Meikai

**Meikai** [沒界; めいかい] is the second-largest city in Kanton by population, with roughly 1.2 million residents. It is the capital city of Shinkō Prefecture. Situated on Shindai Bay, it is a major commercial hub of the prefecture and has seen rapid expansion over the years since the 1960s. Meikai developed considerably to become one of Kanton's most populous coastal cities and is known today as one of the major national ports.

The original name **Meikai** [红凯], given to the area over 500 years ago, translates to 'brilliant victory'. In 1178 the Shin clan sought to take control of the bay as their last and greatest conquest, and engaged in battle with the powerful Hatsu clan, who were eventually defeated the following year. The name of the city was changed to the homophonic **Meikai** [沒界] in 1589, with characters meaning 'day' and 'life' respectively.

## History

Meikai began as a small fishing village, although its exact founders and time of establishment are unknown. Although there was farming activity present in the late 8th century, it is clear from archaeological records that the early inhabitants were more concerned with fishing.

For almost five hundred years, until the late 12th century, the Hatsu clan ruled the town and controlled nearby Kame Harbour, which would become modern-day Meikai Harbour in Shindai Bay. During this period, Meikai grew quite rapidly as the population boomed. However, by the late 12th century, the powerful Shin family were determined to gain control of Meikai and its harbour, and their desire to conquer the area resulted in the Battle of Meikai in 1178. The Shin clan won the battle and took over the city; this marked the beginning of Meikai's transformation into a more prosperous region. The economy became less focused on fishing and instead turned towards trading and the crafting of local specialities such as silk, wax and alcohol. In 1183, Shin no Aruke built Meikai Castle in the modern-day city centre.

In the 1200s Meikai saw a great increase in religious practice, with an influx of monks creating their own district of religion in the city's southern ward. Numerous small temples and shrines began to appear across Meikai. The largest and most splendid of these is the Meikai Golden Temple, in which hundreds of important local figures have been entombed. During the 1300s Meikai became the capital of Kanton and the Imperial Palace was built in the city centre. During this time it became a hub of commercial activity, trade and political intrigue, and was known as Meimon, or 'resplendent capital'.

By the 1500s, Meikai's northern ward had become a fully-fledged port town, and the humble harbour which had existed there began to grow and flourish into an important trading post. Ships coming from other parts of Kanton, particularly the south and west, often frequented the harbour and brought imported goods to trade; in return, local merchants began selling their own goods which was a great boost to Meikai's economy.

### 21st century

In 1907, Antan University was founded in Meikai's western ward, offering higher education for the masses. Although beginning as a small and underfunded institution, it is now one of the most respected and prestigious universities in Kanton.

In 1923, Meikai absorbed three neighbouring towns into its southern circuit. Soon the remnants of these settlements devolved into a slum area, with overcrowded housing, squalid conditions and general poverty. In 1998, successful efforts were made to transform the area and make it habitable once more; it is no longer considered a slum, although it is still the poorest area of the city.

In June 1929, Meikai suffered from the damage caused by the North Coastal earthquake and subsequent tsunami which devastated its northern coastal ward and caused widespread flooding. Many buildings and infrastructure collapsed or were heavily damaged, and subsequent fires burned the rubble along with anything else left standing. Overall, the disaster took over 1,000 lives and had a hugely detrimental impact on the city; some sections of Meikai Harbour had to be completely reconstructed.

In 1945, Meikai began its large-scale manufacture of seafood, which was a big leap for the economy and brought much prosperity to the region. In the mid-1950s, hundreds of canning factories were built around the city in designated 'industry pits', bringing a new era of wealth and employment to the town. Unfortunately many of them would be closed around twenty years later due to health and safety risks.

In 1934, the Emperor's Glasshouse was built in Hongkai's eastern ward under commission of Emperor Ryohan.

In 1957 Meikai's second university, Meikai Institute of Arts and Technology, was established due to a growing demand for higher creative education.

In 1977, Meikai became the seat of Shinkō Prefectural Government. In the same year, the city underwent a period of great restructure and repair. Almost half of the entire city area was completely renovated, with hundreds of old buildings demolished or fixed up. The infrastructure, which had been shaky previously, was reworked with great success.

In 1989, Meikai City Government helped to fund the building of the Seikata Ski Resort on the slopes of Mount Seikata.

## Geography

### Climate

Meikai has a generally cool climate, with mild summers and snowy winters. Actually it is quite rare for any city to have such heavy snowfall during winter; Meikai often has over 6 ft of it every year. Summertime is warm but not humid, while winters can reach sub-zero temperatures. June is the rainy season, as it is for most of the north coast.

## Economy

The tertiary sector dominates most of Meikai's economy. Major industries include retail, tourism and white-collar office work. Meikai is also known for its excellent seafood, which is routinely exported both nationally and globally; some of Kanton's most iconic seafood dishes originated in the Meikai area.

Tourism is an additional part of Meikai's economy - because of its rich cultural history, foreigners and Kantonese alike are fascinated by the city.

## Culture and entertainment

### Places of interest

* The Old Factories - a tour featuring some of the now-abandoned canning factories on the outskirts of Meikai's eastern ward, built in the 1950s and preserved as buildings of historical and cultural interest.
* Meikai Fishing Museum - a museum dedicated to documenting Meikai growth from its humble beginnings, filled with interesting relics.
* Meikai Golden Temple - the most iconic of Meikai many temples. Named for its unique golden highlights, the temple is famous for holding the tomb of Emperor Usan, who was crowned in Meikai in the 15th century. Interesting religious artifacts are also held there, along with the tombs of other ancient rulers.
* The Lantern Market - a night-market held every two weeks in the western ward, lit solely by colourful paper lanterns. Streetlights are turned off especially for the event. Hundreds of stalls are set up, selling traditional crafts, street-foods and souvenirs.
* Meikai Traditional Bathhouse - a bathhouse preserved from the 1600s. With a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere, it is a popular destination for tourists.

### Parks and gardens

* Endan Park
* Emperor's Glasshouse
* Sunshine Park
* Golden Temple Gardens
* Meikai Botanical Gardens
* Meiryo Park

## Cuisine

Meikai is famous for its wide range of seafood delicacies, many of which have become national dishes. Some of the most well-known ingredients include:

* Octopus
* Crab
* Lobster
* Oysters
* Rainbow trout
* Sea urchin

Meikai's southern ward is home to a number of tea breweries. Some breweries will offer guided meditation or yoga in accompaniment to the drink for an extra charge. Chadan Ward, also known as the Tea District, is notoriously filled with hundreds of tea shops selling all kinds of beverages.