Nōda

Nōda [豆讨；のおだ] is a city located in southern Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 47,000. The city is considered the home of car manufacturing in the Honzura region, due to its reputation as the headquarters of Segano and its long history with the automobile industry.
Nōda was located within southern Sanzama Province and was known since ancient times for production of fabrics, particularly silk. Sericulture was traditionally a large part of the city's economy. It became a castle town during the 1400s after the construction of Fushimi Castle by the Nōda clan, who were high-ranking vassals of the Sanzama. The area prospered as a centre of commerce, and its proximity to Eiita Province allowed it to become connected with dealings from the Imperial District. During the 17th century Nōda was popular with merchants and officials traveling from the south into the Honzura region for work, and developed a reputation as a resort town.
In the late 1930s, the aviation pioneer Segano Shinji founded the Segano Aircraft Company in Nōda. At first he produced mostly licensed models of foreign designs, but beginning with the all-Kantonese Segano 21 fighter place in 1943, his company became a world leader in aeronautical design and manufacture. With its headquarters still in Nōda, the factory now produces the popular brand of motorcars, Segano, and other products under the same name.
== Geography ==
Nōda lies in the Tōwara Valley region of Tomono, sharing a border with both Kōfu and Mikei Prefectures. It is just south of Akagetsu, and its northern ward is considered somewhat of a bedroom community for the larger city. Nōda is split into two distinct districts, Honnō and Kinō; the latter is known for its picturesque beauty, with lush cedar forests and wildflower meadows. The well-known waterfall, Hirake Falls, lies to the north of the city near the Omiwara River.
== Economy ==
Traditionally, Nōda's principal industry was sericulture and silk textile manufacturing, with records dating silk production as far back as 913 AD. However, the decreased demand for silk goods and the closure of several area manufacturing companies have caused the local economy to suffer. Tourism is now increasing within the city, as Nōda is developing a reputation for both scenic and historical beauty.
== Local attractions ==
* Nōda Segano Factory
* Nōda Kanzuma University
* Nōda Fireworks Festival
* Hirake Falls
* Hirake Nature Reserve
* Oyami Museum of Art