Tokio was established in 1906 as a station along the Great Northern Railway. The post office was opened in 1907, and remains in operation today. A railroad official chose the name Tokio, based on the local Dakota word to-ki, or "gracious gift."[4] However, some believe it is named after the city of Tokyo in Japan.[5]
^Diedrich, Mark (2007). Mni Wakan Oyate (Spirit Lake Nation): A History of the Sisituwan, Wahpeton, Pabaksa, and other Dakota that Settled at Spirit Lake, North Dakota. Spirit Lake, North Dakota: Cankdeska Cikana Community College. ISBN978-0-9799000-0-6.
^Wick, Douglas A. (September 7, 1988). North Dakota Place Names. Hedemarken Collectibles. p. 194. ISBN0-9620968-0-6.