Hamae Prefecture

**Hamae Prefecture** [海前近 はまえ·こん] is a mostly inland prefecture located in northern Kanton in the Honzura region. As of 2022, it has an estimated total population of around 3.3 million.

Daimi, the capital of the prefecture, is the largest city in Hamae. Other major cities include Mizukata, Iroyama, and Shunjū. Hamae Prefecture is located in the centre of the Honzura district, and is home to Lake Misenosu, the second-largest lake in the country. Hamae is also the largest prefecture by area in Honzura.

## History

Separated from the principal Kantonese centres of commerce, politics, and population by several hundred kilometres and by the Hohara and Taiyu mountain ranges on its borders, Hamae remained largely isolated from wider society until the Sengaku period. Hamae was a region of hunter-gatherers and principally nomadic tribes. The first historical record of what is now Hamae Prefecture dates to 702 AD, when a warlord named Yamaku no Sami led an attack against incoming Summui islanders at what are now the cities of Hanbimachi and Warate. Yamaku, then governor of Sanbotsu Province, also established Sanbotsu Castle on the Meisu River.

From the Nittori period, Hamae Prefecture was the main portion of Daimi Province, governed by the extremely powerful Daimi clan. The modern-day capital of the prefecture was the historical seat of the family and is named after them. From central Hamae, the Daimi exerted control over the entire Honzura region and united disparate clans under the same banner. Hamae itself was sub-divided into the two domains of Shimae and Kanmae in the mid-1400s. The geographical barrier is the Banzan Mountains, the lowest point of which (the Iromizu Pass) became a critical passage for travelers both local and outer-provincial.

In 1251, the great *daihora* Yonmai Temple was constructed in the city of Daimi, and soon became one of the most iconic and busy temples in the Honzura region. Its extensive gardens, covering over one mile in total, are now known as Yonmai-Furugani Park and are a popular spot for *hinamachi*.

The famous 13th century poet Tō no Yume is said to have been born in what is modern-day Warate.

## Geography

Hamae Prefecture is located in the central region of Honzura, being majority inland with access to the ocean at Wakasazuke Bay. The prefectural area is split into two districts, Shimae and Kanmae, which are separated by the Banzan mountain range. The majority of the population is located on the western side, in Kanmae, due to its flatter, more arable land. The borders of the prefecture form a rough rectangular shape running from east to west, with the Banzan Mountains running through the centre, the Taiyu Alps to the east, and the Hohara range to the lower west. Like much of northern Kanton, the prefecture has cold winters, particularly in areas furthest from the sea.

The prefecture has three national parks: Sanbotsu, Honbamae, and Hosan-Yūmi. Lake Misenosu, the largest lake in Honzura, is located in Shimae. Mount Hossu, the second-largest mountain in Honzura, is located southeast of the lake.

### Major rivers and lakes

* Meisu River
* Meitō River
* Kano River
* Sakachi River
* Narazake River
* Samuyama River
* Lake Misenosu
* Lake Sangyō
* Lake Honno
* Lake Chinsu
* Lake Daimi

### Major mountains

Hamae Prefecture is an extremely mountainous region, and is home to some of the tallest peaks in Honzura.

* The Hohara Mountains (Five Mountains of Hamae)
	+ Mount Zakahara
	+ Mount Myōre
	+ Mount Kuroni
	+ Mount Misadazake
	+ Mount Enzen
* The Banzan Mountains
	+ Mount Banzanmae
	+ Mount Meisui
	+ Mount Hagima
	+ Mount Sanbotsu
	+ Mount Hondatsu
* The northern Taiyu Alps
	+ Mount Azutaru
	+ Mount Umemae
	+ Mount Hiseki
	+ Mount Ironaki
	+ Mount Hossuku
	+ Mount Hossu

## Economy

Like much of the Honzura region, Hamae's economy remains dominated by traditional industries such as agriculture, fishing, and forestry. This has led many young people to emigrate to larger cities, often further south. Hamae Prefecture has seen some population decline since the 1950s, although its numbers are not nearly as severe as some of the other northern prefectures. Hamae remains the most populous out of all prefectures in Honzura.

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 urbanites and foreign tourists to Hamae Prefecture, advertising its pristine forests, sprawling rice fields, and scenic beauty. There has been a push for farmers' markets for locally produced foods and the integration of outsiders into local cultural practices.

## Culture

Hamae Prefecture has historically been known for its rice farming, fishing and noodle production; in fact, it is well-known for having the highest consumption of noodles in Kanton. The men and women of the region, referred to as *Hamae* *nijū* (海前而亮, 'beauties of Hamae') have gained widespread renown for their white skin, strong features and tall stature, all of which are considered highly desirable. Tō no Yume is a famous example of a Hamae *nijū*.

### Food and drink

Hamae is known for a number of regional specialties including:

* *Rekki-go* (roasted rice ball and vegetable skewers)
* *Naramizu no do* (aromatic fish/seafood stew)
* *Nōtobi* (potato noodles)
* *Nimisutobi* (spicy noodle soup)
* *Nōzan* (potato liquor)
* *Gyuni* (spiced meatballs)

## Local attractions

Hamae Prefecture is home to many traditional events and celebrations, most of which are held annually. The Nonori-Kōki ritual held during New Year draws a large number of tourists to the prefecture every year. Near Lake Sangyō, there are a number of hot springs resorts (*reijo*), which are popular with tourists from all over Kanton. In addition, numerous seasonal festivals offer a glimpse of rural or traditional Kanton; some famous examples are the Hamae Kyūbo Festival, the Iroyama Fireworks, Daimi Harvest Festival, and the Wakasazuke Lantern Festival.

The Katatae district in Daimi, known as 'Little Meihan', features many preserved 16th-century townhouses. The Aoyagi house is the former residence of the acclaimed 20th century author Koe Bōken. The house is now a museum and gallery.

### Famous festivals and events

* Nonori Kōki (held in all major cities, New Year)
* Hamae Kyūbo Festival (theatre and performing arts, July)
* Iroyama Fireworks (October)
* Daimi Harvest Festival (July)
* Chibai Lantern Festival (November)
* Katatae Festival (March)

## Education

### Universities

* Daimi International University
* Hamae Prefectural University
* Mizukata University
* Honzura University - Daimi campus
* Hamae Public University
* Warate College of Arts
* Sanbotsu University
* Omiya University - Daimi and Iroyama campuses