recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Kyōbun

**Kyōbun** [孮潘; きょうぶん] are traditional Kantonese commercial districts, descended from historical marketplaces, which take the form of long streets closed to car traffic and lined with shopfronts, street stalls and small businesses. Local kyōbun cater to the needs of nearby residents with a diverse mix of speciality shops and few large retailers. However, large metropolitan kyōbun will often feature huge advertisements and a lack of small shops, their outlets mostly belonging to international foreign retailers. In many neighbourhoods, kyōbun areas serve as communal gathering spaces, holding festivals, processions and other events throughout the year.

Many older kyōbun developed along roads leading to a large shrine or temple. More modern kyōbun often connect to the nearest train or subway station, or other public gathering points such as large parks or landmarks. Most suburbs and towns of Kanton have kyōbun of varying size, and larger kyōbun may be located in shopping malls and complexes.

## Features

A neighbourhood kyōbun may be anchored by one or two large retailers (such as a grocery store or clothing store), however the majority of retailers are small shops which specialise in specific products such as fruits, vegetables, meat, books, clothing, antiques, furniture, housewares, or stationary, alongside specific services like barber shops, laundromats, printing shops, computer tech centres, tailors or dry cleaners. Restaurants are often close together, within a smaller section of the kyōbun dedicated to eating and dining. Public services located within or near to a kyōbun often include a post office or a small *kaishi* police station. In larger cities, more centrally-located kyōbun include more chain retailers, along with hotels, convenience stores, and leisure centres.
Asashimizu River

The **Asashimizu River** [念水免; あさしみず・み] is a river located in southern Arami Prefecture. It flows down from the heights of the Aramidatsu Mountains and creates a natural border between the cities of Aoyama and Okumi. Traditionally the waters of the Asashimizu have been used for trout and salmon fishing, and for irrigation of rice fields. The river is particularly prized for its fresh, clean water.
Kuyama

**Kuyama** [导山; くやま / Sunpaku: だずん] is a city located in western Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2022, it has an estimated population of roughly 16,000.

The oldest confirmed ruins on Daizō were discovered in Kuyama in 1971, with artifacts including stone tools, rope, arrows, and pottery shards. It is thought by historians that the ancient residents of Kuyama, and possibly the rest of north-western Zōhai, were less advanced than the southern population and focused more heavily on a hunter-gatherer lifestyle rather than agriculture.

In terms of economy, Kuyama is mostly known for its beef and pork farming, along with its production of wool.
Mikei University

**Mikei University** [免容盖含；みけい・がいはん] is a public university located in Omiya, Mikei Prefecture, established in 1988. The university currently has two campuses (Omiya and Aogano) in Mikei Prefecture, after merging with the Mikei Agricultural College in 2004. The university is often called MKU or "Migai" for abbreviation. Faculties include:

* Department of Nursing
* Department of Art and Design
* Department of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
* Department of International Studies
Kumoroku

**Kumoroku** [熊负 くもろく] is a city located in western Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022 it had a population of around 26,000.

Kumoroku is located on the border with the neighbouring Saka Prefecture, on the alluvial lowlands of the Okunaki River, which flows through the city in a west-to-south direction (toward Sadama) . The Kanton Air Self-Defense Force's Kumoroku Air Base is located to the south of the city centre.

During the medieval period, the area of modern-day Kumoroku developed as a *koman* or rest-stop town on the Daishō highway, an important route which crossed the entirety of the Honzura region and connected the capital to the powerful northern Daimi domain. Kumoroku developed quickly as a centre of trade, becoming known as one of the largest market towns in Eiita Province during the 16th century.

In the modern day, Kumoroku is one of the major industrial centers of Kōfu Prefecture, although it is also a bedroom community with over 15% of its population commuting to nearby Sadama for work. The city, along with neighboring Saizo, is a well-known tea and alcohol producer.

## Local attractions

* Kumoroku Summer Tea Festival
* Kumoroku Hitayama Park (& Mount Hitayama)
* Shinpu Tea Plantation
* Kumoroku Museum
* Hatowari Bridge
Dōryō

**Dōryō** [陀量; どうりょう] were roads built throughout Kanton in the early to mid-1400s. They played important roles in transportation of goods and helped to usher in a new era of increased and more widespread travel. Major examples include the four Imperial Roads (Ho'eiryō), all of which led to the capital Kōryō. Minor examples include sub-routes such as the Nishi no Nari and the Northern Circuit (Honjōryō).

Many highways and railway lines in modern Kanton follow the ancient routes and carry the same names. The early roads radiated mostly from the early capital at Ryōku; however Kōryō became the reference after its appointment to Imperial capital in 1190. At times, *dōryō* also overlapped or converge with pilgrimage routes.

## Lodgings

At various times, the government established rest-stop towns (*koman*) along the roads. These had lodgings for travelers and grew as commercial centers. Various types of lodgings could be found along highways, cheap or extravagant; *hanyoto* were considered the most basic, with *hakudo* being the highest quality and most expensive, often used by government officials. By the mid-1600s, the affordable and relatively trustworthy *ikuyori* had also developed.
Maiyami

**Maiyami** [超免; まいやみ / Sunpaku: こいふ] is a city located in eastern Uchi Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 20,000.

Maiyami is located in a low valley region beneath the sloping foothills of Mount Midori. For centuries the area was known for its granite and coal mining and its fishing industry, the former of which has not survived to the present day. In modern times, Maiyami is more of a bedroom community for the neighbouring prefectural capital Sanhei, and the majority of its residents work in the service sector.

Maiyami is known for its large museum dedicated to the island's indigeneous people, known as the Great Kingdom Museum, which showcases traditional arts and facets of the Summui culture, particularly those which have been lost to time. Yazanō Bay is a popular destination for tourists who wish to experience the natural and rugged beauty of the region's coast.
Mount Genpei

**Mount Genpei** [亘来山; げんぺい・さん] is a mountain located in the Taiyū-Genpei range in eastern Saka Prefecture. It is the tallest mountain in the prefecture with a height of around 1,760 metres. The mountain is regionally famous for its height and is considered one of Saka's greatest natural landmarks.

Genpei is popular with tourists and locals alike; there are a number of hot spring resorts, ski lodges, campsites and hiking trails scattered across its slopes which attract thousands of visitors each year.
Aoma Bay

**Aoma Bay** [碧岩港; あおま・もん] is a bay located west of the city of Aoma, on the western coast of Aoma Prefecture in northern Kanton. It is known for being the location of Amewara Port.

### Amewara Port

The Amewara Port, also known as Great Aoma Port, is a port located outside the city of Aoma which is considered one of the major ports of northern Kanton. It serves the nearby cities, and is responsible for importing and exporting cargo along with the organisation of passenger travel to the Zōku islands and other parts of the northern coast.
Chibai

**Chibai** [散捭 ちばい] is a city located in northern Hamae Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 45,000.

Chibai is located on a large, fertile strip of land which has been used for rice farming for centuries. In its northern region lies Lake Honno, while the Meitō River flows through the south, providing important irrigation channels.

Annually in November, Chibai holds the popular Chibai Lantern Festival, which can attract thousands of visitors to the city. Attendees hand-craft their own paper lanterns and sail them on the waters of Lake Honno. Other local attractions include the Chibai Natural History Museum, Honno Canoe & Yacht Centre, and the Kichibai Wetlands, a nature reserve.
Hokuzata Pass

The **Hokuzata Pass** [捭歹山量; ほくざた・さんりょう] is a mountain pass which lies between Tomono and Kōfu Prefectures in the Honzura region. It has served as one of the major transportation routes in northern Kanton for at least nine hundred years.

The pass is located on what was once the Daishō-ryō, one of many *dōryō* or highways which were established to connect the capital of Kōryō to the northern provinces. It was also used to link the two important feudal domains of Sanzama and Eiita for trade, transportation and communication.
Aomaki Sanjo

**Aomaki Sanjo** [碧岩南熱些; あおまき・さんじょ] is the site of a natural hot spring, located on the eastern edge of the city of Aoma in Aoma Prefecture. It was developed into a resort for locals and tourists and is especially popular during the winter months. There are about 25 hotels and traditional inns established in the area. Although the Standard Kantonese word for hot spring is *reijo*, the northern regions often use the vernacular word *sanjo*.

According to local legend, the hot spring was discovered by a wandering monk (*chōsō*) who visited what is now Aoma Prefecture in the late 1100s. It is said that he witnessed deer bathing in the water to heal their wounds. Since this incident it has been believed by locals that the hot spring has mild healing properties and can be beneficial to one's health. In the 1300s, Aomaki Sanjo was a site used for steaming hemp (cannabis, or *tami*) to be used in medicine, and was known as Tamisō Sanjo.

The hot spring resort, known as Aomaki Resort [碧岩南リゾート] started to be developed in the 1940s, and many of the facilities were built in such a way that they overlooked the Aomaki Hills which lay to the south. In the 1960s, hotels were built along the plateau of land where the resort stands, and soon a large community of retail establishments opened up in response to high numbers of visitors. Although popular for its time, Aomaki Resort attracted 30,000 visitors in 1977, compared to 166,000 in 2016.
Migai Hills

The **Migai Hills** [免损彭仕; みがい・はらじ] is a range of large hills and mountains which run in a southward direction through Aoma Prefecture. The formation continues until it meets the start of Fugan Peninsula, where it begins to peter out into sloping foothills.

### Mountains

* Mount Ōgata
* Mount Shikata
* Mount Hinako
* Mount Yūdo
* Mount Bayuki
* Mount Gai
Aoyama

**Aoyama** [碧山; あおやま] is a city located in southern coastal Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 270,000, making it the second-largest municipality in the prefecture after the capital Anzaki.

The area of present-day Aoyama was part of the Hasetsu Province and governed by the Hasetsu clan. It was initially established as a rice-farming town; the southern steppes also became a setting for horse breeding. For much of its history Aoyama was known as the 'sister town' of Anzaki and was the secondary seat of the Hasetsu. Due to its position in a steep valley beneath the Aramidatsu Mountains and the Asashimizu River, the area was once known for frequent flooding. This eventually resulted in the construction of the Aoyama Dam in 1890, which diverted the Asashimizu and made its flow more conducive to rice farming.

Aoyama is known for its incredibly thick snowfall during the winter, receiving up to five times more than any other city in the prefecture. Due to Mount Megamiyama's location in the far southern corner of the city limits, Aoyama experiences a lot of traffic from visitors looking to ski on the snowy slopes.

## Local attractions

* Yamiba Castle ruins
* Furugata Rice Market
* Yamasawa Park
* Aoyamashi Lights Festival - held at New Year
* Mount Megamiyama
* Aoyama Temple & Monastery
* Ameya Falls
Bando

**Bando** [棋蔵; ばんど] is a city located in central Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 18,000.

## Geography

Bando is located in the centre of the prefecture, just north of the Tōwara Valley region. The Tohara River flows through the eastern district of the city, while most of the southern ward is occupied by Lake Sakizu. Bando is known for its scenic and mountainous northern district, which is the home of numerous hot spring and ski resorts. The city has one of the highest levels of rainfall in the prefecture, especially during the spring wet season.

## Economy

The economy of Bando is heavily dependent on agriculture and seasonal tourism. Noted local crops include leafy greens and ginger production. Tourism from ski resorts and *reijo* hot springs also contribute to the local economy. Watersports on Lake Sakizu are also a popular attraction for many visitors to the area.

## Local attractions

* Lake Sakizu
* Mount Temamizu
* Bando Castle
* Bando Magnolia Park
* Bando Yamahora Temple
Hengata Beach

**Hengata Beach** [镖岭浄 げんがた・びょう] is a beach located in the seaside town of Hasaishi, Mikei Prefecture. It is the most popular beach in the region, well-known throughout the prefecture and frequented mostly by domestic visitors for summer day-trips. It is also popular with surfers during winter and spring.
Manza

**Manza** [前最; まんざ] was the title given to the military dictators of Kanton's national army during the period spanning from the 12th century to 1879. Nominally appointed by the Emperor, *manza* were given the governance of the national military, and were in charge of most national affairs. They were chosen from a pool of high-ranking nominees from the imperial courts who had been put forward through their power, wealth, or in later periods, through voting by the populace.

Although *manza* were figureheads of protection, control, and peace-keeping, they retained only nominal authority. The *manza's* officials were known collectively as the *kunjō*; they were the ones who carried out the duties of administration, although they had to follow the commands of their leader. These groups often consisted of high-ranking and experienced local sai. Once a certain clan or family had taken the title of *manza*, it could be handed down hereditarily unless disrupted.

## Etymology

The word *manza* uses the two characters 前 [man] meaning 'face' or 'forward', and 最 [za] meaning 'military' or 'army'. In other words, it could be transliterated as 'face of the army' - meaning a prefectural force.

## History

Although the actual office and title of *manza* did not exist until it was formed by the Emperor Iezu in 1227, it was inspired by a previous generation of military officials known as *konbūshin*, who served a very similar role throughout the Chisō period. *Konbūshin* were powerful commanders who oversaw their prefectural armies and were in charge of all military affairs within their home regions. They worked alongside the chief of a clan, making them hugely powerful, and they held more prestige than knights [*sai*]. *Konbūshin* continued to work under their *kunjō* administrators until the 1800s, when the entire system was abolished. They were often powerful landowners who oversaw certain regions or districts under provinces.

There was much conflict involved with the system of choosing a new *konbūshin*, as although the title was passed down hereditarily, competition for such strong power and influence was always rife and sometimes quite ferocious. First-born sons of existing *konbūshin* were expected to inherit the title, but it was common for their brothers to sabotage their inheritance, or even for other family members to try and disprove their worth and take the title for themselves. It was possible for the heir to be changed if the current was considered unfit, which presented a lot of opportunity to those who coveted the title. Being the first-born son of a *konbūshin* commander was incredibly dangerous. An old, jocular proverb says 'if a *būshin-mida* [heir] is fit to survive his childhood, he is fit to become *konbūshin*.'

By the early 1300s, the system of *manza* had been approved and set in place. *Konbūshin* continued their work, answering to the *manza* for the organisation of expeditions or higher affairs.
Mikei dialect

The **Mikei dialect** [妙容丞言; みけい じょうげん], is a dialect spoken in southern Mikei Prefecture in the Honzura region. Generally, the Mikei dialect is seen as a rather elegant and polite dialect, surprisingly different from other northern forms, though it does retain a certain informality. It is very similar in vocabulary and phonetics to the Meisai dialect, spoken in the eastern portion of the same prefecture. The Mikei vernacular is also closely linked to the Tōryū dialect, which it has informed greatly over the centuries.

## Features

* Vowels are much less rounded and full, with a lesser emphasis given to /o/. In fact, in some words /o/ can sound more like /ɑ/. Additionally, /e/ and /i/ can sometimes be confused, with the diphthong /ei/ sounding closer to /ɪ:/. E.g. *jōgen* [dialect, /jo:gen/ becomes closer to /jɑ:gɪn/.
* Combinations /ai, ae/ [あい、あえ] are much less pronounced in Mikei and will often merge into ああ、ええ instead. For example: 戉っと [なあっと] instead of standard ないっと and 前 [めえ] instead of standard まえ.
* Present tense verb conjugation becomes -たの. Past tense becomes -くの, and future changes into -きがい.
* Direct adjectives will not often be followed by -い, but instead -え or -えい. In southern Mikei it is more common to hear -れ.
* The prohibitive mood is by far the most polite out of all the northern dialects, to the ears of Standard speakers. Sentences are suffixed by -のそう. Some Mikei speakers will even add the Standard politeness particle -しま.
* The imperative mood is expressed by adding the copula -じゃう, or slightly more politely, -じょうり. Again, some may add -しま.
* The direct verbal adjective is expressed by changing the standard -だ particle to -れ.
* When using a conjugative tense, it is common for Mikei speakers to add the sound -え to the end of the tense copula. E.g. のくのえ = I drank.

## Common vocabulary

* なね - I, me [female]
* なん - I, me [male]
* のん - you [neutral]
* はす - yes, right
* ぽんに - alright, OK, fine
* しし - thanks
* ぬり - cool, sexy, nice, fine, good, excellent, hot, stylish
* の - to drink, drinking
* げえに - welcome, come in, come on
* どしょう - goodbye
* じげい - hi, hey, hello
Heisai dialect

Generally, the **Heisai dialect** [澤筌丞言; へいさい じょうげん] is of close relation to the speech used in Hamae Prefecture. However, there are some differences which distinguish a speaker of the Heisai variety.

Perhaps one of the most famous examples of the Heisai dialect used in literature or media are the poem anthologies written by Ōyama no Beiryū, a 16th-century scholar and poet who hailed from southern Heisai. Interestingly, his version of the Heisai dialect is almost indistinguishable from the modern-day variety, suggesting that there has been little change to the Heisai speech for over 600 years. His most famous poem, On Snowy Mountains, makes frequent use of the regional word *yukei* which means ‘snow’.

## Varieties

The Heisai speech has three varieties: the Biha dialect, which is spoken in the wider northern region near and on Biha Peninsula, the Hikken dialect, which is spoken on the east side, and the Nōhei dialect, which is spoken in the south, and is also in northern Saka Prefecture.

## Features

* - Like most northern dialects, vowels become emphasised and extended.
* - The pronounciation of /dʒ/ and /t͡ʃ/ is often indistinguishable and more aspirated than in Standard. Additionally, the sound of /ʃ/ becomes closer to /ʑ/, especially after a /n/ sound. E.g. 薫 [*jinshi*, fragrance] becomes /t͡ʃin.ʑi/.
* - The sound of /tsu/ at the end of words is often reduced considerably.
* - Heisai dialect has a large amount of onomatopeia which differs from the onomatopeia of Standard Kantonese. Many of these words are very specific - for example, すんずれ is supposed to be the sound of a spider spinning its web, but is understood to mean somebody busily working, or working diligently.
* - /sa, su, so, se/ will often morph into a softened /ts/ sound.
* - The directional particle -に becomes -て.
* - The imperative mood changes from -ようせん to -やつ.
* - A unique particle, -そめ, can be added to the end of a sentence in Heisai to express wonderment or curiosity. E.g. おっかごれを向そめ？= How did you make that?
* - Intervocalic /g/ is very likely to become /ŋ/.
* - The volitional form in Heisai dialect becomes -っべ, or sometimes -っぺ. E.g. Let’s work together! = つお动っべ！

## Common vocabulary

* のう - I, me [neutral]
* あんな - you [neutral]
* つお - together [also ‘we’ or ‘they’]
* にっけ - cat
* ぺんご - caviar, fish roe
* とぼい - noodles
* ゆけい - snow
* へいつぁい - Heisai
* さつ - going, go
Kojū

**Kojū** [三優; こじゅう] is a city located in northern Aoma Prefecture to the due north of Aoma city. As of 2020, it had an estimated population of roughly 39,000.

Kojū is the location of a large military base, Kojū Air Base, which is under the operation of the Kanton Air Self-Defense Force. It is also an important base for signals intelligence and related activities. The estimated 6,000-7,000 military personnel and their dependents stationed at Kojū Air Base are not included in the city's population figures.

Kojū is located on the plains beneath the Aomaki Hills, most of the city being flatland. The nearest large settlement is Aoma, which is 30-40 minutes away by car. The surrounding area is mostly rural and scenic, with the Jūsaki Falls to the north of the city being a popular sightseeing spot. Like most inland cities in Aoma, Kojū is affected by heavy blizzards and ice during the winter months.

Kojū serves as a regional industrial and commercial center, with agriculture and commercial fishing playing secondary roles in the local economy. The large military presence at Kojū Air Base also makes an impact on the city's economy.

Kojū is also known as being the birthplace of the great writer Ami Monyama [1935-1983], who was born in the city.
Lake Tao

**Lake Tao** [讨匆; たお・く] is a lake located in central Uchi Prefecture. It is fed by the Jiwa River and overlaps the towns of Koroba, Shiri and the prefectural capital Sanhei. Lake Tao is the second-largest lake in Uchi.

Lake Tao lies in a large ravine known as the Omorito Chasm, which is officially listed as one of the top three ravines in northern Kanton for sight-seeing. Along the banks of the lake there are some parks and green spaces. There are some magnolia parks surrounding the shores, and many people have *hinamachi* parties here during the blooming season in early spring.
Mibetsu

**Mibetsu** [免幵 みべつ] is a city located in far western Mikei Prefecture on the Heisai border. As of 2022, it has a population of around 78,000.

Mibetsu has historically been an agricultural town, although during the 17th century it began to develop as a hub for the rising merchant class. It is divided by the Meisu River, which flows through the centre of the city, and has traditionally helped to provide plenty of irrigation for rice and potato crops. Mibetsu, much like its neighbours Masaki and Natsuri, was for centuries considered a bread basket of the region.

## Geography

Mibetsu lies in the west of the prefecture, in the foothills of Mount Honzu. To the east, it is bordered by Lake Honzu, and its southern boundary is marked by the Kyūha River. The northern district of the city is the least populated, due to its hilly terrain and lack of arable land. The portion of Mibetsu which lies south of the Meisu River is where the population density is highest, and the home of the majority of its residents.

## Economy

In the past, Mibetsu has relied mainly on agriculture and the rearing of livestock, particularly sheep and cattle. Mining, which once formed a significant percentage of the economy, has largely disappeared with the closure of the last mines in the 1980s.

## Local attractions

* Ruins of Iyaba Castle
* Emie Temple
* Mibetsu Wetlands Reserve
* Sanzama Barrier
* Mount Honzu
* Mibetsu Park
* Mibetsu Lantern Festival
* Yamahana Hot Spring
Hasetsu no Toru

**Hasetsu no Toru** [筈山の狼, 1457-1515) was a *sai* of the Hasetsu clan during the Teijō period. Also known by the nickname Daimi no Mitame, he was notable for being the righthand-man of the famed warlord and governor of the Honzura region, Daimi no Shunji. Together with his fellow warriors, Bunno no Seizu and Daimi no Kanemuta, Toru was known as one of the "Three Great Men of the Daimi" (三大者の大免, Kodaisha no Daimi).

Toru was the son of Hasetsu no Gakkō, lord of Hasetsu Province and a retainer of the Daimi clan. Toru's father served as a senior advisor to Daimi no Shunji's father, Shundō, and the Hasetsu clan were considered one of the most respectable families in the region at the time. Toru was trained in fighting by his akame sister, Hasetsu no Hōra, who also played a crucial role in the success of the Daimi clan's first campaigns. He first served the Daimi as a junior page under Daimi no Shundō. In 1473, at the age of 16, he became Shundō's personal attendant, roughly equivalent to a valet or footman. He served in this position until 1484 when Shunji became the new governor.

In 1484, Toru was elected as the advisor to the seventeen-year-old Shunji, who had taken over power from his retired father. The two soon became closely bonded, and trusted each other fully. As Toru was ten years older than Shunji, he was able to offer wise advice and guidance to the young governor; he was also heavily relied upon as a strategist. A legend tells that Shunji came to lose his right eye (in which he was famously blind from birth) as he entrusted Toru to gouge it out for him.

Toru fought in most of the Daimi's major battles, including the Battle of Umii Bay and the Saihaya Rebellion. He also assisted in the Daimi clan's administrative duties, serving as warden of Kōryō Castle. In 1510, Toru was granted the castle, where he retired and lived peacefully for the next few years. Even after his death, the Hasetsu clan, as governors of the region, would remain in Kōryō for the next two hundred years.

Hasetsu no Toru died in 1515 at age 58, and was buried in the family graveyard of Kōryō Castle. Upon Toru's death, six of his retainers were so deeply grieved that they committed *chūrai* (a form of ritual suicide to follow one's lord in death). According to contemporary records, his funeral ceremony lasted for two weeks.
Kōfu University

**Kōfu University** [速月盖含 こうふ・がいはん] is a national university located in Kōfu Prefecture, established in 1902. It is ranked as the top university in the prefecture. Its name is often abbreviated to Kō-Yu (コウユ). The university's faculties include:

* Department of Liberal Arts
* Department of Engineering
* Department of Education
* Department of Science
* Department of Economics

The university has a total of three campuses located across the prefecture, based in the cities of Minami, Sadama and Kakunō.
Kōde

**Kōde** [秡岔; こうで / Sunpaku: がんたん] is the capital city of Inaki Prefecture and the largest city in the region. As of 2022, it had a population of around 200,000, making it by far the smallest prefectural capital in the Honnan district.

Kōde lies in the central valley region of Inaki known as the Inaki Basin, a well-drained and relatively fertile area which has been the population centre of the prefecture for centuries. The Kōmizu River flows directly through the city centre, and has been diverted into hundreds of canals throughout the urban area. The Kōmizu splits Kōde into east and west districts; the eastern side is considered significantly less well-developed. The city is also bordered to the west by Lake Kisan, from which it pulls a sizeable percentage of its freshwater.

Kōde's position beneath the Sanda Hills, which are naturally rich in granite, iron, and basalt, lent the city the nickname of 'Mining Capital' of the Honnan region. Indeed, Kōde's mining industry continues to flourish in the modern-day, and makes up around 15% of the city's economy.

## History

Kōde was founded by Summui nobles in ancient times, and not much is known of its early beginnings as a settlement. Compared to the opulence and refinement of Sanhei, and the rich trade atmosphere of Nasamazu, Kōde always appeared as a 'poor cousin' to these larger, more prosperous cities. However, during the 1500s it began to gain recognition as a mining town and exported large amounts of valuable stone and metals, which caused an economy boom and a swift growth in population. Since then, Kōde has grown into a rather well-developed - albeit small - prefectural capital.

## Economy

The city's economy rests largely on the tertiary sector, with mining, fishing, seasonal tourism and brewing also contributing. Kōde is known throughout the Honnan region for being a regional producer of *nōzan*, the traditional potato liquor popular in northern Kanton. The high-end *nōzan* brand Wishbone is based in the city; its largest brewery is also a significant tourist attraction, especially in winter.

## Local attractions

Kōde has undergone a large amount of reform since the late 20th century to become more attractive for tourists in its inner city areas. Many areas of the city have been highly gentrified. However, Kōde retains a lot of its traditional Summui architecture in the form of unique 'history wards' (*jūnō*-*dan*) which aim to recreate the medieval atmosphere of the city.

* Kōdebetsu Bridge
* Kōde Centre of Culture & Art
* Wishbone Brewery
* Hongō Temple
* Kikōdan Jūnō, the largest *jūnō-dan* in the city
* Kōde Flower Gardens
* Oni Park
Ebisha

**Ebisha** [渓袈 えびしゃ] is a city located in western Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 170,000. Ebisha is known primarily as the host of the Kōfu Prefectural Snow Festival, which is held each December and attracts over 2 million visitors on average, and as the location of the old provinicial *daihora*, Ei'an Temple.

Archaeological research has shown that the area of Ebisha has been inhabited for over 20,000 years. Ei'an Temple is said to have been founded in the 2nd century AD, while the smaller Goyami Temple is believed to date from the 8th century. During the 14th century, the area was involved in the Ōgo War, which ultimately ended the Hanmi administration. Throughout the rest of the medieval area, Ebisha's major industry was sericulture and the production of silk. It was also an important trading centre, being located on the Daishō-ryō highway.

Ebisha became the site of Kanton's first air base and air service academy in 1911. In 1957, the city annexed the neighboring towns of Yagima and Funedo; the development of large scale public housing and railroad development led to a rapid population increase throughout the 1960s.

## Geography

Ebisha is located on the northern edges of the Eiho Plain, about 30 miles north of the prefectural capital Minami. Ebisha's proximity to the larger city and its lower housing costs make it a popular bedroom community. The Hyōzu River flows through Ebisha's southern ward, forming a natural border, while a small portion of the Kamai runs through its eastern district. The area around Ebisha Station's west exit is built up as a shopping district with several department stores. Yagii Street is a popular shopping arcade (*kyōbun*).

Ebisha is one of the prefecture's snowier cities, receiving some of the largest amounts of snowfall out of any municipality in Kōfu. For this reason it is host to the popular Kōfu Prefectural Snow Festival each year, and is also known as the 'Christmas Capital' due to its distinctive and charming festive atmosphere around this time.

## Economy

Ebisha houses the Honzuranō Control Center, which controls airspace in the Honzuranō region along with parts of the Honzura and Shunba regions. The city is mostly known for its textile production, along with tea, dairy products, meat, rice, and various manufactured parts. Food and chemical processing makes up a large sector of the economy.

## Education

### Universities

* Ebisha College
* Azuno University - Ebisha campus
* Kaimin College of Art - Ebisha campus
* Ebisha Dental College
* Ebisha Institute of Technology

## Local attractions

* Kōfu Prefectural Snow Festival
* Ebisha Yule Festival
* Ei'an Temple
* Ebisha Aviation Museum
* Azōki Park
* Samuyami Culture Museum
* Goyami Temple
* Ruins of Fushima Castle
Chūzuri

**Chūzuri** [断粮; ちゅうずり], also known as Chūzurigami, is the Kiren god of harvest, herbal medicine, *izan* brewing, and agriculture. His name literally means 'harvesting of [the] grains'. Often described as being a small, wizened old man with a flowing beard, he is considered one of the Koyūshin [三滾神, Three Gods of Abundance]. Alongside the other gods in this category (Omiinegami and Miashisama), he is worshipped during the Inenari Festival of the harvest every July.

In some legends, Chūzuri is considered the younger brother of Omiinegami, while in others he is said to be her husband. According to the Book of Ōhaki, Chūzuri was the inventor of izan, the rice wine originating from Kanton, and traditional herbal medicine. He is often considered a master of magic and wizardry, but is also closely associated with agriculture and particularly the harvest. Due to Chūzuri's gift of liquor to the people, he is sometimes paired with the goddess of sustenance and food, Anmeshigami.

Chūzuri is enshrined at Wagami Temple in the city of Onzan, Tomono Prefecture. The temple typically receives over 1 million visitors a year, with figures reaching their peak around the harvest season. Chūzuri is also enshrined at many other temples across Kanton, sometimes alongside his fellow Koyūshin deities.

In the southern parts of Kanton, Chūzuri is considered a god of healing and was often invoked for protection against blights and diseases, especially contagious ones. The Kantonese scarecrow, known as naribawa, often is fashioned in the likeness of an elderly man; Chūzuri's spirit can be invited to inhabit the object and thus scare away pests and diseases that may affect crops. As a god of agriculture, farmers would pray to him for protection and success, especially around harvest time. Keeping favour with Chūnari, as well as the other Koyūshin, was once considered vital for a farmer's livelihood.
Hatai

**Hatai** [坤栏; はたい] is a city located in far northern Aoma Prefecture. As of 2020, it has a population of around 16,000.

Hatai is located on a large, somewhat marshy plain beneath the slopes of the Kumohara Hills, which overlook the ocean to the north. Hatai also borders Lake Yūsu. Just inside the western ward of the city stands Mount Yūdo, which is a large peak isolated from the rest of the Kumohara range.

Due to its isolated location, Hatai once flourished as a mining town for many centuries. Granite mining has taken place in the slopes of the Kumohara Hills for many years, although this industry came to an end in the 1970s. Nowadays, the economy of Hatai focuses on light industry, chemical processing, and the production of electronics.
Lake Hayami

**Lake Hayami** [林糸匆；はやみ・く] is a lake located in eastern Tomono Prefecture, south of the city of Akagetsu. It is the third-largest lake in the prefecture.

The lake water is an important source for irrigation in the Tōwara Valley region of Tomono Prefecture. An irrigation canal was completed during the 17th century and another, the Hatsubaya Canal, in 1882. A third canal completed in 1915 supplies the small city of Hami with drinking and industrial water; this water also supplies a number of hydroelectric power plants. The lake is an important tourist and leisure attraction.
Hotsuyama

**Hotsuyama** (坎們山) is a city located in south-western Heisai Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 63,000.

## History

The area of modern-day Hotsuyama was part of northern Kantai Province, and was ruled by the Senyama clan. During the 12th century, the settlement became known as a market town and a *koman* used by regional chiefs and warriors. It was a favoured location by the chief Senyama no Umu and 1318 he built Senkai Castle there; it became the temporary seat of the powerful clan until his death in 1345.

By the 1600s Hotsuyama was a burgeoning merchant town and had become a popular *koman* due to its location on the Salt Road. It was also a centre of commercial fishing which was concentrated at the Port of Hotsu, established in the 1560s.

## Geography

Hotsuyama is located on Heisai's coast, below the foothills of the southern Yūmi Mountains. The Meisu River flows through its eastern ward. Rice farming and fishing are major industries which have flourished in the city due to its seaside location and abundance of irrigation.

## Economy

Hotsuyama is a local commercial center. The area is traditionally noted for *gizan* brewing and lacquerware. Fishing and agriculture are also large industries within the city.

## Local attractions

* - Senkai Castle
* - Heigaki Park
* - Ōgaoyama
* - Chabancha District - traditional teahouses, theatres and restaurants
* - Hotsuyama Museum
* - Hotsuyama Imperial Theatre
* - Port of Hotsu
Hakuya Forest

**Hakuya Forest** [坤蔭森 はくや・ゆ] is a pine forest on the southern slopes of Mount Hyōjō in Kōfu Prefecture. It is the largest virgin pine forest in Kanton and has been considered a sacred region for centuries. It is currently located within the Kōfu National Park, and is classed as a public-access nature reserve.
Kanna Daiki

The **Kanna Daiki** [款大切; かんな・だいき], sometimes translated as the The Chronicles of Kanton, but more literally meaning 'Great Records of Kanton', is the second-oldest book of classical Kantonese history. The book is also called the Kanki [款切]. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Book of Ōhaki, the oldest discovered volume, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete historical records of ancient Kanton. The Kanna Daiki was finished in 760 AD under the supervision of Prince Chio and was dedicated to the Empress Sakayu.

The Kanna Daiki begins with the Kantonese creation myth [*muyō*], explaining the origin of the world and the first generations of divine beings [starting with the birth of Kasshingami] and goes on to cover a number of myths as does the Ōhaki, continuing its accont through to the events of the 8th century. It is believed to accurately record the reigns of this period's Emperors. The Kanki shows a slight bias towards some rulers, focusing on their merits and virtues while emphasising or wholly fixating on the errors of others. It describes episodes from mythological legends. The Kanki also goes into precise detail on the creation of various Kiren gods, and other details of the Kiren religion as it existed at that time.
Kannaiki

**Kannaiki** [韓做き; かんないき] was a ceremony undergone by an apprentice *meiri*, called a *hanmei*, as part of her coming-of-age ceremony and initiation into the world of the pleasure district. It is thought that the practice originated sometime in the 1400s.

The ceremony was conducted almost as soon as a *hanmei* had joined a brothel, so that her virginity was still intact. A patron would pay for the exclusive privilege of deflowering the young girl and simultaneously being her first customer. The price became higher the more attractive the *hanmei* was. A truly beautiful *hanmei* might be bid upon for hours. The money paid by the patron would be put toward paying off her debt to the brothel, although it usually only covered a small amount of what she was expected to give back. Because it offered this financial opportunity, however, it was seen as a privilege for a hanmei to be put forward for *kannaiki*, especially since many unknown or unattractive girls did not get the chance. There are a handful of accounts detailing how certain *hanmei* were so sought after during their *kannaiki* that they managed to win enough money to pay off their entire debt in one night.

It was common for the bidder who won the *hanmei* to become one of her benefactors, or even her *ōtomi* later down the line.
Honzura University

**Honzura University** [坎负盖含；ほんずら・がいはん] is a national university based in Anzaki, Arami Prefecture, established in 1911. It is informally referred to as Ippon (イッポン). It is an Imperial University, and has been ranked the second-best university in Kanton by Times Higher Education since 2020.

On June 22 1911, the university was established under the name Honzura Imperial University by the Imperial government; from its start, it has advocated 'open-door' policies - it was the first university in Kanton to accept female (in 1917) and foreign students.

Honzura University has six campuses throughout the north of Kanton, in Anzaki, Aoma, Daimi, Senzan, Omiya, and Minami.
Akagura

**Akagura** [桌熊 あかぐら, lit. 'red bear') is a legendary bear from the highlands of Heisai Prefecture which inspired a traditional toy. In legend, Akagura the bear was a companion of the great warlord Senyama no Daizō, and was present at the building of Yūari Temple and the Battle of Ue no Senzan in 1260. Some say that when the bear died, its body was mummified and buried in the temple gardens at Yūari; an ancient memorial to the legend can be visited there.

The akagura toy is made of wood covered with papier-mache, carved and painted with laquer to resemble the face of a bear. The earliest akagura toys were created in the late 16th or early 17th century. Over time, people came to believe that the akagura could ward off smallpox and other illnesses; therefore, it became less used as a toy and was considered more of a protective talisman for children. It has become one of Heisai Prefecture's most famous crafts and a symbol of its highland region.
Mount Ido

**Mount Ido** [阳個山; いど・さん] is a mountain located in the Aomaki Hills in central Aoma Prefecture. It has an estimated elevation of around 993m. It is a part of the range's main chain of peaks, also consisting of Mount Gango, Mount Aki and Mount Kanamae. Collectively, these mountains are known as the Aomaki-Ōzuhara, or the Aomaki Great Four Peaks.

Hiking trails lead up to the summit of the mountain, and Mount Gango can be accessed by a large pass which crosses the small valley between the two peaks. A vistor's centre with a carpark lies at the base of the mountain, and also functions as a base-camp for the mountain. A variety of events are held here, such as the annual Mount Ido Walk, a community-funded hiking walk which encourages school-children to explore nature.
Mizukata

**Mizukata** [水岭; みずかた, also known locally as *Mizugata*] is a city located in central Hamae Prefecture. With a population of around 750,000, it is the second-largest city in the prefecture after the capital Daimi.

As one of the central cities in Hamae, Mizukata has been influential in industry and commerce. It is also known for being the 'religious hub' of the prefecture; there are about 700 shrines and temples throughout the city, many of them ancient. Hyōhi Temple, located near the shores of Lake Misenosu in Mizukata's eastern district, is the most famous of these sites, attracting over 800,000 visitors annually.

Mizukata is host to the Misenosu Festival every September, which is held on the shore of the great lake of the same name. During this time, traditional foods are consumed and celebratory dances, parades and plays are held. Additionally, more contemporary activities such as comedy shows, beauty pageants, and pub crawls are also organised. The event began as a harvest festival in the 1500s, and is now considered a way for local residents to show their pride and love for the city.

## Geography

Mizukata lies on a flat, valley plain between the Banzan Mountains to the north and the upper trail of the Taiyu Alps to the east. It is bordered to the north-west by the Meisu River, and to the east by Lake Misenosu. The presence of these iconic bodies of water lent the city its name, which literally means 'ridge of water'. Mizukata is also nicknamed *Saisuke*, meaning 'city of famous water'.

## Economy

Mizukata is known for its hydro-electric industry, which employs thousands within the city. It is also a considerable producer of timber, tea and alcohol, along with various electronics, appliances and tech-related products. A large precentage of the population works in the tertiary sector.

## Local attractions

* Hyōhi Temple
* Mizukata Gardens
* Lake Misenosu
* Ōwara Bridge (ancient bridge which crosses the Meisu to link Daimi and Mizukata)
* Samiama Temple
* Yamamiyami Park
* Kanaji Street - the main high street and *kyōbun* of the city
* Honzeki Woodlands
Mount Achiru

**Mount Achiru** [あちる山; あちる・さん] is a mountain located in western Uchi Prefecture in the Senshin Hills. It is the second-tallest in the prefecture after Mount Seishū, standing at around 1,450 metres. Mount Achiru is the source of the Sakayami River and its tributary, the Amizu.

Mount Achiru's name comes from a local dialectal word meaning 'autumn foliage', most likely referring to the scenic beauty of its forested slopes in autumn.
Hagitsu

**Hagitsu** [芦們; はぎつ / Sunpaku: あけなお] is a city located in far northern Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, the city had a population of roughly 112,000.

Hagitsu was the original capital of the Summui Kingdom from the 1240s until the early 1300s, and was much larger than it is now, taking up the majority of the northern coast of Daizō. However, its capital status was taken by Nasamazu in the early 14th century, as the latter was considered more ideal for a centralised government. The first known king of the Summui, Anbako, ruled from Takemugi, as did his son and grandson. Until the 1600s, Takemugi Castle [also known as Anwan Castle] was the largest on the island, but was overtaken by Niwanaji Castle in 1667. It has survived to the modern day and now contains the tombs of several kings of the Summui Kingdom.

Hagitsu lies on the flatlands of the Nasae Plain. In Hagitsu's eastern ward lies Lake Koeki, and the city is also bordered by the Gihara mountain range. Its access to the coast gave rise to a prosperous fishing industry and also allowed Hagitsu to become a centre of mainland trade for many centuries.

## Economy

The city is a significant producer of *byōnō*, a type of potato grown by the shore in sandy soil, which is often used in traditional Summui cuisine. While the *byōnō* remains a notable product of Hagitsu, agriculture has greatly declined in the city starting from the 1950s. Like other municipalities in Zōhai, the city has a large horticultural industry. Hagitsu is also known for fishing and light manufacture.

## Local attractions

Hagitsushi Beach is considered one of the most picturesque beaches in northern Zōhai, and even the sights of the old Suiryō Harbour are rather scenic. In the inner city, there are many specialty seafood restaurants which offer regional cuisine to tourists, and Hagitsu Central Park is a well-tended and peaceful green space in the city centre. Other attractions include:

* Hagitsunari Festival, a traditional harvest celebration occuring every August
* Hagitsu Hinamachi, the largest *hinamachi* in Zōhai
* Ryōma Gardens
* Hagitsuyamami Temple
* Hagitsu Food Way, an alleyway of unique foodstands that is open all year-round

In 1974, a plan for the creation of an expansive city recreation space was initiated, and from 1975 to 2004 large groups of Hagitsu citizens participated in "tree planting festivals" (啥豆泍棟萦; *jadō kotōgai*). These actions have resulted in the creation of a new woodland, Hagizō Forest. Recently, tree planting in the forest has been limited to small projects due to a lack of space to plant more trees.
Chitayama

**Chitayama** [散山 ちたやま] is a city located in far western Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022 it had a population of around 17,000, and is one of the most densely populated cities in the region.

Chitayama is located on the upper Eiho Plain, near to Saizo, Kumoroku and Sadama. Many prehistoric artifacts and burial mounds have been discovered across the city throughout recent decades, indicating that the area has been settled for thousands of years. During the medieval period Chitayama was located on the Daishō highway and served as a *koman* or rest-stop town for travellers. In the modern day, it is known for producing electronic goods, chemicals, and construction materials. There is also a small agricultural community.