recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Sōun Temple

**Sōun Temple** [僧云方; そううんぼら] is a temple located on the peak of Mount Sōun, in the Ikumo Mountains. It is dedicated to the memory of the traveling priest Ikanami, a revered figure of the Naro period who helped and guided many people with his spiritual knowledge and understanding.

The site was used as a place of prayer long before the construction of a formal building, and has been used for general prayer ever since the temple was established in 1032.

The temple includes a *bitō* (涤谭) or 'holy residence' in which pilgrims could stay. It also features an ornamental garden which, although well-preserved, was closed to the public in 2011. A statue of Ikanami, recreated from a damaged 13th-century original, sits in the main hall of worship.

Sōun Temple is only accessible on foot. Due to being surrounded by magnolia trees, the temple attracts many visitors in May for *hinamachi*, and again in autumn for viewing of fall foliage.
Mount Obori

**Mount Obori** [おぼり山] is a mountain located in the far south of the Tsuba range in Heisai Prefecture. It has an estimated elevation of around 3,200 metres, making it the tallest in the entire range.

Mount Obori is considered the male counterpart to Mount Oshishi further north; its name literally means 'old man' or 'grandfather' in the Heisai dialect. Due to its rather isolated location it is rarely visited by humans, and takes up most of the area held by the village of Itto.
Antan University Public Gardens

The **Antan University Public Gardens** [劲担盖含の滄苑; あんたんがいはんのそうがに], also known as **Narawa Park**, is the name given to an area close to Antan University in central Meikai, Shinkō Prefecture. Up until the late 1800s, the gardens were intended only for the use of students who were enrolled at the prestigious institution. However, in 1902 the City Government announced that the space would become open to the public, provided that the grounds were treated with appropriate respect and deference.

In 1978, the park was purchased by Takao Narawa, a well-known entrepeneur, and converted into a more 'citizen-friendly' space, with benches, picnic spots and even a small cafe. Despite the change in ownership, Narawa did not change the park's name, although many people choose to refer to the garden as Narawa Park for the sake of informality and convenience.

## Features

The park is extremely biodiverse, and has a large number of species which thrive in its landscape. Due to the flat, dry land, there is an abundance of crabapple trees, which are celebrated in Meikai's annual *hinamachi*. The festival attracts many visitors to the gardens during mid- to late spring. There are approximately 700 crabapple trees present in the gardens.

There is a large water fountain located in the park, which acts as a centrepiece for the whole area.
Nurema

**Nurema** [濡岩; ぬれま] is a city located in eastern Kawara Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 34,000.

Nurema is considered the rice capital of Kawara, having produced thousands of tonnes of the crop for centuries. Irrigated by tributaries of the Nike River, the city is known particularly for its extensive canal system, which once allowed supplies and materials to be transported via waterway throughout the area. In modern times, this system is open for boat passengers, and tours can be taken of Nurema's western ward where the canals were built. Tourists are transported on *koboki*, traditional canal boats which are slim, lightweight and easily maneuvered.

Nurema also houses the Nurema Suisan, a glorified shrine dedicated to various local water deities. It is one of the largest shrines in the country, bigger than most temples, but does not have the correct facilities to warrant temple status. Each year, Suisan can receive up to 12,000 visitors.
Denbei

**Denbei** [靠兵; へいでん] is a city located in southern coastal Aoma Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 24,000.

The economy of Denbei is largely dependent on agriculture and fishing, with main crops including rice, strawberries, potatoes, carrots and beans, and marine products including oysters, whelks and seaweed. The city has become more commercially vibrant with the construction of the Hydo Shopping Centre in 1995 and the associated retail this has attracted. The major local industry is Nōmi Brewing Inc. which is a nationally-known *nōzan* brewer. Denbei also serves as a bedroom community for the nearby cities of Aoma and Kandatsu.
Ganyama dialect

The **Ganyama dialect** [阜山丞言; がんやま・じょうげん] is one of Kanton’s most insular dialects, and it is almost never spoken outside of Ganyama Prefecture. Some have described it as being like the Aoma dialect mixed with the Zōhai dialect. It is frequently described as being hard to understand, with many words and phrases being completely different from Standard Kantonese.

## Features

* - /j/ coming after /n/ will result in a /hj/ sound. Therefore, the name ‘Ganyama’, which ordinarily sounds like /gan.jama/, is said /gan.hjama/. Another example might be 言 [genyo, language], which becomes /gen.hjo/.
* - Much like Aoma dialect, the /n/ sound on the end of a word will be aspirated heavily, becoming more like /nuh/. In southern Ganyama it is even common for the ending ん to become a full な.
* - Intervocalic, beginning and ending /g/ is very likely to become /ŋ/.
* - Combinations of /n/ and /m/ side-by-side in a word will result in a merged /m/ sound. For example: 電槇 [でんまき] becomes でっまき, or more likely でっまぎ.
* - The standard polite negative conjugation, -さん, will change to さがい.
* - An ending /a, o/ sound is likely to become /ə/ and reduced much.
* - /z/ at the beginning of words will often become a lightly-aspirated /ʑ/.
* - The prohibitive mood changes from -かせん to -ざん.
* - The imperative mood becomes -よちゃ.
* - The /fu/ sound will often become more like the /bu/ sound.
* - Questions are marked by the particle -なあ.

## Common vocabulary

* なう - I, me [neutral]
* ばう - you [neutral]
* むけぎ - liar, cheat, fraud
* ぎ - rice [pronounced as ŋi]
* すぎな - to like, to enjoy
* らしゃ - anger, fury
* めつぎ - joy, happiness
* はご - vegetable
* べんのう - please
Lake Hagisu

**Lake Hagisu** [芦水匆; はぎす・く] is a lake located north of Genzaki in Kawara Prefecture. It is recognised as being one of the more scenic lakes in northern Kanton, and is known for its particularly reedy shores, which grow lusciously in the summertime. Visitors to the lake can partake in many activities such as angling, hiking, canoeing, birdwatching, scuba diving, and sailing.
Ikana

**Ikana** [行; いかな] is a city located in north-western Ganyama Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of roughly 11,000.

Ikana is located on a wide and flat peninsula which juts out from the main coastline of northern Ganyama. It sits just north of Nagidaki Bay. Over the course of its history Ikana has been primarily a fishing town, producing around 35% of all exported seafood and marine products from the prefecture. Ikana often suffers some of the most intense sea mists in Kanton.

The city is also known for its unique traditions, such as the Kaiira Festival, during which four young people were sacrificed to the ocean in a special ritual. Traditionally, two girls and two boys were brought as offerings to the gods and drowned on Kaiira Beach. Although this practice is obviously no longer around, the festival still occurs, with two adolescents of either gender being chosen to perform a dance for the ocean spirits, and later are annointed as Princes and Princesses of Kaiira.
Mount Mizō

**Mount Mizō** [免沿山; みぞう・さん] is a mountain located in western Kawara Prefecture, just outside the city of Kendo. It is one of the tallest peaks in the prefecture with a height of 2,102 feet. Mount Mizō is well-known for its hiking trails, its scenic views and its soft, rolling appearance which has earned it the local nickname of Butoyama ['dumpling mountain'].
Naraguchi Beach Park

**Naraguchi Beach Park** [海口编; ならぐちこう] is a beachside park located in the city of Saibun, in Shinkō Prefecture. It has been named as one of the Top 20 Best Parks in Shinkō, ranking at No. 7.

Naraguchi Beach Park opened in June 1988, just in time for Saibun's annual flood of tourists seeking sunshine and hot summer weather. It saw immediate success, with its convenient proximity to Kisha Beach and Saibun's main shopping district. The area on which the park was built was in fact a former training ground for the Kantonese Imperial Army, which was left unused in 1983. Today, the park features a number of attractions, such as an ice-cream parlour, a cafe, a swimming pool, and one of Saibun's famous public bathhouses, the Naraguchi Bathhouse. The bathhouse is unique for not being a historical building, having been constructed in 1987.
Seidai

**Seidai** [沈代; せいだい] is a city located in Shinkō Prefecture. As of 2020 it had an estimated population of around 103,000.

Seidai was originally part of the same domain as the modern-day city of Danchō. Throughout the late Chisō and Nittori periods, the area of Seidai was divided into small districts controlled by various small clans and warlords, and was the site of numerous battles over territory during this time. After the Battle of Ōman in 1176, Seidai and Danchō [then known under the name Ōman] were taken by the Shin, and Seidai became separated from Danchō in the early 1200s as its population grew.

## Economy

Seidai is a regional commercial center with a mixed economy of manufacturing and agriculture. In addition to rice, wheat, and soybeans, notable agricultural products include figs, pears, and cucumbers. Seidai is also host to many factories supplying components and parts for the automobile industry. At one point the city was known for its manufacturing of asbestos - this industry was of course stopped in 1989.

## Geography

Seidai is located in northern Shinkō, bordering a number of neighbouring cities and towns. Seidai is bordering the capital Meikai, and its southern ward is considered a bedroom community; it is also the most populous sector of Seidai. Despite the city's proximity to the ocean, a fishing industry never developed, and this is due to the high and rocky cliffs and lack of beaches along Seidai's stretch of coastline.

## Local attractions

Seidai's shopping district, known locally as Rinnen, is a particularly busy hotspot for visitors. Other attractions include Seidai Castle, a 16th-century castle preserved for guided tours in the city's eastern ward, and the annual Seidai Summer Festival [沈代の沧萦] which is held in mid-June in the city centre. During this event, crowds will parade along the highway, waving banners, chanting, dancing and generally celebrating. Live music is often played at arranged venues, and it is custom for local retailers to take 30% off all of their stock for the first day of the festival.
Kangiku

**Kangiku** [辣郭; かんぎく] is a city located on the northern coast of Ganyama Prefecture. As of 2020, it has a population of around 34,000.

Kangiku is one of the cities which shares access to Nagidaki Bay, and is located on the west side of the harbour. Most of its land is taken up by the Saichi foothills, and the Saikei River also flows through the centre of the city. Mount Fuya is located in the city. The economy of Kangiku is based on agriculture and commercial fishing. Zōku Electric operates the Kangiku Thermal Power Station, a coal and biomass power plant in the city's southern ward.

One of Kangiku's most interesting attractions is its deer park, where over 800 ornamental deer can be viewed, fed and petted. Kangiku Beach is another popular attraction, although it is not sandy and can be very cold throughout the year.
Yōshō

**Yōshō** [由商; ようしょう] is a city located in central Aoma Prefecture in north-west Kanton. As of 2020, it had a population of around 60,000.

Yōshō lies in the eastern foothills of the lower Migai Hills; the Bichi and Ōdai rivers flow through the centre of the city. The central part of the city is characterised by its orderly grid-shaped streets and its narrow canals, which are supplemented by the twin rivers. Many avenues in central Yōshō are also lined with crabapple and cherry blossom trees.

The area around present-day Yōshō was owned by the Warana clan of Nannake Prefecture for many centuries. However, since the land was fertile, arable and well-suited for livestock raising, it was often fought over by the Warana and the Daima. In 1503, after the Battle of Yōshō, the Daima finally defeated the Warana forces and absorbed the region into their domain. The township flourished as a farming village throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, also becoming a ranch area for breeding cavalry horses.

Yōshō's economy is largely based on agriculture; garlic, ginger, potatoes, oats, wheat, rice, beansprouts and carrots are some staple crops of the city. However, a good percentage of the population is employed in the tertiary sector.

## Local attractions

* Yōshō Daiwari, the largest canal in the city on which boats can be driven
* Shikoba Falls, a large waterfall located in the northern ward
* Yōshō Arts Centre and Museum
* Hinakusa Park, a park filled with crabapple trees, which is often the site of *hinamachi*
Ōgi Pass

**Ōgi Pass** [尬尾山迂; おおぎさんれん] is a mountain pass which runs in a southern direction along Mount Taba and Mount Kumogi. It serves as the main road passage between Shinkō Prefecture and Mikei Prefecture, and has been used for centuries. The road traverses the Ikumo range at 530 metres, running from the southern ward of Futsukana to the town of ---.

In the late 10th century, the plateau through which the road runs was inhabited by vassals of the Hatake clan, who governed the region at that point. By the time the Shin had conquered southern Shinkō and its mountainous terrain, they required easy passage to the neighbouring provinces, and so constructed the pass in the 1170s. It has remained in use ever since.

The modern pass, which has concrete roads, signs, traffic lights and rails, was built very recently in the 1990s. Before then, the pass was mostly dirt road, and only navigable with a land vehicle or by foot.
Yūgan

**Yūgan** [滾阜; ゆうがん / Sunpaku: ぼた] is a city located in Dainan, in Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, it had an estimated population of around 32,000.

## Economy

Yūgan is a seaside settlement, and arguably has the largest surviving commercial fishing industry on Dainan in the modern day. It is most well-known for its production of seafood cuisine, most of it based on traditional Summui dishes, which often feature octopus, seaweed, salted and dried fish, and some species of seabird along with their eggs. Rice became a significant crop for the township in the 1400s, but potatoes [*naranō*] and turnips were also cultivated.
Toikai Bay

**Toikai Bay** [涛い涛港; といかい・もん] is a bay located in western Kawara Prefecture. Its name, literally meaning 'uneven, jagged cliffs', comes from the sharp and dangerous look of the bay from a seaward direction. It borders the cities of Genzaki, Nurema and Shisaki. The cove carved out in the centre of the bay, known as Kaki Beach, is used for the farming of oysters.
Battle of Kiyamitsu

The **Battle of Kiyamitsu** [冷免們; きやみつ] took place in 1177 in the region which makes up modern-day Kiyami and Shizurō in Shinkō Prefecture. In this battle, the heavily-outnumbered Hami clan, accompanied by a number of smaller clansmen, were defeated by the Shin clan and their commander Shin no Aruke. Afterwards, Aruke's right-hand man Shingata no Sakagane executed Hami no Umemizu, the leader of the opposition, and Aruke established himself as the ruler of north-western Shinkō.
Narakata Castle

**Narakata Castle** [海岭莽; ならかた・がり] was a 14th-century castle located in what is now the city of Aoma in Aoma Prefecture. Although it was probably once a rather impressive building, only ruins remain now.

Narakata Castle is considered the most important historical site of Aoma Prefecture, as it served as the home and headquarters of the powerful Daima clan for over 500 years. Originally built sometime in the 1300s, it survived until the 17th century, but was abandoned after the breakdown of the Daima family. Over the years it fell into a state of delapidation and soon fell to ruins. When it was discovered in 1890, the remaining sections of the castle were partially covered by grassy mounds and had not been inhabited for 300 years.
Utori Temple

**Utori Temple** [鵜方; うとりほら] is a temple located in Shisaki, Kawara Prefecture. It is unknown when the temple was first built, but it is estimated to be over 300 years old. It stands on an overhanging sea cliff overlooking Shisaki Harbour.

According to myth, the main deity of the temple is the father of the first Emperor of Kanton, Ukire no Kamisaki. Visitors pray for success in financial endeavours and general good fortune; it is also traditionally visited by local fishermen to give thanks after catching a large haul.
Yōsaka

**Yōsaka** (逮坂, c. 1330s - 1383) was a Kantonese playwright, author and actor of the late Nittori period. Although his real name is unknown, there are many variations on his pseudonym, including Shishizu, Yōchin, and Yōsan. He is the father of the well-known actor and playwright Mizuzake no Tanyō (汝逮).

Yōsaka's career began when he founded a *hongyū* (苒唱) theatre group in the national capital of Jūkei in the 1350s. The troupe travelled throughout the western region of Kanton before moving back to the capital and forming the Yōsaka Theatre Company, which would later become the de facto school of *jūkyū* (優唱) theatre. Yōsaka himself grew in popularity, with his written scripts being adapted into successful plays, and began making trips around Jūkei to give performances. His 1367 play, *Yume Ryōji*, is one of his most famous and depicts a large fictional account of the life of the poet Tō no Yume. In 1370, the *manza* Yūtei no Hōsō went to see this Yōsaka play and was so impressed by it that he decided to personally fund the rest of Yōsaka's career.

Yōsaka was the first playwright to incorporate the traditional, rustic styles of *hongyū* and *rinyora* from peasant celebrations. He trained his son Tanyō in his own style, and Tanyō eventually succeeded him as director of the Yōsaka Theatre Company and the school of *jūkyū*. Yōsaka died of unknown causes in 1383 in modern-day Haishi Prefecture.
Yurari

***Yurari*** [優汽; ゆらり] is a type of traditional Kantonese music that was historically heard and played in the Imperial Court. *Yurari* developed as court music of the Meimon Imperial Palace, and its near-current form was established in the early 1500s. Today, it is often performed during coronation ceremonies, national memorial services, and other official, important events.

The prototype version of *yurari* was introduced to Kanton with Buddhism from China. In the 8th century, Kantonese envoys were sent to China to learn of its more sophisticated culture and literature, and the discovery of Chinese court music was made. By the 9th century, the *narin* (13-stringed zither) and the *dōzu* (a short-necked lute) had been introduced to Kanton from China. Various instruments, including these two, were used to play *yurari*.

During the 9th and 10th centuries, *yurari* was performed at national events, such as the openings of new temples, which brought *yurari* to the public and the serfdom. From this point, traditional *yurari* was developed further, becoming distinctly Kantonese in style through its fusion with native music styles which changed it greatly. Many pieces of famous *yurari* music were created and foreign-style *yurari* was rearranged, renewed or simply fell out of popularity.

The popularity of *yurari* reached its peak between the 11th and 13th centuries, when court aristocracy began to hold private concerts. Until the 1100s *yurari* performance had only been enjoyed by the Imperial nobles, but soon high-ranking and powerful clans began to adopt it as an art form in their own domains. This led to the development of folk *yurari*, often called *kappari*, which was performed and enjoyed mainly by the lower-ranking classes of society. *Yurari* continued to hold popularity in the courts of Kanton until the 1600s, when new styles of music and dance began to emerge and *yurari* diminished in popularity.
Umeya

**Umeya** [匆上; うめや] is a city located in north-eastern Ganyama Prefecture. As of 2020 it had a population of roughly 52,000. The city is most often associated with its traditional arts, culture and its dialect, which is a form of the wider Ganyama vernacular but shares some similarities with the Summui language, Sunpaku.

Umeya began as a small fishing village many centuries ago, and flourished throughout the early medieval period. Remains and artefacts from the late Naro and early Chisō periods suggest that Umeya was quite a prosperous settlement and was home to a relatively sophisticated people. Some of the oldest jewellery in northern Kanton was discovered at the Honbaichi Site in the city's northern ward.

By the 1200s, Umeya began experiencing a significant amount of Summui immigration, and over many decades the customs of the island peoples began to influence the native Umeyan culture. While other settlements along the Ganyama coast also experienced this, Umeya seemed to have the largest concentration of Summui immigrants. From the late 1200s, the Umeya-Sunpaku dialect began to emerge, a mixture of the Summui language and the vernacular variety of Kantonese spoken in Umeya at the time. This dialect morphed and grew over time, eventually becoming the town's most notable feature.

## Economy

Umeya's economy focuses largely on commercial fishing and some agriculture; rice farming has continued to be a popular industry. A large portion of the city is taken up by wetlands, which are fed by the Aruhana and Ayama rivers. Lake Ganma is also located in Umeya's southern ward. The large amount of water in Umeya helps to irrigate the rice paddies.

## Culture and local attractions

Umeya is well-known for its cuisine, such as crunchy dried noodles (*hatobi*), potato liquor (*nōzan*) and various local stews and soups. Seafood also features heavily in the traditional diet. As for local attractions, the city is known for its Statue of Unity, located in the city centre, which promotes goodwill between the Kantonese and Summui people, and Umeya Beach, which is a rocky and scenic coastland which offers campgrounds.
Kaoto Castle

**Kaoto Castle** [かおと莽; かおと・がり / Sunpaku: かおと・おどく] is a castle located in the city of Kuagi on Dainan in Zōhai Prefecture.

Kaoto is one of a number of castles built on the island of Dainan by the Summui Kingdom which are now in ruins. It was constructed as a home for a local lord who lived in the castle with his family and servants. Kaoto was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999, and it is regarded as one of the 100 most famous castles in Kanton.
Kesso

**Kesso** [勢全; けっそ] is a city located in central Shinkō Prefecture. It has a population of around 93,000. Kesso has been traditionally known for its agriculture, along with its beef and pork, which is considered some of the highest quality in Kanton.

Kesso was the original seat of the Shin clan, and where the family built their stronghold, Heidan Castle, in the 9th century. For most of its history, Kesso existed as a place of retreat for the Shin, who returned to their ancestral home for defense and safety. During the Shin conquests of the 12th century, Kesso flourished more than ever as increasing numbers of vassals travelled there to pay their respects to the seat of their new liege.

Kesso's industry was originally commercially-based, with most of the town consisting of a large market area for inter-village trading. However, by the 15th century Kesso began changing into an agriculture-focused city, with the market area diminishing into an area which would eventually become Kesso's modern-day Shoppe Land, the third-largest shopping district in the prefecture.

## Economy

Kesso has a mixed economy. Agriculture has traditionally been dominated by corn, and has been supplemented by the growing of various green vegetables and the raising of pigs and cattle. Development of light industries, especially in food processing and electronics has flourished in Kesso, and the city is noted for a number of golf courses and a vibrant shopping district in the city centre. The famous fashion brand Ikko-Anki has its headquarters in Kesso.

## Geography

Kesso is located in the central region of Shinkō Prefecture, and is bordered by Onsan, a city for which it is a bedroom community.

## Local attractions

Kesso is often visited by domestic tourists who are allured by its sprawling, busy shopping district. It is also known for Heidan Castle, a sight which attracts many history enthusiasts, as its original building has been largely maintained and some parts can be explored freely.
Tenzai

**Tenzai** [星勢; てんざい] is the capital city of Heisai Prefecture, and the largest city in the region, with an estimated population of 250,000 as of 2020.

Tenzai was settled by the Tengō clan in the 1100s and soon became the centre of commerce, trade, and culture in Heisai Prefecture for many centuries. Due to its location below the foothills of the Tsuba range, Tenzai became involved with mining and gold, sulphur and iron mines were established throughout the city's western ward. It became an incredibly wealthy city by the 1300s, and traded frequently with further regions of Kanton such as the south and east; it became particularly known for the manufacture of beautiful tools and weapons. Tenzai blacksmiths were considered some of the best in the country, and this remains even in modern times.

By the 19th century the wealth of Tenzai's mines had started to be depleted and the mining industry was taking a downhill turn. By the 1920s all but two mines had been closed down, which kickstarted the city's long period of depression as the population plummeted and poverty rose. Crime became commonplace and neighbourhoods began to delapidate with no money to invest into renewing infrastructure. Up until the 1990s Tenzai was known as the 'Pit City' [*uka no kagi*], famed for its thriving criminal underworld.

However, it underwent revival in the early 2000s. Manufacture of electronics, such as computers, audio systems, radios and other devices, became a growing industry for Tenzai and foreign companies began establishing factories throughout the city to take advantage of cheap labour. Although Tenzai is by no means a 'model city' in the present day, and still has many areas of poverty, crime and neglect, its economy has kept afloat and is predicted to benefit in the coming years.

Tenzai Castle is perhaps the most famous of the city's historical landmarks; it is one of the few which has remained in good condition and protected by the city council.

## Geography

Tenzai is located in the flat central plain of Heisai Prefecture known as Tenzai Plain, although it actually accommodates over ten different municipalities. The city is not the largest settlement in the prefecture by landmass - this title goes to the village of Tsushi in the Tsuba mountains; however, Tenzai is by far the largest in population. Its area is densely packed and overcrowded in some places, particularly in the north of the city. For this reason, there have been talks about combining the city of Yamawa with Tenzai to maximise space.

The Yokana and Kugai rivers flow through Tenzai in the west and east; unfortunately they have suffered a significant amount of pollution over the past forty years or so. Lake Ōtsuke is located on the city's eastern border with the city of Ozoma.

## Local attractions

Along with Tenzai Castle, there are quite a few notable attractions for visitors to Tenzai to admire.

* The Heisai Museum of Art, built in 2008
* Site of Tenzai City Temple
* Tenzai Park, where *hinamachi* are often held
* Tenzai Racecourse, a historical horse racing track built in 1967
Tenzai City Temple

The **Tenzai City Temple** [星勢閌方; てんざいてんぼら] is a temple located in the city centre of Tenzai in Heisai Prefecture. It is by far the oldest temple in the prefecture, and also one of the largest and most frequented, with over 300,000 visitors in 2017.

The building was known as the Tengōru Temple until the early 20th century, and acts as a tomb for members of the Tengō clan, who were extremely powerful during the 14th-18th centuries and held power over much of Heisai and Kigen at their height. Hundreds of *nendo* have been enshrined within the temple, and can still be visited. However, it also offers visitors the chance to worship and pray outside of the nobles' comemmoration hall, where a large statue of Yūgori, god of wealth, fortune and abundance, is located.

It is thought that the temple was constructed in the mid-1300s on commission from the chief of the Tengō clan. It has survived multiple renovations over the centuries and although many original features have been lost (including actual *nendo* and tombstones), the building remains a rare and beautiful example of a late Nittori period temple.
Ōran

**Ōran** [尬里; おうらん] is a city located in western Ganyama Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 80,000, making it the second-largest city in the prefecture.

Ōran was a domain under the control of the Mei clan for many centuries, and primarily served as an area which the chiefs of the most respected vassal clans could be bestowed. Ōran Castle, built in the mid-12th century, was constructed for comfort and spectacle, intended to be given as a reward of sorts to a chief who was most valued by the Mei *konbūshin*. Unfortunately, this castle did not survive into the modern day, and now exists solely as ruins.

## Economy

Ōran's economy is mainly focused on agriculture, light manufacture, raw material processing, and electronics. The Kantonese car company Tsukoto has operated a design center in Ōran since 1982. Sony operates the Ōran Technology Center within the city as well.

## Geography

Ōran is located on a large grassy plateau just north-east of the prefectural capital, Ankan. The Saichi Hills run through the city's eastern ward, and the tallest peak in the range, Mount Saichi, is located in the upper-east sector. The Sanbaki River also begins and ends in Ōran, although it doesn't pass through the city's main residential areas.

## Culture and local attractions

Ōran is known for its *eimachi* (winter festival), a midwinter festival in which igloo-like snow houses are made throughout the city. It is held in the days leading up to the New Year and its location is focused around the city hall area. Children and others sit inside the large igloos (known as *korito*) and serve hot tea and sweetrice to visitors. In addition, several stalls are situated around town serving other types of typical Kantonese festival food, including the city's famous dish *ōran-tobi*, a stew made with various herbs, potatoes, carrots, eggs and noodles.

The Ōran Museum of Modern Art is another famous attraction in the city, as is Ōran Central Park.
Zōkanzai Eimachi

**Zōkanzai Eimachi** [坎東筌优萦; ぞうかんざい・えいまち] is a winter festival that takes place in the city of Aoma, Aoma Prefecture every December. The festival attracts the most tourists of any winter festival in the country, and is counted amongst the three largest festivals in the northern region. Every year Zōkanzai Eimachi can draw up to 35,000 visitors to the city of Aoma. It was first established as a folk celebration in the 15th century.

The main event of the festival occurs on the last day of the typical week-long period, at nighttime; a large float made of ice is carried through the city centre, while an array of folk dancers and singers precede it, often bearing flaming torches and ringing bells. This parade is called the Eiie Procession.

## History

The festival is thought to have originated in the 1100s amongst the peasantfolk of coastal Aoma Prefecture. According to sparse historical records, it could be posited that the event began as more of a religious ritual intended to entertain the spirits and dissuade them from making the winter months too harsh. By the 1400s, it was a celebration largely dedicated to the Kiren god of water, Suishin.

During the 1800s, the act of carrying flaming torches (and indeed other large lanterns which were often seen during the festival) was banned due to the potential fire hazard it posed to the surroundings. This ban was lifted in 1960, mostly due to the fact that many buildings were fairly fireproof and could be quickly rescued quickly if need arose by means of the fire service. Today, local firefighters are on alert for the week-long period during which Zōkanzai takes place in case any blaze erupts. In any case, many of the candle-lit paper lanterns used historically have been replaced with battery-powered varieties to reduce the risk.

## Festivities

Live music, traditional folk dancing, singing, games, competitions, and ice sculpture viewing are all activities which all visitors are free to participate in. Small igloos (known in Kantonese as *korito*) are set up in the city's central square and can be used by attendees. Local streetfood vendors congegrate en masse for the festival, and are known to make thousands of dollars during the week. Various friendly competitions, such as snowman pageants, are often held for children.

There is a significant religious element in Zōkanzai also. During the week, many people will visit local temples and pray to Suishin before the New Year, asking for an abundance of food and comfort during the cold early spring.
Yamawa Valley

The **Yamawa Valley** [山盒汕; やまわ・だす] is the name for a large region of western Heisai Prefecture. It is incorporated in the city of Yamawa, which lies below the slopes of the north-western Tsuba mountains.

It is known for its agricultural heritage and for being a producer of green tea, one of the only areas in the Haidatsu region to export this product. The valley is also known for being picturesque and quaint. The local dialect is slightly different from the typical Yamawa-Heisai variety of Kantonese, and features a nasally tone which many find strangely pleasing and/or amusing.
Toppunshi Beach

**Toppunshi Beach** [湯府尔浄; とっぷんしびょう] is a beach located outside the city of Toppun in Ganyama Prefecture. The beach is an extremely popular tourist destination in the spring and summer, mostly due to its scenic views and untouched landscape. In 2019, Toppunshi was placed at #7 on a list of Cleanest Beaches in Kanton.
Ayachi

**Ayachi** [空上欠; あやち] is a city located in south-east Kawara Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 109,000.

Ayachi is known for its production of granite and steel, which is mined primarily from the southern foothills of the Kawara Hills. The Ichike River flows through its centre before forking in its northern ward. Another traditional industry is the brewing of *gizan*, or rice wine. Over the years, Ayachi has been conducting large-scale urban renewal, slowly widening roads, creating new businesses, and modernizing the city center. As part of an eco-friendly image, Ayachi has begun to invest in new industries beyond quarrying and mining, such as rice farming and the breeding of cattle. 5.8% of the city is now powered by wind turbines.

Ayachi holds a number of festivals each year, its two most famous being the Ayachi Summer Festival and the Ayachi Grand Harvest Festival. The former takes place in August and attracts visitors from all over the Zōku region; it focuses exclusively on traditional dancing and performing arts, and has been celebrated for over 500 years. The latter is held every September, and is known colloquially as the Ayachi Masumachi ['drinking festival']; it is primarily centred on the consumption of locally-brewed rice wine.
Yake

**Yake** [才元; やけ] is the traditional Kantonese art of wielding a bow [*ime*] as practiced by the warriors of feudal society. Although fighting with swords or blades was usually the most common approach in battle, *yake* was actually considered a more vital and admirable skill for most of Kantonese history. During the Hanjō to Teijō periods, the bow was almost exclusively a symbol of the professional warrior or knight [*sai*], and the way of life for a warrior was called *imetamaren*, 'way of the horse and bow'.

## History

Kantonese bows date back to prehistoric times - the Nō period. The long, slender bow style emerged during the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Bows quickly became a symbol of capability, honour and power in early Kantonese society. The legendary first Emperor, Emperor Dairin, is often depicted carrying a bow. Additionally, some Summui tribes practiced archery.

The use of the bow had been confined to on-foot archery until the 5th century, when elite soldiers took to fighting on horseback with both bows and blades. By the 7th century, *sai* and high-ranking soldiers would have mounted archery duels, during which two men would ride at each other and try to shoot at least three arrows. These duels almost never ended in death, but were usually used as a method to satisfy honour and resolve a dispute of some kind.
Temizu

**Temizu** [行水; てみず] is a city located in eastern Heisai Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 50,000.

Temizu is located on a flat, green plain in the eastern region of Heisai, and has historically been a centre of agriculture and cattle rearing. The city also has a small fishing industry due to its seaside location, around Konami Harbour. It has a history of trade with the city of -- in Kawara Prefecture, which borders Temizu to the south. It is also commonly associated with its sister city, Tekiru, located directly beside it on the west side. Both cities were once merged into a single large municipality called Shinsu, but were broken apart in 1951.

In terms of local attractions, Temizu is perhaps best known for its autumnal apple festival [Temizu Ringomachi] which occurs every September. During the festival, residents perform traditional plays, dances and music, lead costume parades and celebrate the harvesting of Temizu's apples, one of its largest exports. Apple-based cuisine is also sold as street food.

Temizu is also known for being the birthplace of the 16th-century poet Ōyama no Beiryū.
Tenzai Castle

**Tenzai Castle** [星勢莽; てんざい・がり] is a castle located in the city of Tenzai in Heisai Prefecture. It is believed to have been constructed in the late 12th century, and used as the headquarters of the Tengō clan, who governed the majority of the region.

Located near the southern banks of Lake Ōtsuke, the castle was intended to serve as a watchtower and keep for invading forces arriving from the south. During the Battle of Heigen in 1389, during which the Tengō fought against the Daito clan of modern-day Kigen Prefecture, Tenzai Castle played quite a vital role.
Uroze Castle

**Uroze Castle** [うろぜ莽; うろぜ・がり] is a castle located in the city of Ankan, Ganyama Prefecture. From the 8th century onwards, Uroze was home to the Mei clan and their descendants, until it was donated to the prefectural government as national property by its last owner. The Mei clan were the rulers of most of Ganyama Prefecture (or as it was formerly known, Honya Province) until the 1850s, when their control was taken away by the Kanaka administration in favour of uniting the prefectures under one government.

Although *uroze* is a vernacular Ganyaman word, roughly meaning 'blessing of the east', it was not changed to a standard Kantonese moniker by the government due to the fact that it was a building of great cultural and historical significance.

Uroze Castle is a fairly standard residential castle, more of a palace than anything, with very few defensive structures. However, the outer bailey was surrounded by a small moat. It was also made of a mixture of stone, clay and wood, which was an unusual combination for castles of the early Chisō period which were often made solely with stone. The castle also never had an imposing main keep, possibly to prevent appearing intimidating or overly aggressive.
Sekamizu River

The **Sekamizu River** [冷水免; せかみずみ] is a river flowing through the upper reaches of --- Prefecture. It travels east before meeting with the . It is a tributary of the Motozake River, and its source lies near Mount Motome in the Motoyama Hills.

In ancient times, the Sekamizu River was often used for purification rites, especially those involving young children and infants.
Ōdai River

The **Ōdai River** [主大免; おうだい・み] is a river located in south-western Aoma Prefecture. It is the third-longest river in the prefecture and its sources lies in the foothills of Mount Yukiba in the Migai Hills. The Ōdai has one main tributary, the Bichi River, from which a number of smaller branches spread across the land.

The Ōdai River stretches far into the city of Yōshō and has provided fresh water for the area for centuries. Yōshō's association with large-scale rice farming and crop production is a result of the abundance of irrigation which the Ōdai offers.
Zōhai dialect

The **Zōhai dialect** [坎海丞言; ぞうはい じょうげん] is one of the most difficult for Standard speakers to understand. In fact, in many ways it is unrecognisable to Standard Kantonese and is more closely related to the indigenous language of Sunpaku. Today, most Zōhai natives speak the Zōhai dialect, although a number of people still speak the Sunpaku language, mostly the elderly. The standardized and centralized education system, the media, business and social contact with mainlanders and previous attempts from Kanton to suppress the native languages, have resulted in Zōkuban declining dramatically and undergoing significant language shift into Kantonese.

As for the Zōhai dialect, it has been described as a linguistic bridge between Kantonese and Sunpaku. There are features in this dialect which can be linked to both languages. This is why it is so confusing for either a Sunpaku speaker or a Standard Kantonese speaker to hear Zōhai; it’s neither here nor there. It is thought that the Zōhai speech originated in the 17th century, and was spoken in communities of those who used both Kantonese and Sunpaku. With the decline of the latter, the Zōhai dialect became more popular and widely-used - so much so that some mainlanders think that the Zōhai speech is actually Sunpaku. This is a great source of annoyance for native Sunpaku speakers.

## Features

* - /j/ coming after /n/ will result in a /hj/ sound. Therefore, the word 言 [genyo, language] becomes /gen.hjo/. This feature is inherited from Ganyaman.
* - The dictionary conjugations for verbs and adjectives in Standard Kantonese, -っと and -って, are the present tense forms in the Zōhai dialect. This can make speakers sound a little uneducated and impolite.
* - Intervocalic, beginning and ending /g/ is very likely to become /ŋ/.
* - In direct adjectives, the particle of -い changes to -の. E.g. beautiful woman = 亮の女.
* - The past tense conjugation of both verbs and adjectives is the same. The copula -く becomes -っくり.
* - The present tense copula for adjectives is -ね or -ねえ.
* - An ending /a, o/ sound is likely to become /ə/ and reduced much.
* - The directional particle -に becomes -ん. For nouns that end with ん-, it becomes -いん.
* E.g. 画いん去っと = I’m going to the capital. Or, 岩んそぼっくり = I left it in the field.
* - The Zōhai dialect is known for its colourful array of cursewords. Perhaps the most famous is さっきん, meaning ‘damn’, but literally translating to ‘sea anenome’. It [apparently] comes from the experience of a diver reaching out to grasp the spiky, stinging creature and realising that it was more dangerous than it looked.
* - The volitional mood is expressed with the copula -ろうしん. This is inherited directly from Zōkuban -ろうしゃん.
* - The Zōhai dialect makes use of the ふぁ sound [fa], which is found in Zōkuban, along with つぉ [tso].

## Common vocabulary

* のり - I, me [neutral]
* こうり - you [neutral]
* らん - no
* いい - yes
* そぼ - forgetting, leaving behind
* ぬめ - stew, soup
* まぜ - hair
* おいやあ - don’t, stop
* ここい - cute, lovely
* みしゃ - unpleasant, disagreeable
* かば - attitude, moxie, mouth, insolence
* はお - seaside, shore, beach
Ōmizu River

The **Ōmizu River** [尬水; おうみず] is a river which flows from within Kigen Prefecture through Heisai Prefecture and into the north sea by Mizusada Bay. It is one of the major rivers of the Zōku region, and a very important waterway for the Haidatsu area. Its major tributaries include the Yūnata, Hongata and Hora Rivers.

The Ōmizu was known once for its uncontrollable nature, and its route changed whenever floods occurred. It is hard to trace its ancient route, but it originally flowed further north than it does now, and tributaries like the Yūnata had independent river systems. For the sake of water transportation and flood control, extensive construction began in the 17th century under the Monda administration, during which the course of the Ōmizu was significantly changed and the present route established.

The river was an indispensable inland water link between the prefectures of Heisai and Kigen, which were otherwise separated by mountainous regions. It not only carried local products like seafood from Heisai, but also products from the further-north Haidatsu territories, such as Ganyama. Using the Ōmizu was very effective as it saved time and avoided risk on the open sea. With the advent of the railway in the 19th century major shipping on the Ōmizu quickly declined, and inland ports such as Mizusada, Inewa and Itsu diminished in importance. Today the river has several dams that supply water for more than 60,000 inhabitants of the central and eastern Heisai region.
Yukimawa

**Yukimawa** [雪廻; ゆきまわ] is a city located in northern Heisai Prefecture, deep within the Tsuba mountain range. As of 2020, it had a population of around 28,000, making it one of the largest mountain cities in the country. The population used to be even larger, but has been declining steadily since the 1970s.

Yukimawa was famous in the 20th century for its steel production, although after the closure of the blast furnace at the Yamadachi Ironworks and the scaling down of production in 1976, the local economy suffered greatly. The city has recently made strong efforts to promote eco-tourism, improving and expanding its traditional hot spring resorts and creating scenic mountain hiking trails. The rearing of mountain goats [known as *yaga* in the local dialect] also contributes to the economy, alongside mineral processing.

The majority of Yukimawa's residents live in a shallow valley which runs through the centre of the northern Tsuba peaks, known as Yamabetsu Valley. This region is surrounded by tall mountains, including the famous Mount Ōsan to the south and Mount Hisada to the north. Water is diverted from the Sansha River in order to serve the needs of the population. Unfortunately, the city's proximity to this river and its low-level location make it vulnerable to floods in spring and autumn, and these have affected Yukimawa for centuries. In 2016, the Yukimawa Dam began construction, permanently diverting the waters of the Sansha to lessen this danger.