Nasamazu

**Nasamazu** [洒守; なさまず / Sunpaku: すんじょき] is the capital city of Zōhai Prefecture, the northern-most island prefecture of Kanton. As of 2020, the city had a population of around 155,000, making it the most populous settlement in the prefecture.

Nasamazu is located along the southern section of Nasae Bay, bordering the two harbours of Kandō and Shitō which are both controlled by the city government. For centuries, Nasamazu has been the most important and populous settlement in Zōhai. It has also been the political, economic and educational centre of the prefecture. In the medieval and early modern periods, it was the commercial centre of the Summui Kingdom.

## History

According to historical documents, the native name *Sunjoki* comes from the name of the settlement's supposed founder, Naoba no Sunjoki, who was apparently a great warlord of the island. It was known by this name until 1943, when the Kantonese government changed the city's moniker to Nasamazu, which is the direct translation of Sunjoki [meaning 'jewel of the island'].

Some archaeological relics of the Stone Age were found in Nasamazu quite recently. Ancient Chinese coins have been discovered, confirming that there had been trade between the southern Chinese coasts and the Honnan islands. Pottery found by archaeologists further indicates that the area was an active site of trade with Kanton at least as early as the 10th century. Though it is not known when exactly the area became a functioning port city, it was active as such by the 16th century at the latest.

Historically the city was known for its trading opportunities and was popular with merchants. A large open-air market was active in front of the Nasamazu trading centre, starting from at least the 1400s, and a number of Sudaro temples and shrines were located there. Additionally, an embassy for visiting Chinese and Kantonese officials, which still stands today, was built in the early 1500s. Large warehouses and defensive watchtowers were also features of the medieval harbour city.

## Geography

Nasamazu is located on the southern coast overlooking Nasae Bay, on the well-irrigated flat land of the Doshō Plain. It is bordered by seven other settlements of varying size, the smallest of which serve primarily as bedroom communities. Lake Kano lies in the foothills of the Doshō Mountains to the west of the city, and both the Yōdani and Kanozake Rivers flow through Nasamazu itself.

## Economy

Nasamazu is an economic centre of Zōhai dominated by tourism, retail and service industries. The city developed quickly as an industrial center after the 1950s, leading to a population spurt. Nasamazu is also noted for its fishing and brewing industries. Major international companies have call centres based in the city. A number of Kantonese banks have branches in Nasamazu, and the Zōhai Meigai Bank has its headquarters in the business district.

Nasamazu Airport is a major transportation hub for the region, as are the Kandō and Shitō Harbours.

## Local attractions

Niwanaji Castle is located near to Kandō Harbour, and often attracts large numbers of tourists. A number of parks and green spaces are popular public gathering places in Nasamazu. The Nasamazu Museum exhibits traditional art pieces and also offers information about local history and the wider culture of the Summui people. Other attractions include:

* Lake Kano, where watersports and sailing are popular
* Tōman Maritime Museum
* Mazuwara Bridge
* Nasamazu Museum of Native Art
* Nasamazu Temple
* Nasamazu Winter Festival (held annually in February)
* Ukihana Park
* Hondoshō Temple
* Tappa Hill, famous for being the site of the Battle of Tappa in 1311
* Doshō Izan Brewing Museum
* Nasamazu Ski Resort
* Mount Ryōri Ski Resort