Mizumae

Mizumae [水前; みずまえ] is a city located in northern Inaki Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 120,000, making it the second-largest city in the prefecture after Kōde. The formation of modern Mizumae is largely the result of the fusion of several neighborhoods, which were previously rice-farming villages, which occurred during the Imperial Reforms. 
Mizumae flourished under Imperial governance during the 18th and 19th centuries due to its new status as a koman, and soon became famous for uni (indigo dye used in the production of high-end silks). In 1576, the famous poet Ōyama no Beiryū visited Mizumae during his five-month trip to the Summui islands; later his reports on the lifestyle and culture of the native islanders were used by Imperial forces to inform their seige on the region.
== Geography ==
Mizumae is located on a flat, well-drained plain beneath the northern slopes of the Seishi Hills; the Mizumae River flows directly from the foothills and through the city centre. These slopes are popular with hikers for their lush, picturesque views and relatively easy-going trails. The largest tributary of the Mizumae, the Shire River, also runs through the city's eastern district.
== Culture ==
Mizumae is recognised as one of the 'Cuisine Capitals' of northern Kanton for its unique and creative local food. Its more than 50 types of 'ancestral food' (hiroshi-shoge) are a mixture of traditional Summui and Kantonese cuisine which have been passed down for several centuries. Among the most notable are: niminōgu (spicy potato stew), otoboshi (rice baked with nuts, herbs and greens), pepechi (seasoned fishcakes fried in oil), machi no mie (spiced fruit jam) and bukizatsu (thinly-sliced pork on a bed of baked rice and tofu). Additional favourites are ringozashi (sweet fried apple slices) and thin shortbread-esque biscuits known as chappa.
In the realm of clothing, mijabeki is a traditional weaving style using tree bark that is still practiced in modern times. The garments created with this firm, solid thread are very resistant and waterproof.
== Local attractions ==
* Mizumae Temple - known for the sighting of a carp with a human-like face in its ponds in 1978
* Mōnaru Hot Spring
* Mizumae-iichi Art Gallery & Museum
* Ruins of Usumai Fortress
* Mizumae Cultural Cuisine Festival - starts in early July and ends in late August
* Daizō Regional Poetry Contest - held annually