Anzaki

**Anzaki** [劲红; あんざき] is a city located in far southern Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 790,000.

Built during the 1920s, a canal system runs through downtown Anzaki lined with willow trees and offering picturesque views of the Tenki River; as a result, Anzaki is sometimes nicknamed 'City of Water' or 'City of Willows'. The city is known for being the home of Honzura University, one of the most prestigious higher educational institutions in Kanton. Key landmarks in Anzaki include Tenki Bridge, Anzaki Temple, Furumachi, the Danzori House and the Emperor's Gardens.

## History

Humans have inhabited the Anzaki area since ancient times, though much of the current land was still beneath the sea at the time. A fortress known as the Heigaku and a surrounding borough was established in the area in 750 AD.

In the 14th century, a port called Anzaki was established at the mouth of the Tenki River, and the area flourished beneath the rule of the Hasetsu clan throughout the medieval period. Anzaki town gained recognition and prosperity as a centre of trade for the province, as its position by the Tenki created a perfect method of transporting goods upstream to other settlements further north. In the 1600s, system of canals was constructed throughout the downtown area of Anzaki port. The settlement prospered as a port town, serving as a primary port of call for Kantonese trade ships.

Anzaki was also famous for being the 'favoured city' of Emperor Hyōbi. For this reason, it houses attractions such as the Emperor's Gardens (a now-public park designed by Emperor Hyōbi himself) and Anzaki Temple, which is home to the nendo of countless lesser nobles and royalty.

## Geography

Anzaki is situated on a fertile coastal plain facing out onto Anzaki Bay, at the very southern tip of Arami Prefecture. The Tenki River, the largest river in the Honzura region, flows through the city centre. Numerous wetlands, such as the Ōdenkima Marshes, lie within the city limits and are designated as nature reserves, although they are still open to visitors. The Nishiiwa lagoon lies to the east of the city.

Anzaki's low elevation and abundant water have made flood control and land reclamation important issues for the area throughout its history.

### Climate

The climate in Anzaki is characterized by its high humidity and strong ocean winds in winter. While many other parts of Arami Prefecture tend to experience heavy snow, Anzaki itself usually receives less due to its low-lying elevation combined with its coastal location. However, Anzaki does receive a lot of rainfall throughout the year. In summer, south winds makes the weather relatively hot. Typhoons are not unusual in the area, and can cause somewhat higher temperatures than in other parts of Honzura.

## Economy

Anzaki is a local commercial center. The area is traditionally noted for *giri* brewing and lacquerware. Modern industries include textiles, wood processing and electronics. The tertiary sector is large, with over 35% of the city's population being employed within it. Tourism also makes up a significant part of the city's economy, and is an industry which has undergone considerable growth in recent years.

## Education

### Universities

* Arami University
* Omiya University - Anzaki campus
* Arami University of International and Information Studies
* Arami University of Health and Welfare
* Honzura University - Anzaki campus
* Anzaki College of Nursing

## Culture

Anzaki has had its own unique *senkō* culture for over 400 years, mainly due to the prosperity of the city as a port town and as a centre of the arts in the Honzura region. Locally the performers are called *minna*; it was estimated that there were still over a thousand practicing in the city in 2020. Most *kyūdo* are located in the Furumachi neighbourhood, which is known for being a hub of art and literature.

### Local attractions

* Anzaki Temple
* Tenki Bridge
* Furumachi - the 'Old Town'
* The Emperor's Gardens
* Anzakiyami Hot Springs
* The Danzori House - former home of 17th-century playwright Danzori no Hotei
* Anzaki Fireworks Festival - held every July
* Heigaku ruins
* Kuzusuke Beach