Atema

Atema [駐岩; あてま] is a city located in southern Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 12,000, and has the highest population density in the prefecture.
Atema was established in the 13th century as an area in which high-quality horses, cattle and sheep could be bred, mainly for use by military officials and noblemen. The settlement grew to become a significant producer of grains and vegetables, along with tea; to this day Atema still grows its own variety of green tea, atemaccha, which is known across the country for its unique flavour. 
== Geography ==
Atema is situated in the Tōwara Valley. It is south of the Tohara River, and south-east of the prefectural capital Tōwara, for which it serves as a bedroom community. A small section of the Kinozata River also runs through the city's western ward. Due to the amount of freshwater irrigation the area receives, Atema's tea and rice industries have traditionally been prosperous. Around half of the city lies within the Kiyama National Park; this region is uninhabited. Atema is the smallest city in the prefecture by area.
== Economy ==
Atema is known for its atemaccha green tea production, and also exports rice, beef, wool, and dairy products, along with wheat, oats, carrots, onions and potatoes. It is the only city in the prefecture in which agriculture takes up more than half of the local economy. Multiple manufacturing plants are also based in the city, mostly on the far west side. 
== Local attractions ==
* Atema Museum
* Kiyama National Park
* Ruins of Atema Fortifications, military base from the late 1600s
* Atema Central Park
* Atema Harvest Festival - every August