Mizakemachi

Mizakemachi [免煮亩 みざけまち] is a city located in northern Mikei Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 227,000. 
The city began as a fishing and farming village on the banks of the Meisu River. Its position beside the river also allowed for it to become a centre of trade and commerce, as the Meisu was often utilised as transportation for goods and people through the prefecture. It was the favoured town of Omiya no Amatoshi, who built a small castle there (Jōmyō Castle) as a holiday residence and secondary line of defense in times of seige. Mizakemachi was also the first city in the prefecture to have electricity in 1926. 
== Geography ==
Mizakemachi is located in the northern highlands of Mikei Prefecture, on the banks of the Meisu River and in the shadow of Mount Onihara. To the east it is bordered by the Haradate River. The land on which the city is built is almost perfect for rice farming, which has led to a large agricultural industry.
Seasons in Mizakemachi are known to be relatively mild, without much difference in weather, apart from winters which are usually very snowy and cold. During December and early January, black ice is known to pose transportation problems in and around the city centre.
== Economy ==
Mizakemachi's rice, wheat and potato farming industries still make up a large part of the economy. Its tertiary and services sectors are very large, with the majority of the population being involved in either. Secondary processing, particularly in nōzan brewing and the production of appliances, is considerable.
The popular Mikei-based brand of nōzan, Kuroyu, has its largest brewery and headquarters in Mizakemachi. Additionally, the company holds a nōzan festival called Kuroyugai at the factory each year, with free tastings and tours for the public.
== Local attractions ==
Mizakemachi is home to several sites linked to Omiya no Amatoshi, the greatest chief of the Omiya clan. These include the ancient Amatoshi Makoji, pine trees standing by the Haradate River, which are decorated with paper lanterns and are said to have been planted by Amatoshi himself.
Mizakemachi also has open local fresh meat markets. These markets are held in the western farming district of Kanmizake every Sunday throughout most of the year.
Other local attractions include:
* Mizakemachi Summer Festival
* Mizake Park
* Kanmizake Historical Site
* Ruins of Jōmyō Castle