Aoma

**Aoma** [碧岩; あおま] is a city located in Aoma Prefecture in north-west Kanton. As of 2020, it had a population of around 270,000, making it the most populous city in Aoma. It is the capital of the prefecture and the regional seat.

Aoma literally means 'blue field', although it could also be translated as 'green field'. The name is generally considered to have an intentional double meaning, referring to both the blue ocean which surrounds the city's shores, and the green farmland which it is also known for.

## History

The area of Aoma has been settled extensively since prehistoric times, and numerous Heii period sites have been found by archaeologists, the most famous being the Yamaku-Ōsan Site located just southwest of the city centre dating to around the 5th century. The large scale of these settlements, which included remains of wheelhouses, irrigation canals and stone tools, gave clues to the existence of a rather advanced civilisation in ancient Aoma. During the Chisō and Nittori periods, Aoma was ruled by the Daima clan, who also came to govern around half of the prefecture. In the 8th or 9th century, the first Summui migrants began to enter the prefecture, and settled along the coast.

By the Seisetsu period, what would become the core of present-day Aoma was a large port settlement called Ryōji. The town was rebuilt in 1770 under orders of the regional *konbūshin* and its name was changed to Aoma; however this new moniker was not in common use until the early 1800s, and many locals apparently referred to the town as Ōhaii, or 'big town by the sea'.

The prefectural government began operations of a ferry service from Aoma to the Zōku islands in 1901. In September 1913, Aoma was connected by rail to various large inland cities. The development of Aoma was primarily due to its prefectural capital status and the singular importance as the supplier of these rail lines and ferry services. Much of the city burned down in a large fire in May 1920, called the Blaze of Aoma, which destroyed a great many historical buildings and significant structures. The local port facilities were expanded in 1924, and the city received its first bus services in 1926. Kanton Air Transport began scheduled air services from 1937.

## Climate and geography

Aoma and its surrounding area are renowned for heavy snowfall, the heaviest among all Kantonese cities. In February 2004, the city recorded a record snow cover of 209 centimeters. The excess of snow is caused by several winds which collide around the city and cause the air to rise and cool, resulting in thick cloud formation followed by intense precipitation. Some nickname Aoma as Yukima or 'snow field' due to the sheer amount of ice and snow which can accumulate in winter.

In summer, a cool wind often blows from the east, which sometimes results in abnormally cool weather and poor harvests. Additionally, thick sea fogs are common the coast and can cause flights from Aoma Airport to be cancelled.

As for its location in the prefecture, Aoma is situated on the lower western coast overlooking Aoma Bay, and is surrounded by a number of other smaller settlements. Its lower southern ward is overshadowed by the Aomaki Hills, the tallest peak of which is Mount Gango.

## Economy

Aoma serves as the regional commercial center for the prefecture. Agriculture and commercial fishing form only 4% of the city economy, with manufacturing forming 16% and the service sector forming 78%. Light industry and manufacture also contribute to the GDP of Aoma.

## Local attractions

The Zōkanzai Eimachi is usually held in Aoma; it is a famous winter festival which celebrates the cold weather and hosts various fun activities for visitors. Other major attractions of Aoma include:

* Aoma City Fishing Museum
* Aoma Museum of Art
* Aomaki Sanjo, a famous and large hot-spring site/resort
* Narakata Castle
* Aoma Nōzan Distillery, a distillery from the 16th century which specialises in nōzan
* Aoiko Park