Mikei Prefecture

**Mikei Prefecture** [免容近; みけい·こん] is a prefecture located in the Honzura region of Kanton. As of 2022, it has a population of around 2 million. Mikei is a mostly inland prefecture, although it does have some access to the coast at Umii Bay.

Omiya is the capital of Mikei, with other major cities including Aogano, Mizakemachi and Mibetsu. The prefecture itself is split roughly in half by the Taiyū Alps, the majority area of which runs through the region. This section of the prefecture is known as the Sansha region, and is sparsely populated; a large part of it is dedicated to the Sansha National Park.

Mikei Prefecture is also home to Kanaha Island, one of the most famous and enduringly popular spots of natural beauty in the country.

## History

In ancient times, Mikei Prefecture was part of Sanzama Province, making up about half of its total area. This region, called Sanzamashi, was governed by the powerful Omiya clan, who were the most influential and largest house in the province. Many other clans and vassals also lived there; each had their own territory, and unlike many other regions during the feudal eras, Mikei saw very little warring between these families. Comparatively, the area was largely peaceful and free of conflict for much of the prefecture's history.

Civil war was uncommon, but territorial disputes with the Daimi of Daimi Province and the Senyama of northern Kantai, especially during the 13th- to 15th centuries, were commonplace. The region of Sanzamashi (modern-day Mikei) mostly saw fighting between Omiya and Daimi forces, such as the Battle of Umii Bay in 1487, during which the Daimi (and their bannermen, the Hasetsu) attempted to take control of the valuable port.

In recent years, Mikei has been suffering from the effects of the 2008 Mikei Earthquake, which triggered a tsunami and caused a huge amount of damage across the prefecture. The earthquake was measured at 7.9, while the tidal wave which followed was an estimated 15 metres tall at its peak. Over 2,000 were injured during the catastrophe, with a further 112 losing their lives.

## Geography

Mikei Prefecture is located facing the east coast of northern Kanton, overlooking the second-largest port in the Honzura region, the Port of Umii. The prefecture's capital is also the second-largest in the region, coming just after Daimi in Hamae Prefecture in population size. Most of Mikei's major cities are located in the Hokuyama Valley, a large plain which takes up the central portion of the prefectural area. Mikei is separated into two main sections by the Taiyū Alps; these sections are known as Yamanokan ('west of the mountains') and Yamanoshi ('east of the mountains'). Yamanokan is by far the most populous.

Kanaha Island, located off the Umii coast, is known as one of the top five scenic views of Kanton, with its rugged yet beautiful mountain landscape and scattered archipaelego formation.

Mikei has two national parks within its borders. The first, Sansha National Park, is located in the Yamanoshi region; the other is called Meisuguchi National Park and is located in the rural, hilly north-west of the prefecture.

### Major rivers and lakes

* Daiyama River
* Ōki River
* Haradate River
* Wa River
* Kyūha River
* Dainoko River
* Torigo River
* Umezō River
* Aohara River
* Shinata River
* Umii River
* Lake Honzu
* Lake Kizu
* Lake Dateyama
* Lake Aohara

### Major mountains

* Taiyū Alps
	+ Mount Mikei (2,100m)
	+ Mount Iroke (1,870m)
	+ Mount Kairyō (1,830m)
	+ Mount Miyaō (1,790m)
	+ Mount Sui (1,750m)
	+ Mount Kusui (1,760m)
	+ Mount Korohara (1,540m)
	+ Mount Kame (1,510m)
	+ Mount Ittani (1,420m)
* Mount Etagaki (1,650m)
* Mount Onihara (1,500m)
* Mount Mizusetsu (1,230m)
* Mount Honzu (1,110m)
* Mount Aohara (1,100m)
* Mount Issan (1,100m)

## Economy

Traditionally Mikei has been a centre of fishing and agriculture, producing a great deal of seafood, rice, grains, tea, and livestock. In modern times, however, industries have changed and the economy is mostly dominated by the manufacturing companies located around Omiya, which focus particularly on electronics, appliances and food processing.

Tourism has also grown as an industry in recent years. Due to the increasing popularity of the hot springs in Mikei's mountainous north and east, the number of domestic visitors has surged. Historical, religious and cultural events, sites and activities are also being promoted by the prefectural government.

## Culture

Mikei Prefecture is the birthplace of *bocchiya -* paper lanterns with smiling girls' faces painted on them. These distinctive lanterns are made and displayed at New Year, and are thought to bring blessings and happiness. In traditional folklore, the light of the lanterns and the joyful expressions of the girls' faces is said to ward off evil spirits and *oijō*.

Mikei's distinct rural character is also reflected in the various festivals and events which are held throughout the prefecture all year round. The Chinka Festival is a winter purification ritual, held just after Christmas to drive away forces of evil before the beginning of the New Year. Around August, harvest festivals are held in major cities, and celebrations of spring, known as *seemaji* in the local dialect, are also popular.

Mikei has a strong hot spring culture which is apparent in the sheer number of resorts which exist in the prefecture.

## Local attractions

Recognised as a cultural hotspot of the Honzura region, with a rich history, surprising amount of still-living traditions, and plenty of natural beauty, Mikei experiences a lot of tourism. Local attractions mostly revolve around the capital Omiya, although if visitors are willing to travel further out, there are also many interesting sights to see in the more rural areas.

Some of the most popular attractions include:

* Kanaha Island (and surrounding islets)
* Omiya Castle
* Issan Hot Spring
* Mount Mikei
* Niraka Hot Spring
* Kurofuge Falls

### Festivals and events

* Chinka Festival
* Omiya Lantern Festival
* Kanaha Port Festival
* Omiya Harvest Parade
* Aogano Great Dance (Ōyoramachi)

## Education

### Universities

* Mikei University
* Mikei University of Education
* Omiya Honba Institute of Technology
* Omiya University
* Dossuyama Nursing College
* Aogano Pharmaceutical College
* Aogano Ato University
* Ōyama Dental College
* Honzura University - Omiya campus