Shizuya

Shizuya [湿有 しずや] is a city located in far southern Saka Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 15,000.
Throughout its history, Shizuya has existed mainly as a rice farming settlement, making use of the heavy irrigation it received from the local rivers. However, the area was known to flood frequently during the spring rainy season and during winter, which was problematic for farming. Eventually Shizuya turned its focus to mining granite and iron from the nearby Sakanokite Mountains. 
In 2006, it was suggested to merge the two neighbouring villages of Miyu and Haranami into Shizuya, thus creating a larger city area and population. However, the plan was eventually dropped due to pushback from locals. 
The city suffered from severe damage in the 2011 Kanjō Bay disaster, with two fatalities and six injured reported.
== Geography ==
Shizuya is one of the settlements located furthest south in Saka Prefecture. To the north of the city centre lies Lake Tsuzu, a small freshwater lake which attracts anglers and surfers in the spring. The Sabo River runs through the eastern ward, and to a lesser extent the Yamahoku enters the city from the west. 
== Economy ==
Shizuya has primarily an agricultural economy, with lotus root, tomatoes, cherries, apples, chestnuts, onions, and various fruits as the major cash crops. Aquaculture on Lake Tsuzu also plays a role in the local economy. Shizuya is also the home of Kisaki Airport, which opened in April 2008 after considerable public investment.
== Local attraction ==
* Lake Tsuzu
* Shizuya Summer Festival
* Tsuzumi Temple
* Shizuya Furumachi
* STARHILL kyōbun