Kakunō

Kakunō [是成 かくのう] is a city located in western Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 360,000. The city is known locally as the 'Historical City' (連成満, jūnōmachi) due to its many historic buildings and furumachi.
Kakunō was part of the Sadawa domain for centuries until the annexing of the area in the early 1400s by the Eiita clan. The town was heavily contested between the Sadawa and Eiita clans as the latter vied for governance of wider Sadawa. In 1418, the Eiita seized Kakunō Castle, and the area served as the clan's base of operations while they sought to gain further control. For two more years, the Sadawa launched a number of attempts to regain the region. This culminated in the Battle of Kakunō in 1420, when the heavily outnumbered Eiita garrison defeated an attempted siege of the castle; this victory was the beginning of the downfall of the Sadama, and would lead to the end of Sadawa power in the region and the destruction of the clan. 
After the Eiita had secured themselves in the region, Kakunō served as a castle town defending the newly-formed boundaries, and the clan's central castle in Minami. The castle's location on the northern bank of the Hyōzu River was an important element of its tactical significance in defending the region from any revolts coming from the south. By the 1600s, the city prospered as a commercial and trade centre and was nicknamed the 'forgery of Edo' due to its reputation for producing weaponry and armour.
== Geography ==
Kakunō is located north of the Hyōzu River on the Eiho Plain. To the north it is bordered by the foothills of the Taiyu Alps. The Hyōzuya, Kamai and Shintai Rivers also run through the city. The highest point of elevation in the city is Mount Koroku, with a height of around 760 metres, located in the northern ward. 
== Economy ==
Kakunō is known for manufacturing, processing and agriculture. There is a large pharmaceutical plant located in the city which is a major employer. Other industries include small-scale mining and lumber.
== Education ==
=== Universities ===
* Honryō University
* Kakunō College of Arts and Music
* Kakunō Technical College
* Kakunō College
== Local attractions ==
Kakunō is famous for its high-quality sweet potatoes; the local 'Dainō Street' sells treats such as sweet potato chips, ice cream, coffee, and even beer, brewed at the local Snapdragon brewery. Some of the city's streets also preserve the old castle town atmosphere of the 17th century. Other notable attractions include:
* Kakunō Bell Tower
* Kakunō Castle
* Tsurate Temple
* Confection Street (菓孮の片, bikyō no kata) - an alley selling cheap old-fashioned sweet treats and confectionary
* Kakunō Festival
* Kakunō Park
* Mount Koroku
* Kakunō furumachi