Yamanago

Yamanago [山凪; やまなご] is a city located in southern Shinkō Prefecture. It has a population of around 130,000, and is generally considered the 'sister city' to the neighbouring settlement, Yamaebi. 
Yamanago is named for its proximity to the Motoyama Hills. Due to this proximity, which offered shelter and resources from Motoyama Forest, a community sprung up around 1,000 years ago, and the area has been inhabited ever since. Although controlled by the Sanzō clan (who also oversaw the region of modern-day Yamaebi) for almost 600 years, the family died out in 1121, leaving the Motoyama foothills ungoverned and unprotected. At this point, the Shin clan took control of the region and transformed the town of Yamanago into a mining settlement. 
Yamanago flourished for 300 years or so, but in the early 1400s the iron ore which had been steadily depleted ran out entirely, and the economy of the township suffered as the mines were forced to close. Fortunately, the soil of the region was arable enough to support the growing of crops such as soy beans, rice and yams. Irrigation from the Motozake River encouraged the creation of rice paddies along the foothills of the Motoyama range. 
== Economy ==
Yamanago is home to over 150 factories. The city is a centre of the production of electronic appliances, metal products, and machinery. Yamanago was once known for its broad rice paddies, but agriculture now centres on the cultivation of strawberries, tomatoes, and ornamental plants. Yamanago's eastern ward also serves as a bedroom community for the nearby city of Hisama.
== Geography ==
Yamanago is situated around 15 miles from the flattest slopes of the Motoyama Hills. Around two-thirds of this space, beyond the city's southern ward, is used for farming. Unfortunately the proximity to the mountain slopes has resulted in Yamanago suffering damage from rockfalls and avalanches over the years. 
== Local attractions ==
Yamanago is known across the prefecture for its strawberries, known as yamanaka chigobi, or 'mountain-grown strawberries'. The annual Yamanago Strawberry Festival, held on the 15th of July, can attract up to 20,000 visitors and is a celebration of the fruit, with live music, dancing, traditional activities and a final parade complete with themed floats. 
Other attractions in Yamanago include:
* Yamanago Film Festival (held every November)
* Sanzō Temple