Futsukana

Futsukana [先笹; ふつかな] is the second-largest city in Shinkō Prefecture, with a population of 550,000. The city's name, meaning 'old plateau', is one of the only settlement names in Shinkō to remain unchanged throughout its history.
The area of modern Futsukana has been settled since ancient times, and a large amount of artifacts from the Kantonese Paleolithic period have been discovered. It was home to the Hatsu clan, who also governed the Meikai region. They were defeated in 1162 by the Shin, who captured the region during their conquest of the prefecture.
Situated on the lowermost slopes of Mount Taba, on the northern reaches of the Ikumo Mountains, Futsukana has historically been a mining settlement which relied on the coal found in the nearby quarries. Throughout the 1200s the town quickly grew in population due to its rich natural resources and steady economy. Along with numerous coal mines, Futsukana was also home to three large granite quarries, none of which are in use now.
== Economy ==
In terms of economy and geography such as railroads and roads, Futsukana has stronger ties with Meikai than other cities in the prefecture, especially with the southern ward, which touches the city's borders. However, due to the successive withdrawal of large factories in the city, the aspect of Futsukana as a commuter town has become stronger, and the percentage of commuters travelling to work and school in Meikai in 2015 was 24.6%.
The successful and multinational IT services provider Hanbare has their main branch and headquarters in Futsukana. Futsukana has several factories and development bases belonging to companies of heavy industry (e.g. Kanton Oil Corporation) and high technology (Hanbare, KEC Corporation, and Dell Kanton).
== Geography ==
Lake Futsūme lies around 25 miles from Futsukana, in a corrie located near the peak of Mount Taba. The Kizō River, the source of which lies in Mount Taba, flows through the centre of the city. Futsukana lies on the border with --- Prefecture, and has historically been an important rest-stop for cross-county travellers. The Ōgi Pass, which runs along the Ikumo range, starts in Futsukana's southern ward.
== Local attractions ==
*Futsukana Prefectural Park
*Futsukana Mining Museum
*Kaganetsu Temple
*Futsukana Shrine Park
*East Futsukana Museum of Modern Art