Ganyama Prefecture

**Ganyama Prefecture** [阜山近; がんやま·こん] is a prefecture located on the north-facing coast of Kanton. As of 2020, the prefecture had a population of around 620,000. It is one of the most remote and isolated prefectures in the country, historically having been frequently closed-off to outsider influence. This has resulted in the culture of Ganyama developing quite differently from other areas of northern Kanton. A number of religious and artistic divergences give Ganyama an interesting and slightly exotic feeling to those from other regions.

Like its neighbour Aoma Prefecture, Ganyama is an agricultural prefecture with low levels of urbanisation. Its coastal location has also resulted in the development of a strong fishing industry. Perhaps one of Ganyama's most iconic natural features is Mount Ganyama, after which the prefecture gained its modern moniker, which is one of the tallest mountains in Kanton and the tallest in northern Kanton.

## History

The region of Ganyama was created from the ancient provinces of Honya, Muyū and Korobu. Separated from the principal Kantonese centres of commerce, politics and population by the southern Ganyama Mountains and the Haō Mountains to the east, Ganyama remained largely isolated from Kantonese society until the late 1600s. It was a region of hunter-gatherers and nomadic tribes, soon transforming into communities of farmers and fisherfolk, although mining had also emerged by the 1400s.

Like Aoma Prefecture, Ganyama experienced the immigration of many Summui people throughout its history, whose native traditions, language and culture had a lasting impact on the region and its native inhabitants. In the early medieval age, Ganyama underwent a resurgance in the popularity of the folk religion Shinryo, and through mixing with Sudaro, a new belief was born, called Chinzō. This religion was considered rustic but was in fact highly sophisticated and complex. Although it is no longer practiced in the modern day, it remained a part of the Ganyama culture for centuries.

From the 1700s the prefecture's main industries, agriculture, fishing and mining, were heavily developed by *konbūshin* and helped to establish Ganyama on a national level. Until 1760, Ganyama was known as Honya Prefecture (or Province) until its name was changed in accordance with the renaming of Mount Ganyama. The mountain had formerly been known by a vernacular name, which did not fit on official government documents.

The famous 13th-century poet, Tō no Yume, is said to have been born in eastern Ganyama. She is particularly well-known for being one of the most famed and revered Kantonese poets in history with Summui lineage, and an example of a *ganyama-ryōji*.

## Geography

Ganyama has a number of remarkable geographical features, particularly its many mountains and their large ranges. It also has many rivers and small lakes. The Aijō-Tenaki Cliffs (愛丞斐涛) are particularly famed and have been the setting for a number of literature and drama scenes.

The prefecture is also bordered on its east and south sides by the Ganyama and Haō mountain ranges respectively. These ranges have played a significant role in making Ganyama isolated and remote to the rest of the country.

### Lakes and rivers

* Ehara River
* Yūko River
* An River
* Honan River
* Ore River
* Eshizu River
* Saikei River
* Sanbaki River
* Gyō River
* Koroma River
* Shiza River
* Shimi River
* Gan River
* Aruhana River
* Ayama River
* Yūme River
* Mage River
* Age River
* Lake Ūka
* Lake Sasabo
* Lake An
* Lake Eshizu
* Lake Shibun
* Lake Ganma

## Culture

Ganyama is famous for rice, wheat and potato farming, along with fishing, liquor brewing and mining. It is well-known for having one of the highest consumption rates of gizan (rice wine) in Kanton. The people of Ganyama, referred to as *ganyama-ryōji* (阜山亮美, 'beauties of Ganyama'), are known for their strength of will, high intelligence and mysterious beauty, and have been traditionally considered desirable. In fact, Tō no Yume is a famous example of a Ganyama beauty, along with the 17th-century scholar Yukima no Yosu.

As the prefecture has a very cold and unforgiving climate, with high winds, heavy blizzards and rain falling for most of the year, it is no surprise that Ganyama is known for its traditional fur-lined clothing and knitwear. Knitted garments are known as *sōri*. Goat and sheep farming are quite common, and in the traditional diet, the milk and cheese of both animals has been traditionally consumed.

The Ganyama dialect is another notable part of the prefectural culture. As of 2020, figures have suggested that around 60% of Ganyama inhabitants speak fluently in the regional vernacular.

Although urbanisation is not such a pressing issue in Ganyama as in other regions, it is still present. Recently there have been efforts to revitalize rural communities facing depopulation with different forms of green tourism and agritourism. These efforts are primarily aimed at attracting residents of urban areas and foreign tourists to Ganyama Prefecture, advertising its pristine forests, sprawling mountains, and interesting cultural aspects. There has been a push for the return of farmers markets selling locally produced foods, and the integration of outsiders into local cultural practices. The Nonori ritual on New Year's Eve draws a large number of tourists to Ganyama every year.

Near Lake Sasabo, there are a number of hot springs resorts (*reijo*). These are popular with tourists from all over Kanton. In addition, numerous seasonal festivals (*machi*) offer a glimpse of rural or traditional Kanton. Some famous examples are the Yaira Fireworks, Nonori Festival, and the various local seasonal and religious festivals.

## Economy

Like much of the northern (Zōku) region, Ganyama's economy remains dominated by traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing, and forestry. Although many young people have migrated to other large cities, particularly the capital, Ganyama continues to experience surprisingly low levels of population decline and urbanisation. However, the prefecture has the lowest percentage of children in northern Kanton, with only 12%.