Akagetsu

Akagetsu [桌楢；あかげつ] is a city located in central Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 400,000, making it the second-largest city in the prefecture. Akagetsu is famous for being the birthplace of the sugana doll, a simplistic toy representing a medieval shrine maiden, often considered a symbol of purity and fortune. It is also known for the large maple forests which surround the southern ward of the city, for which it is named.
During the medieval period, the area of present-day Akagetsu was the seat of the Yoraku domain, a feudal domain held by a branch of the Omiya clan in Sanzama Province. The area prospered as a castle town, home to the famous Ketsubaya Castle which still remains a tourist attraction in modern times. In the 16th century, Akagetsu became a popular retreat for nobles and members of the upper-classes due to its luxury hot spring resorts and scenic beauty. During this time, the town grew and flourished, becoming the most prosperous region in Sanzama Province. Following the creation of the prefecture system in the 1880s, Akagetsu was briefly made capital of Tomono before this title was moved to Tōwara in 1901.
== Geography ==
Akagetsu is located in central Tomono Prefecture, in the southern foothills of Mount Tohara and its surrounding peaks. The majority of the city's population resides in the flatlands to the south in the Kihaya district. Akagetsu is the largest city by area in the prefecture. The Ōzui and Omiwara Rivers run through the region, and it is bordered by Lake Hayami to the south.
==Economy==
Akagetsu is a regional commercial center and transportation hub, and is a major industrial center within Tomono Prefecture. Companies headquartered in Akagetsu include CUSCO Kanton, an automotive parts manufacturer, and Onaka Denten, a home appliance retailer. Agriculture and the breeding of livestock, particularly horses and cows, remain large industries in the south of the city. In recent years, Akagetsu's tourism industry has grown significantly, particularly due to its high-quality hot spring resorts such as the famous Toharanoku Reijō.
==Education==
===Universities===
*Akagetsu Institute of Technology
*Akagetsu University of Commerce
*Anzan College
*Akagetsu University of Health and Welfare
*Õbaya University
==Local attractions==
*Ketsubaya Castle
* Mount Tohara
*Mount Ganzu
* Shinsui Falls
*Yoraku Temple
*Akagetsu Museum of Modern Art
*The Koromachi Teahouse
Tomono is one of the leading producers of wheat in Kanton. As such, dishes that utiliize wheat flour play in important role in local food culture. Akagetsu has a large number of pasta restaurants/shops and in recent years has been called the 'Pasta Capital' of Kanton. Since 2009, the city has held an annual competition called Master of Pasta; citizens can buy mini portions of pasta dishes from participating restaurants and vote for the best one. Other events include:
*Akagetsu Winter Fireworks
*Akagetsu Film Festival
*Hissen Light Parade