Aoma Prefecture

**Aoma Prefecture** [碧岩近; あおま·こん] is a coastal prefecture located in the far north of Kanton. It is one of the most significant farming prefectures in the country, and is known for its annual heavy snowfall and winter festivals, which often attract thousands of tourists. As of 2020, it had a population of around 1 million.

Approximately 35% percent of Aoma's residents live outside of its cities in small towns, which is one of the highest percentages in the country. There is a distinct lack of urbanisation in Aoma Prefecture, with many of its younger inhabitants choosing to stay in rural areas rather than look for work in urban areas. Aoma Prefecture is the third-most populous prefecture in the northern region, coming after Mikei Prefecture and Shinkō Prefecture. Mount Gango [阜泍], a dormant volcano, is the prefecture's highest point at almost 1,000 metres.

## History

The oldest evidence of pottery in northern Kanton was found on Aoma's northern coastline near to the town of Onzu. The relics there suggest that fishing cultures had developed along the shores of the prefecture around 7,000 years ago.

During the Heii period, the area that would become Aoma Prefecture was impacted by the migration of some Summui people from the Zōku islands, known now as Zōhai Prefecture. It is thought that Aoma was at one point inhabited by a large number, perhaps thousands, of Summui explorers who had decided to settle on the mainland. Throughout the 7th century these Summui were discouraged heavily by Imperial forces and treated with hostility; although it isn't known how much they mingled with the local clans, we can assume there was a cross of bloodlines as Summui blood is present in some modern-day Aomans.

By the 10th century, the Summui who settled in Aoma had assimilated into the wider population. In 1013, Amewara Port was established, along with the city of Aoma. At this time, the Daima and Fushigi clans had been the rulers of the region. The Aoma War, lasting from 1351-1362, was waged between the two clans as both chiefs fought to gain the title of *konbūshin* for the prefecture. In 1162, the Daima chief Usai defeated the Fushigi at the Battle of Chōmizu outside Yadoku, and was finally appointed as commander of Aoma. However in 1651 the warlord Amesori no Kamayu was assigned by the Monda administration to oversee Aoma after the prefecture suffered from storms, blight, and widespread illness and the Daima clan was left in shambles.

## Geography

Aoma Prefecture has a number of notable geographical features, including its hill ranges and its rivers and lakes.

### Lakes and rivers

* Kandatsu River
* Aomaki River
* Aohon River
* Ōdai River
* Bichi River
* Era River
* Ashi River
* Shiashi River
* Kanato River
* Hondori River
* Shūsake River
* Nanmen River
* Lake Monzake
* Lake Hei
* Lake Yamami
* Lake Yuki
* Lake Shiashi
* Lake Dai
* Lake Gai

The Aomaki Hills, located south of the capital city of Aoma, are a range of hills which run through and overlap a total of four settlements. The largest peak is Mount Gango. In the north of the prefecture, the larger Migai Hills formation runs northwards towards Fugan Peninsula.

## Culture

### Crafts

Aoma Prefecture is the birthplace of *napa*, a long flute instrument made of bamboo stem. The *napa* has a reedy yet rich sound which can carry long distances; it was originally used during battles to send messages between soldiers. A notable player of the *napa* is Takeko Sadama, who worked as a wandering performer and musician born in 1910 who popularised the instrument nationally.

Aoma Prefecture is also where the decorative embroidery style *taga-puki* originated in the 1700s. It was created as a utilitarian technique with which to make linen clothing more robust and warm during harsh winters.

### Cuisine

The Aoma area is home of several well-known dishes: sweetened porridge made with oats and red bean paste, called *akasobi*; a mixed stew made with root vegetables, wild plants, herbs, and fish called *nurigu*; an abalone and sea urchin roe soup called *arusaka*, and *aonachi*, a soup made with a mix of wild plants and vegetables from the local area. Other traditional foods include *tadoki,* savoury oatmeal biscuits; braised scallops and scrambled eggs which is called *shinagai*, and a local variation of rice gruel which features black garlic. In fact, Aoma Prefecture is the largest producer of black garlic, known as *kuzuningo*, in Kanton.

### Festivals

There are a variety of festivals held annually in Aoma offering a unique look into the culture of north coastal Kanton. The prefecture hosts a popular *eimachi*, or winter festival, called Zōkanzai Eimachi, which has grown more and more extravagant with each year. It is extremely popular and can attract thousands of visitors; attendees can view ice sculptures and enjoy local cuisine inside igloos. During May *hinamachi* are held across the prefecture, with the most well-attended being held in Eraba.