recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Norimizu

**Norimizu** [捭水 のりみず] is a city located in eastern Mikei Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 14,000, making it the second-smallest city in the prefecture.

Norimizu was a popular *koman* during the medieval era due to its position on the Hongiryō, one of the great northern *dōryō* leading down to the capital. It attracted a large merchant population during the early 1600s, leading to a long period of growth for the town. Norimizu also became a somewhat unexpected centre for agriculture and tea production during the 19th century, and now produces a luxury brand of green tea called Noriccha.

The city is located west of Lake Aohara, and east of the mountain of the same name. The Aohara River also runs through the centre of the area.
Sōi

**Sōi** [そうい / Sunpaku: そうい] is a city located on Shimi Island in Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2022 it has a population of around 12,000, making it the smallest designated city in the prefecture.

Sōi is known for its beautiful white sandy coastline, the crown jewel of these shores being Honzōi Beach, a popular tourist destination. Throughout history, the city has been a centre of rice production on Shimi, and despite its coastal location, its fishing industry was never as large as those of neighbouring settlements. Lying in the foothills of the Shimihara Mountains, the city's sloping northern ward has traditionally been a place of goat and sheep rearing. To this day, Sōi is one of northern Kanton's only producers of goat milk.
Urachi

**Urachi** [うらち / Sunpaku: うらち] is a city located in southern Uchi Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 20,000.

Remains of settlements from the early Chisō period have been found in the Urachi area. The name of the settlement itself comes from the Urachi clan, who rose to power in the 12th century in southern Fuzai Oniru. Before the 1500s, their home castle was Urachi Castle in the foothills of the Kidatsu Hills, however its location was later moved to southern Urachi. The Urachi *taro* would be one of the most influential landlords of the feudal Summui Kingdom; at their height the Urachi had governance over the entire Kidatsu region.

In the 1930s, Urachi began the cultivation of mushrooms; the city has also been involved in the harvest of marine products such as konbu, pearls, caviar and oysters. Because of dwindling resources, harvesting of hair crab has been reduced in recent years. Urachi introduced the raising of cattle in 1954, which has proved to be a successful industry for the city. Urachi beef is known for its leanness and rich flavour.
Nōma no Chio

**Nōma no Chio** [豆岩・親, c. 1366 - 1417] was an author, poet, and court lady who served the Empress Teiyū in the 1390s. She is the author of the now-famous journal *Twilight Hours* (顆物罘, *Yūmezume*, also translated as 'Fleeting Twilight'). She is known as one of Kanton's 'Six Beauties', and is a famed *nijū*.

## Early life

Little is known about Chio's life except what can be found in her writings. She was the daughter of Nōma no Arumata, a scholar and well-known poet, who worked as a provincial official. Her grandfather Nōma no Kōyū was also a poet. The family were middle-ranking courtiers and had financial difficulties. Chio married a government official named Hagima no Kanaiba at 16, and gave birth to a son, Motome. In 1393, at the age of 27, she began to serve the Empress Teiyū, consort of Emperor Ryōyū, and may have been divorced at this time. When her court service ended it is thought that she married Hanama no Haruka, and had a daughter with him, although some evidence suggests she became a nun.

Chio became popular through her work *Twilight Hours*, a collection of musings, diary entries, poetry and observations on court life which is now one of the most famous pieces of Kantonese classical literature. Chio's essays describe the various daily experiences and customs of the time, and the affairs of the Imperial Court in Kōryō where she lived, from a unique point of view. *Twilight Hours* was circulated at court, and for several hundred years existed in handwritten manuscripts. First printed in the 17th century, many different versions of it exist, all with small changes in order, structure, and editing.

Chio gained a reputation as a famed beauty or *nijū* in the early 1400s when the artist Uyama no Dairin published a portrait of her, known as *Hitai-kite* ('The Diarist').
Nōyama

**Nōyama** [仔山; のうやま] is a city located in northern Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 15,000.

The settlement began in the 14th century as an extension of the military training grounds in the neighbouring village of Chimizu, and was originally settled mostly by soldiers and their families. Later, livestock and rice wine became the two main exports of the area. Nōyama was initially made up of five small villages, which were absorbed into one large muncipality during the 19th century.

## Geography

Nōyama is split into two by the flow of the Ōki River, and most of its land is located in the highlands. The area is fertile and well-irrigated, providing plenty of opportunity for rice farming.

## Economy

Nakamae's main exports include tea, rice wine, beef, chicken, and rice. The southern ward is a bedroom community for Akagetsu.

## Local attractions

* Hinaya Hill (Magnolia Hill)
* Nakamae Shopping Centre
* Utsumizu Falls
* Nōyama Agricultural Museum
Sasaru

**Sasaru** [ささる / Sunpaku: ささる] is a city located in northern Uchi Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 14,000.

The city is certified as the northernmost area of Kanton in which beech trees grow naturally, and its Sunpaku name literally translates as '(place of) beech nuts'. It is located in the heavily forested northern reaches of the prefecture, with just over 60% of its area being taken up by the Aiwa National Park.

Unfortunately, the industrial base for Sasaru is weak and the economy is rather poor. Due to poor transportation connection and rural depopulation, commerce has declined. The main economic activity is agriculture, with rice and chestnuts mainly cultivated. Animal husbandry (including sheep, goats, dairy cows, and beef cattle) is also practiced.
Saizo

**Saizo** [犀全 さいぞ] is a city located in western Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022 it had a population of around 25,000. It is widely considered the 'sister city' to neighbouring Kumoroku.

Saizo has a mixed economy with numerous industrial parks for light manufacturing and also serves as a regional commercial center. Due to its location, it is also a bedroom community for people commuting to Sadama for work. In terms of agriculture, Saizo and neighboring Kumoroku are both famous for the green tea they produce.

Local attractions include the Saizo Museum, Onora Park and the Saizo-Dōsui Bridge, an ancient bridge crossing the Dōsui River which has been in use since the late 17th century.
Mount Usui

**Mount Usui** [うすい山; うすい・さん] is a mountain located in central Uchi Prefecture. It is part of the Niryō Mountains, and is the tallest peak in the range with an elevation of around 1,500 metres.

A four-story observation deck, a prefectural park and camping grounds are located on Mount Usui's flat plateau peak. Its lower northern slopes are covered by Usuiyama Forest,
Nonori-Kōki

The **nonori** [ののり] are demonic beings portrayed by men wearing large masks and traditional straw mantles (*chissaro*) during traditional New Year's celebrations in the Hamae, Arami, Mikei and Heisai prefectures. Rituals, commonly known as *nonori-kōki* ornonori *imitations' are performed during local festivals to drive away evil spirits before the beginning of a new year. Similar practices exist in other regions, although are known by other names and consist of different customs.*

The outlandishly-dressed men impersonating the nonori wear special masks (*nonori-naga*) and are dressed in long straw capes which are locally known as mishi. They are armed with wooden or papier-mache knifes or spears, and their bare skin was traditionally covered in dark mud (nowadays body paint is used). They also wear loincloths. Throughout the evening of the first day of New Year, the performers run from house to house, usually in pairs, looking for naughty, misbehaving children to 'kidnap'. They will often shout out "Are there any demon-children around?" (ののり子いっさ?, *nonoriko issa?*) or "Are there any naughty brats around?" (糜い坊子いっさ?, *sagui nango issa?*) in the local dialect, and variations of these phrases. Traditionally, children should make offerings of food and drink for the 'demons' to collect and leave them outside the house to prevent them from calling in (this also ensures that the men themselves don't get too tired running around the neighbourhood for hours).

The nonori costume has never been overly elaborate, although it has developed to become more impressive with the aid of modern decoration. Wood was often used for masks, and crude renditions of a nonori's face would be painted on. However nowadays these masks can be made of plastic, metal, or cardboard and often have intricate designs and features.
Okumi

**Okumi** [素免 おくみ] is a city located in southern coastal Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 50,000.

Okumi is located on the coastal plains of eastern Arami, although its access to the sea is almost nonexistent due to the Ogozuke Cliffs. The Koyū River flows through the city. The local economy was formerly dependent on agriculture and horticulture, but is now dominated by industry, notably the production of chemicals and food processing. The Aramishi Thermal Power Station, a large fossil-fuel thermal power station, is located in southern Okumi. The city is also a bedroom community for neighbouring Aoyama.

Local attractions in Okumi include Okumi Temple, the Ogozuke Cliffs, and the Koyū boat tours.
Mount Kusui

**Mount Kusui** [导水居山 くすい・さん] is a mountain located in the southern section of the Taiyū Alps in Mikei Prefecture. It has a height of roughly 1,760 metres, and is considered the 'sister' of Mount Sui, which is located a few miles east.

Due to the impressive vibrant foliage of the mountain in the autumn, it is sometimes known as *Akappuyama* ('red-leaf mountain').
Mount Isuhara

**Mount Isuhara** [蕩彭山 いすはら・さん] is a mountain located in the southern Taiyu Alps in Kōfu Prefecture. It is one of the tallest peaks in the Taiyu range with an elevation of around 2,530 metres.

Like its neighbour Mount Seiyuki, Isuhara is recognised as a particularly dangerous mountain to climb, although its death toll is a fraction of those who have died on the slopes of the former. Isuhara has a number of routes which are considered by many hikers and mountain climbers to be the 'peak' of mountaineering in winter.
Yamatomo

**Yamatomo** [山朋 やまとも] is a city located in north-western Hamae Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 21,000.

Yamatomo began primarily as a fishing and mining settlement, drawing from the large iron deposits found in the Arazake Hills and capitalising on its rare coastal location (most Hamae cities are inland). Rice production also became popular due to irrigation from the Furusu and Sakachi Rivers. During the 1950s, Yamatomo was known as a popular local holiday spot for tourists during the summer, offering golden beaches and relatively warm weather. At this time it also saw a population boom.

Since then Yamatomo has flourished as a resort town, and usually sees over 50,000 visitors during the summer months.
Mount Torichi

**Mount Torichi** [鳥乏山; とりち・さん] is a mountain located in the Torichi range in southern Zōhai Prefecture. It has an elevation of around 1,600 metres.

Mount Torichi is extremely popular with amateur rock-climbers and hikers, as it offers easy yet interesting trails and plenty of rocky areas to explore.
Yonzu

**Yonzu** [邵畠 よんず] is a city located in eastern coastal Mikei Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 12,000, making it the smallest city in the prefecture.

Yonzu is situated overlooking Umii Bay. The area once was made up of a number of small fishing villages, which were absorbed into one municipality during the 19th century. The Umii River flows through the centre of the city, reaching the ocean at the Port of Yonzu. Lake Aohara lies to the south, as does Mount Issai. Yonzu is home to the Issan Hot Spring, which is one of the most popular resorts in the prefecture.

Yonzu offers a ferry service to the Kanaha Islands from its port; the journey takes around 45 minutes in total.
Kyōha

**Kyōha** (患坤 きょうは) is a city located in north-western Heisai Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 15,000.

Kyōha was established as a fishing village on the far northern reaches of Tosawa Bay. During the 1700s it was an important producer of salt and seaweed, which were exported from the town via the Salt Road. Pearl cultivation continues on the shores of Lake Umi.

## Geography

Kyōha is located west of the Biha Peninsula, below the foothills of the Funo Hills. Lake Umi lies in its southern region. There are wild horses native to Kyōha's mountainous landscape which were once trained to be the mounts of danzai warriors, equestrian knights of feudal Heisai.

## Economy

Kyōha has a mixed economy; it is a large producer of tea, seaweed, alcohol, and traditional laquerware.

## Local attractions

- Kyōha Manor, former residence of princes of the Senyama clan

- Ruins of Wakayami Castle

- Kuroya Reijo

- Kyōha Fireworks Festival - held every December
Sugana doll

The **sugana** **doll** [すがな芥；すがな・わた] is a humanoid doll, often made of lacquered wood, resembling a young woman (typically a temple maiden, *horane*) in white clothing with long, flowing black hair. Though often now considered a toy, the sugana has a design which is still associated with spirituality and is regarded often as a talisman of good luck. Sugana dolls are seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and fortune, and they are a popular gift for young girls.

## Origin

The sugana doll's distinctive and unchanging appearance is thought to be based on the fashion of temple maidens from the late medieval era. The design of the doll closely matches historical records of the appearances of these women, with details such as the long hair, white robes and typically benevolent, round, smiling face being particularly significant.
Tsuyū

**Tsuyū** [构佑; つゆう] is a city located in northern Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 34,000. It is known for being the birthplace and hometown of the famed painter and poet Chiyo Takahaya.

Tsuyū is located in the Deyama region on the border with Heisai Prefecture, bordering the larger city of Hyōmi to the west. The Tsuyū River flows east through the centre of the city. The southern ward is occupied by the foothills of Mount Tohara, and to the north lies Lake Nizuma. The Ōki River also flows through the eastern part of the city. Tsuyū is known for being the snowiest and coldest city in the prefecture, with temperatures often dropping below zero during the winter. The south of the city is known for its ski and hot spring resorts which are popular with tourists.

## Economy

Tsuyū is a regional commercial center and transportation hub. Seasonal tourism, particularly to its hot spring and ski resorts, play a major role in the local economy. The area is also noted for its production of herbal teas.

## Local attractions

* Kariya Reijō
* Chiyo Takahaya Museum
* Kariya Agriculture Museum
* Tsuyū Risahana Gardens
* Tsuyū Tangao Festival - based on a traditional form of entertainment (*tangao*) where revelers paint a face on their torsos and stomachs and pretend it is their own face. A robe is wrapped around the waist and the person's real head is hidden by a large cloth hat. The belly button is traditionally painted into a mouth.
Saka University

**Saka University** [临斎盖含; さか・がいはん] is a national university located in Wakatsu, Saka Prefecture, established in 1951. It has campuses in Chiyuki, Ippaya, and Kansanzu, and is considered one of the most prestigious universities in the prefecture. Faculties include:

* Department of Humanities
* Department of Education
* Department of Engineering
* Department of Science
* Department of Agriculture
* Department of Marine Sciences
Sakadate Temple

**Sakadate Temple** [咲许方 さかだて・ほら] is a temple located in Dossuyama, Mikei Prefecture. Known to have existed since 951 AD, it is considered the oldest surviving temple in the prefecture and remains one of the most popular. The resident *kami*, a local spirit known as Himagami, has long been worshipped in northern and central Kanton as a guardian of travellers, farmers, and pregnant women.
Wakada

**Wakada** [盒讨 わかだ] is a city located in central coastal Saka Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 12,000.

Wakada began as a fishing village in the early medieval period, and was one of the main seats of the Yamako clan during their campaign against the Kamado of southern Kantai. The Battle of Wakada, fought in 1318, was held in the area which is now the city centre, and is considered one of the most significant battles of the Yamako-Kamado conflict. Wakada was also recognised as an important port town due to its position on the Tohara Delta overlooking Nōyū Bay.

## Geography

Wakada is situated on the western coast of Saka Prefecture, on Nōyū Bay. The Tohara River runs through the centre of the city. It is bordered to the east by Lake Yo, and is due south of the larger city of Kanonaka. The Port of Wakada, the largest port in Saka Prefecture, is located in the city's western ward.

## Economy

Despite its relatively small population, Wakada is one of the more prosperous cities in Saka. Its position on Nōyū Bay beside the Port of Wakada makes its fishing industry the largest in the prefecture, and it is also a significant tourist destination due to its history and proximity to Lake Yo, which is an attraction within itself. Inland, the farming of rice and other cash crops is held along the banks of the Tohara.

In 2017, Wakada gained a boost to its reputation when it was named by the Kantonese National Statistics Board as one of the happiest towns in the country, with its residents reportedly having a happiness index far above the national average. Due to this, it is now often known locally as Wakauchi (わかうち) - meaning roughly 'source of joy', a play on its official moniker.

## Local attractions

* Wakada Museum
* Port of Wakada
* Lake Yo
* Wakada Coastal Park
* Sukeyama Beach
Mount Kitari

**Mount Kitari** [岑料山 きたり・さん] is a mountain located in southern Arami Prefecture, at the very roots of the Aramidatsu range. It has an elevation of around 1,600 metres. Mount Kitari is known for its distinctive sharp, jagged appearance, which has given it the nickname *yama no tari* - 'mountain of teeth'.
Mount Mikei

**Mount Mikei** [免容山 みけい・さん] is a mountain located in the Taiyū Alps in Mikei Prefecture. It is the tallest mountain in the prefecture, with a height of around 2,100 metres. It is also considered one of the Great Honzura Mountains.

Between late autumn and early spring, large amounts of snow fall in this region, with an average of 3 to 4 metres. Avalanches are commonplace, especially on the west and north faces of the mountain, and snow can be seen even in late summer. Mount Mikei is popular all year round with both hikers and skiiers.
Yagaku Castle

**Yagaku Castle** (有促导莽 やがく がり) is a castle located in the city of Yasume, Heisai Prefecture. It was constructed in 1445 by the Senyama clan as a look-out point, defence from invading Sanzama forces, and also functioned as a tollbooth for travellers entering Kantai Province.

The castle once had an adjoining temple, referred to in contemporary records as Yagaku-no-Kamiishi Temple, which unfortunately was destroyed in the 1650s.
Kanonaka

**Kanonaka** [笹中 かのなか] is a city located in central Saka Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 30,000.

Kanonaka was established by the Kanonaka clan, vassals of the Yamako clan, in the early 12th century, using an area to the south of the central city Wakatsu. Under this new governance, Kanonaka Castle was built, and a large amount of land was dedicated to rice and tea farming. During the early 1400s, after the establishment of the Salt Road (one of the many ancient and important *dōryō* highways, which ran through Yamako Province) the settlement became an important *koman*.

During the 1600s, the town became the site of Honzura's first iron smelter, which would later become the Kanonaka Ironworks in the 1880s. Kilns for the production of ceramics and roof tiles were also established in the town, and it soon became one of the most significant centres for iron production in northern Kanton. To this day, Kanonaka is often nicknamed the 'City of Iron' or *tetsu no seki*.

## Geography

Kanonaka is located within the Tohara Delta, a fertile valley of well-irrigated land which allowed rice and tea farming to flourish in the area. The city is bordered to the south by the Tohara River, and to the north by the Koronori. To the west of Kanonaka are the Koroba Mountains, the closest peak being Mount Ironami. To the west, the city is bordered by the larger municipality of Ryūzu.

## Economy

Kanonaka is known primarily as a center for sericulture, tea and rice farming, and metalworks/ceramics. At present, the economy is highly industrialized, with the number of factories being second within Saka Prefecture, after the city of Chiyuki.

Kanonaka is also the home of the Saka Christian College, a prestigious college founded in 1948.

## Local attractions

* Kanonaka Castle ruins
* Achina Temple
* Kanonaka City Park
* Kanonaka History Museum
* Kanonaka Park and Manor, formally a summer residence for the Yamako family
* Kimizumi Art Gallery
Shingyō

**Shingyō** [啸孮; しんぎょう] is a traditional communal bathhouse where customers pay for entrance. Typically these insitutions are not segregated by gender, however, children below the age of 12 are given their own separate baths. Usually two different services are offered in shingyō: shower faucets, introduced in the late 1950s, and communal baths, which are large and intended for use by multiple people at once. Although once seen as an easy way for the average person to cleanse their body and wash themselves with hot water, shingyō are now seen mostly as places of relaxation and leisure.

Now that almost all Kantonese households have their own baths, shingyō have declined in popularity. Some Kantonese find social importance in going to public baths, feeling that physical proximity and intimacy brings emotional well-being. Others go to a shingyō to acknowledge its cultural value and historical importance, and experience the unique feeling of bathing with strangers. Other people simply visit shingyō for their spaciousness and cleanliness, particularly those who live in shared accommodation fitted only with a shower.

A type of bathhouse related to shingyō is *reishinda*, which use hot water from a natural hot spring.

## Features

There are many different looks, often related to region, which a Kantonese shingyō might have. Most traditional bathhouses have a large entrance, a small hallway or atrium, and a large open space in the centre of the building in which the public bath is located. Changing rooms, with showers inside, are typically found to the left and right of this room. The entrance to the bathing space is covered with a reed curtain known as *shimaki*.

Behind the bathing area is the boiler room, where the water is heated. This may use oil or electricity, or any other type of fuel such as wood chippings. The tall chimneys of the boilers are often used to locate the shingyō from far away. There are stories of some cities which often had power outages when all bathhouse owners turned on the electric water heating at the same time.
Wakatsu Temple

**Wakatsu Temple** [若們方わかつ・ほら] is a temple located in Wakatsu, Saka Prefecture. It is adjacent to the Uriha Gardens in the city centre, and is also nearby Lake Yamako. Founded in the 15th century, it is dedicated to generations of members of the ancient Yamako clan who once ruled over the area. Multiple important chiefs and *konbūshin* are enshrined within.
Teishi

**Teishi** [单亩 ていし] is a city located in western Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 11,000, making it the smallest city in the prefecture. It is located within the bounds of the Sanbotsu National Park, which takes up around half of its total area.

Lying in the shadow of the Aramidatsu Mountains, Teishi is a popular ski resort town, with its economy relying heavily on seasonal tourism. The largest resort in the city, Aruhara, was founded in the 1930s, making it one of the oldest established ski areas in the world. The Tenki River also finds its source in the north of the city, near the slopes of Mount Higuchi.
Yamako Castle

**Yamako Castle** [山泍莽; やまこ・がく] is a 10th century castle located in Wakatsu, Saka Prefecture. It is considered one of the oldest best-preserved fortifications in the Honzura region.

The castle was originally constructed in the late 10th century by Hara no Motoi, and was named Harano Castle. The Hara clan continued to govern the castle until it was taken by the Yamako clan in 1190. Afterwards it was renamed to Yamako Castle, and was expanded considerably. Yamako is known across the north of Kanton for how well-preserved it is. A fire destroyed a portion of the buildings in 1765, but reconstructions were made during the following decade.
Yamadake

**Yamadake** [山稱 やまだけ] is a city located in east-central Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 78,000. The city is particularly known for producing *izan*.

The area around Yamadake was settled during the early Heii period. In the Chisō period, it was an important centre of trade for Sadawa Province and was known for being a training ground for *sai* and military officials. The area prospered throughout the late medieval period as a merchants' town and became famous for having a large *senkō* population, along with a high number of teahouses, pubs, inns, brothels, and theatres, and was considered to be the entertainment capital of the Honzura region.

## Geography

Yamadake is situated on the eastern-central plains of Kōfu Prefecture, in the foothills of the Kazari Mountains. The Natamizu and Kazaritō Rivers both run through the area, along with a number of their tributaries, which have been used to create a canal system throughout the city.

## Economy

Yamadake is a major regional commercial center with a diversified industrial base. The city is known for its production of the local brand of rice wine, or *izan*, called YamaShizu (known as Mountain Spring in English). The famous beer brand Snapdragon also has a number of breweries within the city.

## Local attractions

* Yamadake STARHILL *kyōbun*
* Nozake Temple
* Yamadake Hill Park
* Yamadake Museum and Art Gallery
* Yamadake *furumachi*
* Nakami Teahouse
Taisei Wetlands

The **Taisei Wetlands** [亥济濡岩 たいせい・しゅうわ] is a nature reserve consisting of an area of rice paddies and other crop fields located along the Minami Irrigational Canal in Minami, Kōfu Prefecture. The area encompasses three wards of the city and is considered one of the main attractions of the city. Despite its close proximity to major urban areas, the natural scenery of paddy fields, farmland, forests and rivers still remains relatively untouched and serene. The area is located along the banks of the Hyōzu River.
Niru

**Niru** [にる] was the general name given to administrative divisions of the Summui Kingdom, whether they be a district, town, village or island, as established by the Kingdom throughout the Honnan region. *Niru* were created as a way of maintaining control over the Summui population, along with making it easier to develop different areas within the Kingdom.

From the 1100s onwards, three main districts (*oniru*) were established, which would later become the prefectures we know today: Tonnori (now Zōhai), Fuzai (now Uchi) and Muishō (now Inaki). There were around 600 *jan*, or townships, scattered across these districts. In concept these *jan* were similar to the provinces established on the Kantonese mainland, but in terms of population they were closer to villages. A cluster of 20 *jan* became a *ojii* and had one *taro*, which might translate to 'overseer', 'lord' or 'governor'. These *taro* were under the command of the King, but also had their own freedoms and could generally govern their *ojii* however they wished. Very high-ranking *taro* could be promoted to *onirutaro* and become a governor of one of the three *oniru*. Until the 1500s, when land reforms were put in place, *taro* would often battle for control of more land, and boundaries were constantly shifting. For this reason, very few *niru* maps exist from before the 16th century.

Along with *oniru, ojii* and *jan*, there was a special allowance for islands, the main two being Shimi and Kihata, which were considered under the direct control of the King himself and therefore exempt from land claims. Until the 1500s, these islands (Shimi and Kihata being the largest, although there are many smaller ones scattered off the shores of Daizō) were very sparsely inhabited and often used as places of inprisonment or banishment.
Shiema

**Shiema** [细岩; しえま] is a city located in southern Aoma Prefecture. As of 2020, it has an estimated population of 54,000.

Shiema is located on a slightly hilly plain beneath the lowest slopes of Mounts Bō and Kyū. The Kandatsu River flows through its northern ward. It is considered the sister city of its neighbour Honshi, as the cities both have a history of being farming settlements. Additionally, Shiema is considered Aoma Prefecture's 'flower capital', with its grassy outskirts used for the growing of flowers such as tulips and roses.

The economy of the city is heavily dependent on manufacturing, horticulture and agriculture. Coal mining was once a lucrative industry during the 19th and 20th centuries, taking place near to Mount Bō, but quickly died away by the 1970s as resources depleted. The city is the location for various facilities of the Kanton Atomic Energy Agency.
Shishie

**Shishie** [ししえ / Sunpaku: ししえ] is a city located in southern Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2022, it has an estimated population of around 20,000. It is located on a headland known as Shishi Point [*shishi-kibe*] which overlooks Miwara Bay.

Shishie was established in the 15th century as a port town, and was often visited by travelers from the mainland. As a result, it became a fairly wealthy trading centre. Nowadays its economy focuses mostly on fishing. The production of various marine products, such as seaweed, sea grapes and saltwater pearls also contributes to the local economy. Shishie's main port, known as Bumi Port, which is used for both cargo shipping and passenger travel.
Nakamae

**Nakamae** [中前; なかまえ] is a city located in western Tomono Prefecture. As of 2022 it had a population of around 15,000.

Nakamae began as a merchants' town in the 15th century, and soon grew to become a centre of trade for the south-western region of Sanzama Province. The city's core export was traditionally pottery, particularly a local variety known as *nakamae-hoi*. The settlement became especially prosperous in the 17th century as the merchant class began to grow and develop.

## Geography

Nakamae is situated on the western side of Tomono Prefecture, in a low prairie region west of the Mount Tohara foothills. The Kōhara River flows through the middle of the city, dividing the area almost exactly in half - these two regions are known locally as Nakaue and Nakanō. In the city's northern district lies Lake Tori. The region is notably arable and fertile, which has encouraged a large amount of agricultural activity over the centuries, especially rice and tea farming.

## Economy

Nakamae's main modern industries are electronics manufacturing and the tertiary sector; traditional exports, such as high-quality teas, pottery, textiles and livestock remain contributors. There is a small tourism industry, though incomparable to some larger cities in the prefecture. The city is particularly known for its three university campuses, and has a large student population; these include Nakamae City University of Economics, Nakamae University of Commerce and the Nakamae campus of Tōnomi University.

## Local attractions

* Ondzu Garden
* Nakamae Pottery Factory
* Nakamae History Museum
* Nakaue Nature Reserve
* Nakanō Temple
Wakatsu

**Wakatsu** [若們; わかつ] is the capital city of Saka Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 320,000. It is the largest city in the prefecture by both area and population.

The area was first settled around the 4th century. Around the end of the Chisō period, a warlord of the Wakatsu clan named Hara no Motoi moved to the region and built a castle there. Harano Castle changed hands several times after that; it came under the control of the Surima clan in the early 10th century, but was soon captured by the Yamako in 1190 after the Battle of Wakada and renamed to Yamako Castle. The Yamako chief Tenkyō then gave Wakatsu Castle to his son, Tenyū. During the 1400s the city was linked to the Nishi no Nari, an ancient *dōryō* which allowed trade, communication and travel from the capital.

The city of Wakatsu was formed in 1830, with the establishment of the modern municipalities system. With a population of 25,000, it was designated as the prefectural capital of Saka Prefecture. By 1900, the Danhoku Line was established to connect Wakatsu to the capital, and by 1910, telephones and electric lighting were available throughout the city.

Like many other settlements across Saka, the western ward of the city sustained particularly severe damages in the 2011 Kanjō Bay earthquake and tsunami with 20,982 houses completely or partially destroyed; however, there were only two fatalities.

## Geography

Wakatsu is located in central Saka Prefecture, on the Tohara Delta plain. The Koronori River flows along the city's southern border, and Mount Nakano is situated to the west of the city centre. The Tohara River is due south-east of the city. The majority of the local region is flat and arable, which has allowed the land around the outskirts of the urban areas to be used for agriculture, particularly rice farming. Lake Yamako is located within the city centre.

## Economy

Wakatsu is primarily a regional commercial center and administrative city as most industry in Saka is concentrated around the nearby cities of Chiyuki and Taizen. Wakatsu has a modest but thriving tourism industry, centered on Yamako Castle, the Uriha Gardens, and local museums dedicated to the city's history.

## Education

### Universities

* Saka University
* Wakatsu University
* Saka Prefectural University of Health Sciences
* Saka International University
* Wakatsu Junior College
* Wakazō Nursing College

## Local attractions

* Uriha Gardens
* Yamako Castle
* Wakatsu Museum
* Saka Prefectural Museum of History
* Lake Yamako Bridge
* Wakatsu Temple
* Saka Museum of Modern Art
* Wakatsu Botanic Gardens
Ryūroku

**Ryūroku** [谅负 りゅうろく, lit. 'pleasure quarter') was the term for red-light districts located throughout Kanton, where both brothels and prostitutes - known collectively as *yūya* (物女), the higher ranks of which were called *meiri* - operated under recognition by the government. Though prostitution was officially legal to engage in and pay for in these exclusive areas, there were a number of places where prostitutes and brothels operated illegally, known as *Kumigata* (組片, 'backstreets'), the generic name for all unlicensed red-light districts.

Some famous examples of ryūroku include the Kabanko in Kaimon, Takurayagi in Minami, and Yūzamachi in Ōhiroshi.
Tōhi

**Tōhi** [男辣 とうひ] is a city located in north-eastern Hamae Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 13,000, making it the second-smallest city in the prefecture.

Historically, Tōhi has suffered from being an isolated town, hidden behind the northern hills of the upper Taiyu Alps. Its economy has focused largely on mining and livestock, although it has never been a prosperous area.
Wahashi

**Wahashi** [わはし] are lightweight tie-on sandals or *kaga*, made from natural fibers, usually straw. They were once the standard footwear of the common people of Kanton, being cheap to make and easy to wear. Their design consisted of a flat straw sole, with fibrous straps which could be tied through the toes and around the ankle to attach the foot.

Wahashi resemble other forms of traditional Kantonese footwear, such as *kaga* or *numi*, with a few key differences. They were historically the simplest form of outdoor footwear (sandals of any type not being worn indoors). Due to their cheap and rustic nature, they were considered a very low type of *kaga*, and are never worn with formal clothing. Often, wahashi are woven so that the wearer's heel is not covered, encouraging the wearer to walk on the balls of their feet.

Once commonly worn in Kanton, there are records of wahashi being in use from the Nittori period and even earlier. From the 1500s onwards, kaga were worn in urban areas, but wahashi were favoured by those undertaking long journeys for their comfort factor. They were also worn during energetic or prolonged labour.

In constant use, rice-straw wahashi only last three or four days, or roughly 24 hours of active use, meaning each person would have to make about a hundred pairs a year, on average, if they wore them constantly. As wahashi could be homemade from cheap materials, and everyone learned how to make them in childhood, this was not a problem. Wahashi could also be cheaply bought. Travellers carried a supply and discarded them when they were worn-out. A common but old saying, *wahashi re bekkaru,* means 'can't even make *wahashi*', and refers to somebody being inept or incapable.
Port of Wakada

The **Port of Wakada** [盒讨党 わらだ・とう] is a maritime port located in Wakada, Saka Prefecture. It serves as the primary port for the industrial area centered on the city of Wakada. The port was established officially in 1989 to incorporate the three separate ports of Wakazō, Wakaki, and Nishikaze. It is the most significant port in Saka Prefecture, and one of the largest and busiest in the Honzura region.

Located on the western coast of Kanton, it stretches from north to south, covering most of Wakada's western ward, and is connected to an extensive industrial zone centered in the city of Tadanami. Sea fishing is often conducted around the port, and the area is also used by locals for recreation.
Mount Ōbun

**Mount Ōbun** [尬翔山; おうぶん・さん] is a dormant volcano located in southern Arami Prefecture on the tip of the Yūdo range. With a height of around 1,900 metres, it is the second-largest peak in the prefecture. Mount Ōbun's shallow crater top is filled by Lake Aratsu, from which the Mizuiro River flows south through western Anzaki.
Ueshino

In Kantonese mythos, **Ueshino** [儚士; くもしの] is the abode of the heavenly gods in Kiren. Often depicted as being a lofty realm above the clouds, it is believed to be connected to Earth by a bridge called Shinodami, which is guarded by the dragon spirit Damyōryū.

In Kiren, *shino* (heaven) is a lofty, sacred and ethereal realm which serves as the home of the highest-ranking deities or *shinogami*. The accepted Kiren creation myth explains that at the time of *muyō* (creation), small particles of light rose up from the ocean of nothingness. As soon as light appeared, the oceans evaporated, forming clouds which became heaven. The dense, dark land revealed below the ocean became Earth, and was the home of the bakōgami or gods of the land. The sun goddess Kasshingami, borne from the original light-bearer Shiōkōshin, then became the ruler of Ueshino.
Senkai Castle

**Senkai Castle** (权涛莽 せんかい がり) is a castle located in the city of Hotsuyama, Heisai Prefecture. It is thought to have been built in the mid-10th century for unknown purposes.

Numerous artifacts have been discovered within the castle walls, including mirrors, pottery, jewellery and porcelain plates. Carbonised foodstuffs such as beans and rice were also found.

According to sparse historical records, the castle stood on territory which seemingly belonged to the ancient Furugotsu clan; it is theorised that the castle was inhabited by a vassal lord and his family and servants.
Yūari Temple

**Yūari Temple** (滾枊方 ゆうあり ほら) is a *daihora* temple located in the city of Yukigata, Heisai Prefecture. It was constructed by the Senyama clan in the mid-1200s, and also served as a monastery for local priests and monks for centuries.

Yūari Temple is recognised as one of the most lavishly-decorated and well-built *daihora* in the Honzura region. Along with being a site of worship, it remains a popular tourist attraction, drawing over 200,000 visitors annually. The temple is dedicated to the enshrined spirits of generations of Senyama chiefs, along with the Kiren god of war, Akagami.
The Emperor's Gardens

**The Emperor's Gardens** [皇服编 こうふく・こ, also known as Kōfuku Park] is the name given to a large green space and public park in central Anzaki, Arami Prefecture. It is by far the most scenic and popular park in the city.

The gardens were designed personally by Emperor Hyōbi in 1911, and were not opened to the public until 1945. A large number of exotic plants were used in the creation of the park, along with indigenous favourites such as the magnolia, bonsai and camellia trees. The park also features an ornamental lake in its centre called the Kōkagami meaning 'Emperor's Mirror'.
Mount Sui

**Mount Sui** [水居山 すい・さん] is a mountain located in southern Mikei Prefecture. It is part of the lower portion of the Taiyū Alps, separated from the northern region by the Sansha Pass. It has a height of roughly 1,750 metres.

The mountain's name literally translates to 'source of water', and refers to Sui being the origin of the Torigo River and its smaller tributaries.
Wakamachi

**Wakamachi** [覚斎萦 わかまち] is a ceremony traditionally practiced in Kanton in remembrance of the dead. It is typically held on the first, seventh and twentieth anniversaries of a family member's death. The purpose of the ceremony is to set their soul at rest in the afterlife, to show respect to their memory, and to strengthen the connection between the spirits of the living and the dead.

To perform the ritual, the family gathers at the home of the eldest daughter to prepare many kinds of food such as rice wine, soups, curried vegetables, candied fruits, rice cakes, and fruit punch (*tōyu*), and any other foods which were favoured by the deceased. Once the food is served, the person's name is written in calligraphy on a piece of paper at the centre of the table to invoke their spirit. A mug and bowl for the deceased is set out in the middle of the table. Incense, usually sandalwood, is burned. The ritual is then carried out using the following steps:

1. Ritual greetings are called to invite the spirit down, using their full name (and title if applicable).
2. The eldest female descendant pours the first offering of rice wine into the central mug, followed by her husband. Then the second-eldest-born (either son or daughter) will do the same, and so on until every descendant has made an offering.
3. A spoonful of food is placed into the central bowl by everyone down to the youngest member of the congregation.
4. All family members leave the room in order for the spirit to eat in peace.
5. After a few minutes, they return to the room led by the eldest female descendant, and the paper on which the name was written is burned. A ritual farewell and blessing is given to the spirit of the dead, and the feast begins.

Ancestor worship has changed significantly in recent years. In modern times it is common to hold Wakamachi rituals up to only two generations of deceased, and in some families, people only hold the ceremony for their dead parents.
Shōbyō

**Shōbyō** [俎浄 しょうびょう] is a city located in northern coastal Arami Prefecture. As of 2022, it has a population of around 12,000, making it the second-smallest city in the prefecture.

Situated on the prefecture's curving eastern coast, Shōbyō has fostered a fishing industry for centuries. Its main exports are shellfish and speciality caviar, known as Shōbyō *sakon*.
Nendo

**Nendo** [瑞個; ねんど] are traditional shrines dedicated to the spirits of the dead. They are often used to mark graves, though can also be found in temples and tombs. Nendo can range from elaborate, intricately-designed shrines to plain carved stone markers. Older types are often more simplistic.

The largest gathering of nendo can be found in Kōsei Temple, where over three hundred have been assembled over centuries. The temple was built as a communal tomb for the spirits of each Emperor after death, with each having an individualised nendo made in commemoration and respect. Each Emperor is thought to represent one facet of humankind; this belief is shown in their shrine through scripture and symbolism.

Along with rulers, it is common for other nobles to be memorialised. The Anzaki Temple is home to over 500 different nendo, each crafted for lesser royalty such as relatives, concubines or close friends of the Emperors.

In modern times, nendo are often used to house the cremated remains of important public figures, such as high-ranking politicians and famous artists. These shrines are generally not for use by the deceased's family or friends. Instead, they are put on public display for the general populace to pay their respects.
Yamawa Tsunoya

**Yamawa Tsunoya** [山洶 つのや, sometimes known as Ōzaka), was a Kantonese semi-legendary prince of the Yamawa dynasty, son of the powerful chief Yamawa Yomon, who ruled over what is now Seishū Prefecture. His complete history is uncertain, but based on the records in the Kanna Daiki, he was born circa 172 AD and died in 214 AD.

## Legendary narrative

Prince Tsunoya was said to be a mighty yet hot-headed warrior. He slew his elder brother Prince Yoyū, which made his father fear his brutal temperament. To keep him at a distance, the chief sent him to Shōya Island (in modern-day Arami Prefecture). However, this only led Tsunoya to become angrier, and he vowed to get revenge on his father by leading a campaign to gain control of the entire northern region as a show of his quality. He defeated many enemies and gained many followers; he later gained the nickname Ōzaka (おお坐), meaning 'great daring'.

However, Lord Yamawa's mind remained unchanged. He banished Tsunoya to the far south, where the wild peoples lived. On his journey there, Tsunoya stopped at the Omina Grand Temple and met a high priestess of Kasshingami. There he lamented to her that his father wished him to die. The priestess took pity upon him and lent him a holy sword named *Kairyō no Kokane* (腎良の关珂), which had been forged by the god of weaponry and war, Anzōya. After arriving in the south, Tsunoya lost his wife Sakari-kyū during a storm when she sacrificed herself to soothe the anger of the sea god. He defeated many enemies in the southern lands, and made to return to his father. However, he blasphemed a local mountain god on the journey, which caused him to be cursed and fall ill.

According to traditional sources, Yamawa Tsunoya died in the year 214 AD. It is believed that he died somewhere in modern-day Kyōba Prefecture. According to legend, the name of the area was derived from his final words. The possessions of the dead prince were gathered together along with the sword Kairyō no Kokane, and his descendants venerated his spirit in over one hundred and fifty temples. At the moment of death, his spirit turned into a great eagle and flew away. His tomb, located in Shinbi Temple, is known as the Tomb of the Eagle. A statue of Yamawa Tsunoya stands in Kyōba Prefectural Park.