Heisai Prefecture

**Heisai Prefecture** [澤筌近; へいさい·こん] is a coastal prefecture located in the Honzura region of Kanton. As of 2022, it has an estimated population of around 1.1 million. Heisai borders the prefectures of Hamae to the north, Tomono to the south-east and Saka to the south-west.

Senzan is the capital of Heisai, although the largest city by population is Yukigata. Other major cities include Shinomi, Hotsuyama, and Fuyumizu. Heisai Prefecture is home to two major mountain ranges - the Yūmi to the east and the Hakahara to the north, the latter of which constitutes the prefectural border with Hamae. On the coast, Heisai overlooks Tosawa Bay, a major trade and fishing hub and the home of the Kantonese Imperial Naval Base, the second-largest in the country. The Meisu River, the second-longest river in Kanton, runs through the prefecture.

Heisai Prefecture is known as the birthplace of the famous 16th-century poet Ōyama no Beiryū.

## History

What is now modern-day Heisai Prefecture was originally shared by two different provinces - Kantai, which also incorporated pieces of Tomono and Saka, and Sanzama, which is now Tomono and the majority of Mikei. This old division was influenced by the geographical restrictions imposed by the Yūmi Mountains. The portion of Kantai Province in which Heisai lay was ruled by the Senyama clan for many centuries. The province was almost constantly disputed by the Senyama and Torima families (the Torima ruled southern Kantai, and both wanted to expand their reach), resulting in much bloodshed and feuding.

In the 13th century, the now-famous *daihora* Yūari Temple was constructed in southern Heisai, in the modern-day city of Yukigata. The temple served as a monastery for centuries and remains a popular retreat for monks and priests from all over the Honzura region.

## Geography

Heisai Prefecture is one of the coastal prefectures of the Honzura region, and is a top producer of marine products and seafood. At the northern tip of the prefecture is Biha Peninsula, a jutting piece of land which is renowned for its natural beauty. A large portion of Heisai's inlands lie in the Kugata Valley, a huge plain which lies between the Hakahara and Yūmi mountain ranges, and offers arable land and plenty of irrigation for rice farming. The long strip of prairie-land which lies behind the Yūmi range, on the border with Tomono Prefecture, is known as the Deyama region. This region is home to the Deyama-Honba National Park, which lies in the north-eastern corner of the prefecture.

### Major rivers and lakes

* Meisu River
* Sakatoshi River
* Usamizu River
* Sanbun River
* Chōba River
* Korosu River
* Wayama River
* Deyama River
* Meikei River
* Uegata River
* Lake Umi
* Lake Usora
* Lake Miwara
* Lake Komuno

### Major mountains

* Yūmi Mountains
	+ Mount Usora (1,850m)
	+ Mount Niegata (1,720m)
	+ Mount Tengata (1,680m)
	+ Mount Ai (1,640m)
	+ Mount Hihō (1,530m)
	+ Mount Kuriko (1,505m)
	+ Mount Shigumo (1,480m)
* Hakahara Mountains
	+ Mount Hanashi (1,320m)
	+ Mount Sengi (1,280m)
	+ Mount Gōjō (1,260m)
	+ Mount Imori (1,190m)

## Economy

Heisai's coastal location has meant that traditionally, the region has specialised in fishing and seafood production. Northern Heisai is also known for its hydro- and wind-power industry, while the south of the prefecture is generally focused on agriculture. Due to Heisai's temperate and mild climate, various fruits are grown throughout the year; Heisai strawberries and cherries are particularly famous. There is also a large horticulture industry.

Heisai also produces rice that, combined with pure water from mountain run-offs, is used to make *gizan*. These variaties of *gizan*, considered top-tier in the industry, are very expensive and sold as luxury drinks. Lacquerware is another popular product from Heisai. The traditional method involves carving an object out of wood before coating it in laquer and decorating it. Objects made can vary, from writing desks, moneyboxes and mugs to pens, hair ornaments and vases.

Historically, Heisai Prefecture was known for being the home of *danzai*, mounted warrior equestrians who were skilled in archery and melee combat.

## Culture

Heisai Prefecture has a distinctive culture and atmosphere which comes from being influenced by both southern and northern regions around it. Its farming traditions can be linked to Tomono Prefecture, while its highland communities have connections with Hamae and Mikei Prefectures. The New Year's tradition *nonori-kōki* (which involves men dressed in outlandish costumes driving away evil spirits) is a big part of Heisai culture.

A traditional symbol of Heisai is the *akagura* or 'red bear', a mythical beast which is said to have once roamed the region. Akagura toys are small papier mache, red-laquered bears given to children for good fortune and health. Other kinds of folk art native to Heisai include *otsuri*, a special method of weaving, and *tamawata*, tiny horse figurines sold in bags of five which are said to ward off evil.

The most popular traditional dish in Heisai, for which the prefecture is nationally known, is *hotsushi* which is fried fish, carrot, radish, onion and rice served with a curry sauce and fried potatoes. It is considered an essential Kantonese comfort food.

## Local attractions

Although often overlooked as a tourist destination, Heisai Prefecture has plenty of interesting attractions for visitors and locals alike. The north of the prefecture is full of hot spring resorts, which are especially popular during the winter. In particular, the various festivals and events held during the year can often draw thousands of visitors.

### Festivals and events

* Yukigata Danzai Festival - horse riders dressed in traditional *danzai* attire can be seen racing or having contests that imitate a battle. The festival has been held in Heisai during the summer for over 700 years.
* Shinomi Harvest Festival
* Deyama Festival - a celebration of the medieval feudal era, Deyama Festival begins with a display of sword dancing and fighting, and is followed by a procession of around five hundred people, carrying flags and props representing feudal lords of long ago, and dressed in traditional costumes.
* Yukigata Lantern Festival
* Okuyama Theatre Festival

Heisai is also full of scenic natural beauty, found in places such as the coast of Biha Peninsula and the mountainous Deyama region.

## Education

### Universities

* Senzan University
* Heisai Prefectural University
* Heisai Medical University
* Yukigata University
* Okuyama Engineering College
* Heisai Dental College
* Honzura University - Senzan campus
* Omiya University - Shinomi campus