Sasaru

Sasaru [ささる / Sunpaku: ささる] is a city located in northern Uchi Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 14,000.
The city is certified as the northernmost area of Kanton in which beech trees grow naturally, and its Sunpaku name literally translates as '(place of) beech nuts'. It is located in the heavily forested northern reaches of the prefecture, with just over 60% of its area being taken up by the Aiwa National Park. 
Unfortunately, the industrial base for Sasaru is weak and the economy is rather poor. Due to poor transportation connection and rural depopulation, commerce has declined. The main economic activity is agriculture, with rice and chestnuts mainly cultivated. Animal husbandry (including sheep, goats, dairy cows, and beef cattle) is also practiced.