In 1964, Fujisawa hosted the yachting events of the 1964 Summer Olympics. In recent years, the opening of new train stations and rail lines have benefited areas of the city such as Shonandai, in the more northerly plateau area of the city, which has seen an influx of students for Keio and Bunkyo universities. The coastal plain has also seen increased population, with ever more dense housing, attracted by the mild maritime climate, proximity to good beaches, and the various traits of a 'Shonan lifestyle', often characterized by surfing, a relaxed beachside manner.
These improved transport links, such as the Yokohama Subway line and express train services on the Odakyu line, have made Fujisawa an increasingly attractive and cost-effective commuter suburb for Tokyo and Yokohama
