Shinkō Prefecture

Shinkō Prefecture [行訳近; しんこうこん] is the largest prefecture in northern Kanton by population. As of 2021, the prefecture has a population of around 3 million. 
Meikai is the capital of Shinkō Prefecture and the largest city in north Kanton, being the country's fourth-largest city overall with a population of 4 million. Other major cities in Shinkō include Futsukana, Saibun and Onsan. Shinkō Prefecture is located in the far north of the island, looking over the Pacific Ocean and facing Japan. From 1180-1881 Shinkō served as the seat of the Shin clan who were immensely powerful during their time. It was the political and economic centre of Kanton during the 13th century, at which time Meikai was the capital of the nation and the most populous city. Shinkō Prefecture is a popular tourist area today, with much local history to be explored, and many natural landmarks to be admired. The city of Saibun is a particular hotspot due to its natural hot springs, as is Mount Senyu.
== History ==
About 3,000 years ago, Mount Senyu produced a volcanic explosion which resulted in the creation of Lake Hagiyami in the west. It is believed that Mount Senyu became dormant approximately 1,000 years ago, as no other eruption has since occurred. Shinkō Prefecture has some archaeological sites dating back to around 500 BC; pottery and ancient tools have been found in large amounts near to the mountain, suggesting some kind of prehistoric civilisation established along its foothills. The volcanic soil would have been very fertile and helpful in growing crops.
From the 5th century until the 11th century, it is believed that the region was ruled by separate clans and families of varying sizes and power. The largest of these, the Shin, eventually rose to become the most powerful and united the entire prefecture under their rule in 1173. They remained as the rulers and konbūshin of Shinkō Prefecture until the late 19th century. 
In June 1929, Shinkō Prefecture suffered the disaster of the North Coastal earthquake and subsequent tsunami which devastated its coastal villages and even caused inland flooding and damage. The earthquake itself was under sea-level, the epicentre being at least 10 miles offshore and 12 miles from the nearest settlement. However, the tremours caused a destructive tsunami which claimed over 700 lives. Throughout Shinkō's coastal region, and in some inland areas, many buildings and infrastructure collapsed or were heavily damaged, and subsequent fires burned the rubble along with anything else left standing. 
== Municipalities ==
=== Cities ===
Rank	Name 	Kantonese	Population
1 	Meikai 	沒界 	1.2 million
2 	Futsukana	先笹 	550,000
3 	Saibun 	筌府 	200,000
4 	Onsan 	有算 	168,000
5 	Hisama 	火様 	145,000
6 	Yamanago 	山凪 	130,000
7 	Yamaebi 	山渓 	124,000
8 	Kiyami 	冷免 	110,000
9 	Seidai 	沈代 	103,000
10 	Kesso 	勢全 	93,000
11 	Kitsuhara	南們彭 	90,000
12 	Kiman 	南达 	86,000
13 	Sennen 	三年 	84,000
14 	Danchō 	団丁 	60,000
15 	Kojidame 	泍仕召 	53,000
16 	Akadami 	桌禅 	48,000
17 	Shingan 	備衒 	40,000
18 	Akoru 	上賎 	34,000
19 	Arihara 	枊彭 	30,000
20 	Shizurō 	亲琅 	28,000
21 	Bundo 	咕個 	25,000
22 	Kōzo 	关盼 	23,000
23 	Sogima 	柿岩 	18,000
24 	Hitsumako	坤壮 	14,500
25 	Shitai 	尔栏 	12,000
26 	Deiku 	歹导 	10,500
=== Towns ===
1	Hanwa 	班岩 	10,000
2	Bisui 	日水 	9,600
3	Ōfun 	尬富 	8,000
4	Kusadama	華陆 	7,500
5	Mugizake	港煮 	7,000
6	Daite 	大貞 	5,000
7	Tsukoro 	坪档 	4,500
8	Heisan 	澤山 	3,000
9	Nakama 	长満 	2,000