Complex sentence: In 2008, discussions were held to merge Ōharu with neighboring Shippō, Jimokuji and Miwa towns, forming the new city of Ama, but Ōharu withdrew from the negotiations, and remains an independent municipality.
Split into simpler sentences: In 2008, discussions were held to merge Ōharu with neighboring Shippō, Jimokuji and Miwa towns. The latter three municipalities formed the new city of Ama, but Ōharu withdrew from the negotiations, and remains an independent municipality.