recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Takemugi

**Takemugi** [竹港; たけむぎ / Sunpaku: あけんなお] is a city located on the island of Dainan in Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, the city had a population of roughly 112,000.

Takemugi was the original capital of the Summui Kingdom for several centuries and was much larger than it is now, taking up the majority of the southern coast of Dainan. However, it was supplanted by Nasamazu in the late 14th or early 15th century. 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.

## Economy

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

## Local attractions

Takemugishi Beach is considered one of the most picturesque beaches on Dainan, and even the sights of the abandoned Takemugi Harbour are rather scenic. In the inner city, there are many specialty seafood restaurants which offer regional cuisine to tourists, and Takemugi Central Park is a well-tended and peaceful green space in the city centre.
Bitoku

**Bitoku** [びとく / Sunpaku: びとく] is a city located on Shinan in Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, it had an estimated population of around 11,000, making it the smallest city in the prefecture by population.

Bitoku is one of the four settlements on the island of Shinan, and is known as a port city, with its economy focused on fishing and the harvesting of marine products. Bitoku is one of the leading producers of seaweed in northern Kanton, along with sea grapes, which are very rarely found in any other area around the Kantonese coast. Tofu, which is thought to have been originally imported from China, is also made in Bitoku.
Hosaka Temple

**Hosaka Temple** [映坂方; ほさかほら] is a temple located in Saibun, Shinkō Prefecture. It is one of the oldest temples in the prefecture, constructed in the early 1300s, and is situated in the city centre in the surrounding grounds, known as the Hosaka Gardens.

Since its foundation, the temple's buildings have often been damaged either by earthquake tremours or fire, and have been reconstructed on every occasion. It houses a statue of Nobaome, a local deity who is thought to have watched over the bay of Naraguchi.
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 [碧岩れぞと] 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.
Inōtō and Iyane

**Inōtō and Iyane** [居男; いのうとう / 居女; いやね] were the first humans, descended from the gods Ōekami and Ōukami, who inhabited the island of Kanton and were the founders of the Imperial House of Kanton. Descended from the sun goddess Kasshingami, they are considered to be more human than deity, but still carry some kami blood. However, they are not worshipped as gods in Kiren tradition.

Inōtō, the first man, procreated with his sister-wife Iyane after it was decreed by Kasshingami that they should populate the Earth. After their first sexual union, Iyane gave birth to two undesirable children - known later as the evil deity Azuya and the fire god Hiyakami - the reason being that they had not practiced the correct ritual. Varying versions of this ritual have been recorded; the standard version as described by the Book of Ōhaki says that after sex, Iyane was the first to speak, which was considered improper and soured the process of insemination. This was the foundation of the Kiren belief that certain rituals are necessary in order to keep a balance, as this mistake made by Iyane resulted in the creation of Azuya, the god of discord, misfortune and evil.

During their second sexual union the half-god Shūshō was conceived. Although not considered a *kami* in the traditional sense, his distant relation to the *shinogami* in heaven gave him some celestial power. He was incredibly intelligent, and was known as the god of wisdom, order and harmony. Shūshō later became the ancestor of the Imperial House from which all Kantonese Emperors are allegedly descended.
Shinan

**Shinan** [少洒; しなん] is the second-smallest island in the Zōku region of Kanton, also known as Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 74,000. It is home to the cities of Handai, Shishie, and Bitoku, along with the town of Kanzori.

## Geography

Shinan is around a quarter of the size of Dainan, the largest island in the Zōku archipelaego, yet nearly double the size of Kagenan, which is the smallest. There is a large pine forest plantation located in the centre of the island which takes up around 25% of the total area.

Shinan does not have an airstrip, and most visitors — over 190,000 in 2015 — arrive from Nasamazu or Kannan by ferry, taking passengers to either Handai Port (半代党) on Shinan's east coast, or Shishie Port [ししえ党] in the south. Infrastructure is limited to a single coastal road connecting the main four settlements on the island.

## Economy

The island had sparse settlements of fishermen and rice growers on the coastal areas, but it never had a large population until the Shinan Coal Mine opened in 1889. It operated until 1961 and caused Shinan to undergo something of a population boom. Nowadays, however, the population is in decline as younger people are more inclined to go to the mainland for work and education. Tourism is also a large part of Shinan's economy, as is fishing.
Mount Ōsan

**Mount Ōsan** [尬山; おうさん] is a mountain located in the Tsuba mountain range in northern Kanton. It has a height of around 2,896 feet, and is the third-tallest peak in the range. It is situated within the bounds of Yukimawa village in Heisai Prefecture. Mount Ōsan is also the source of the Sansha River.
Motoyama Forest

**Motoyama Forest** [鷲山森; もとやまそり] is a forest located on the north-western slopes of the Motoyama Hills in Shinkō Prefecture. It is one of the few completely naturally-formed forests remaining in Kanton. Due to its location on the mountainsides, Motoyama Forest remains largely undisturbed by people. Hill-walkers and climbers, however, enjoy exploring the woodlands and camping amongst the undergrowth.

The Motoyama woodland is formed on rocky ground, with high slopes and cliff-edges, and an abundance of stony outcrops and thicket bushes. As it was very difficult to develop the area for agriculture, and the steep terrain made logging impossible, the forest remained untouched even into the twentieth century. The forest is deciduous, temperate, and includes many types of tree such as beech, hazel, oak, and birch. There are several endemic species within the forest, some of which are considered endangered or threatened.
Mudoko

**Mudoko** [墓泍; むどこ / Sunpaku: むどこ] is a city located on Dainan in Zōhai Prefecture. As of 2020, it had an estimated population of around 23,000.

Mudoko is often said to be one of the oldest settlements of the Zōku islands. It is well known for its specialty textile, *mudoko-sōfu*, which is a type of tweed which is similar to *dainan-sōfu*. The town is also known for its *nōzan* (potato liquor) and its sheep farms.
Mount Hayama

**Mount Hayama** [坤山; はやま] is a dormant volcanic mountain situated in the Ikumo mountain range in north Kanton. It has an elevation of 940 metres. The mountain has only erupted twice in recorded history, although both eruptions were quite disastrous, resulting in tremours, rockfalls, landslides and large amounts of pyroclastic smoke.

The summit of Hayama is very heavily vegetated, with ancient yew, pine, azalea, rhododendron and hibiscus plants growing in abundance. Perhaps the most notable feature that hikers encounter while exploring the mountain is the Hayama Waterfall, hidden in the folds of the rocky southern face.
Obokami Temple

**Obokami Temple** [覚神方; おぼかみほら] is a temple located in the city of Onsan, in Shinkō Prefecture. The temple's name literally means 'remembrance of the spirits'; it is the oldest and largest of Onsan's five main temples, and receives the most visitors, with over 1.3 million in 2017. Obokami Temple was built in 1370, soon after the construction of Uema Temple, which stands in Onsan's eastern ward. The two temples are considered to be 'husband and wife' in local belief, with Obokami taking the masculine role and Uema the feminine. Accordingly, Obokami's interior is decorated with traditionally masculine colours, such as black, red, and gold. Perhaps the most famous enshrinement is that of Chūzuri, the god of the harvest.

In the worship hall, visitors can find ten different shrines, each dedicated to a separate male deity. Obokami Temple is one of the only in north Kanton to encourage visitors to take part in religious ceremony. After they have explored the temple and its grounds, visitors can join a meditation group led by a monk, and chant ancient mantras asking for good fortune, good health and peace. Refreshments are also offered; traditional fritters known as *bashi* along with different types of tea.
Mikei dialect

The **Mikei dialect** [免容丞言; みけい じょうげん], along with the Shinzōku dialect, is one of the common dialects of Kantonese and is in fact the 4th most often-spoken in Kanton. It has a number of varieties which have formed in both rural and urban areas of the prefecture. 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. There are a lot of similarities between Mikei and Shinzōku. Over recent years, the two have intermingled considerably and produced a lesser dialect, known as Mishin-jōgen, which is mostly spoken on the prefectural border with Shinkō.

## 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

## Mishin dialect

The Mishin dialect [免行丞言] is a dialect spoken primarily on the border between Mikei Prefecture and Shinkō Prefecture. It can be described as a mixture of the eastern Mikei dialect and the western Shinzōku dialect. Over a period of around 50 years, this vernacular has grown from having only a few hundred speakers to over 5,000. This is mostly attributed to the growth of Mikei's eastern cities, such as --- and ---, which are experiencing rapid population growth.
Valhallian the Black Iron Wiki

**Welcome to Valhallian the Black Iron Wiki**

Manga • Characters • Recent Changes • New Pages • Help Wiki

Welcome to the **Valhallian the Black Iron Wiki**, a Wiki dedicated to everything about the manga series Valhallian the Black Iron / Kurogane no Valhallian that anyone can edit. Please help us by creating or editing any of our articles!

We currently have **251** edits to **22 articles** and **56 images** on this wiki.

**General Synopsis :** Tetsujiro Souma, a Kamakura samurai warrior after his successful heroic acts against the Mongol Invasion using his family's ancient sword style ,faces famine and injustice from his people.Suddenly he wakes up to finds himself in the land of the legends (Valhalla : norse mythology) for what is expected to be an epic action packed adventure to find his way home and join back again with his beloved son

**Introduction**

Tetsujiro Soma, a Kamakura warrior who survived the Genko invasion, finds himself in an unfamiliar place.

The girl who brought him here, Frist, tells him that this is Valhalla, a place where the souls of dead warriors gather... Tetsujiro is thrown into the Shura Hall of Norse mythology, and has to fight "dead warriors" from various eras in order to come back to life!

This is the start of a sword fighting action series!

*Need help building out this community?*

* Rules of this wiki
* Getting Started
* How to Contribute
* Managing your new community
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* All Help articles

You can also be part of the larger Fandom family of communities. Visit Fandom's Community Central!

*Community Founders*: Write a good and paragraph-length description for your welcome section about your topic. Let your readers know what your topic is about and add some general information about it. Then you should visit the admin dashboard for more tips.
Saichi Hills

The **Saichi Hills** [筌欠彭; さいち・はら] are a formation of minor mountains and hills running north to south through the centre of Ganyama Prefecture. They essentially divide the prefecture in half, although they can be crossed at their lowest point by the Saichi Pass. The pass crosses from the village of Shiya into the city of Ōran.

There are a number of large hills which make up the Saichi chain:

* Mount Saichi (712m), located in eastern Ōran
* Mount Yukihana (670m), located in southern Ōran
* Mount Fuya (645m), located in Kangiku
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.
Kiman

**Kiman** [南达; きまん] is a city located in Shinkō Prefecture. As of 2020, it has an estimated population of around 86,000.

Kiman began primarily as a trading town, inhabited mostly by merchants and their families, in the 14th century. It was originally adjoined to the city of Kitsuhara on the Keigan Peninsula. It is a relatively new settlement compared to most Shinkō cities and towns, and was established by the Shin clan near the end of their government. The area of modern-day Kiman was owned by the Fukui clan before the Shin conquest. Much of its poorer population worked as fisherfolk or field labourers, and there was a distinct divide between the upper-class merchant families and the lower workers. By the 1700s, however, many of the merchant class had moved to the expanding cities of Hisama or Kitsuhara.

## Economy

The economy of Kiman today is industrial, with automotive parts and automotive electronics manufacturing predominating. Risama Corporation, a machine tool manufacturer, has its head office and factory in Kiman. The city has numerous road and rail connections to downtown Kitsuhara and Hisama, and is increasingly becoming a commuter town. In fact, it was estimated in 2011 that over 50% of the working populace were employed in areas outside Kiman.

## Geography

Kiman sits on the very tip of the Keigan Peninsula, and has often suffered damage from minor tsunamis, floods, and storms. Despite this, it remains a fairly peaceful and undisturbed city, detached and isolated from the rest of the prefecture. Interestingly, Kiman has one of the lowest crime rates in Shinkō.

## Local attractions

Kiman's northern coastal outskirts are famous for their myriad, picturesque beaches. The Toriyō Cliffs are perhaps the most well-known and popular destination, especially in the autumn, when they have an interestingly eerie and misty atmosphere.

In terms of inner-city attractions, the Central Kiman Arthouse is a traditional theatre/playhouse which has been in use since 1507. It is known for hosting historical dramas. There are also numerous parks to visit.
Donmi

**Donmi** [湛妃; どんみ] is the name for traditional wigs or hairpieces worn by either men or women. Historically, *donmi* were only affordable to those of high social standing, and were expensive accessories reserved for ceremonies and parties. They were traditionally decorated with silk ties, bejeweled hairpins made of gold or silver, and artificial flowers. Nowadays, cheap *donmi* made with synthetic materials can be bought quite easily.

*Donmi* styles throughout history were many and varied, although usually differed for men and women.

## History

### Nittori period [1000-1300 AD]

The early Nittori period saw the beginning of wig-making, and hairpieces were often relatively simplistic, decorated sparsely, yet noticeable enough to signify wealth and social status. Worn by the noble families of powerful clans, *donmi* symbolised power and a high reputation. Men often wore a type called *tsugan-gata*, where two pieces of hair were wrapped around large combs and extended horizontally to follow the line of their shoulders. Additionally, a large bun would be added to the crown of the head; accessories would cluster around it. Women wore a similar style, although the bun atop the wig would usually be smaller.

### Kenrei period [1300-1424 AD]

The Kenrei period saw the refinement of wig-making, and thus many different styles of *donmi* began to spring up, often suited for various occasions, whether the wearer was attending a frivolous party or a sombre funeral. The most popular style for men was called *honbaran*, a large circular headpiece which was considered quite informal and lacked much decoration. Women's styles turned towards pleating and braids, with a large amount of braids signifying lots of effort and money put into the *donmi*. Styles of wigs designed for use by priests became popular near the end of the 1300s, and remained in common use until the 17th century.
Senbi

**Senbi** [利种; せんび] is a city located in far western Kawara Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 87,000. Despite its high population, it is one of the fastest declining cities in the prefecture.

Senbi is known for its production of pears, rice, potatoes, and green tea, the latter of which is one of the city's specialities and biggest export. The city also has a small fishing industry, which mainly exports tuna, bonito, lobster and squid. It overlooks Samu Bay.

In terms of local attractions, Senbi is one of the many cities in Kawara to host *hinamachi* festivals in spring. During this time, the city's magnolia trees are strung with paper lanterns and illuminated for evening viewing. Mount Iwaba, which stands in the city's southern ward, is a popular destination for hikers and campers, and each year the Iwabayama Festival is held on its slopes.
Mount Ki

**Mount Ki** [南山; き・さん] is a mountain located in south-eastern Kawara Prefecture. It is the largest peak in the Kawara Hills at an estimated elevation of 2,520 feet.

Mount Ki is known for its characteristic flat plateau top, which has earned it the local nickname of Rinyama ['tray mountain']. It has many popular and low-effort hiking trails.
Futsukana

**Futsukana** [先笹; ふつかな] is the second-largest city in Shinkō Prefecture, with a population of 550,000. The city's name, meaning 'old plateau', is one of the only settlement names in Shinkō to remain unchanged throughout its history.

The area of modern Futsukana has been settled since ancient times, and a large amount of artifacts from the Kantonese Paleolithic period have been discovered. It was home to the Hatsu clan, who also governed the Meikai region. They were defeated in 1162 by the Shin, who captured the region during their conquest of the prefecture.

Situated on the lowermost slopes of Mount Taba, on the northern reaches of the Ikumo Mountains, Futsukana has historically been a mining settlement which relied on the coal found in the nearby quarries. Throughout the 1200s the town quickly grew in population due to its rich natural resources and steady economy. Along with numerous coal mines, Futsukana was also home to three large granite quarries, none of which are in use now.

## Economy

In terms of economy and geography such as railroads and roads, Futsukana has stronger ties with Meikai than other cities in the prefecture, especially with the southern ward, which touches the city's borders. However, due to the successive withdrawal of large factories in the city, the aspect of Futsukana as a commuter town has become stronger, and the percentage of commuters travelling to work and school in Meikai in 2015 was 24.6%.

The successful and multinational IT services provider Hanbare has their main branch and headquarters in Futsukana. Futsukana has several factories and development bases belonging to companies of heavy industry (e.g. Kanton Oil Corporation) and high technology (Hanbare, KEC Corporation, and Dell Kanton).

## Geography

Lake Futsūme lies around 25 miles from Futsukana, in a corrie located near the peak of Mount Taba. The Kizō River, the source of which lies in Mount Taba, flows through the centre of the city. Futsukana lies on the border with --- Prefecture, and has historically been an important rest-stop for cross-county travellers. The Ōgi Pass, which runs along the Ikumo range, starts in Futsukana's southern ward.

## Local attractions

* Futsukana Prefectural Park
* Futsukana Mining Museum
* Kaganetsu Temple
* Futsukana Shrine Park
* East Futsukana Museum of Modern Art
Ansai

**Ansai** [淤羞; あんさい] are offerings of food laid out at Kiren temples in Kanton. They are also known by a variety of dialectal and regional names, such as *jūsho*, *kansho*, *kansai*, *shoi*, and more.

Many traditional festivals and ceremonies involve the offering of food, particularly of the expensive or well-made variety, to the altars of temples or shrines. Although temples would often receive more significant edible offerings, many customarily leave small vegetable fritters known as *bashi* at shrines around their local area.

Food offered up could range from rice, seafood, herbs or seasonings such as mint and ginger, local specialities, seasonal foods, or sweetmeats. Once all of the offerings had been gathered up at the end of a festival, a large feast was traditionally held, during which everyone in a village would eat the blessed food together and give thanks to the gods. This would reinforce the bond between humans and spirits, and gain the gods' favour and protection. This event was known as *tamashiru*, and still continues today in some parts of Kanton.
Kizō River

The **Kizō River** [南沿免; きぞうみ] is a river which flows from Mount Taba northwards through the city of Futsukana.

Historically, the river was used for fishing, and in the south-western towns of Shinkō Prefecture the Kizō provided an abundance of freshwater fish. However, some decades ago the populations of trout, sweetfish and salmon began to deplete rapidly. Nowadays, the Kizō river is used primarily for transport and leisure; houseboats can be hired on its waters.
Tansai

**Tansai** [汝筌; たんさい] is a city located in southern Ganyama Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 17,000.

Tansai is located in a valley-like region between the southern beginnings of the Saichi Hills and the foothills of the Ganyama range. Much of the city itself is within the borders of the Ganki National Park. Due to its inland location, the city is known for its heavy snowfall in winter. It is also known for its wild deer population and Tansai Central Park, in which ornamental deer are kept. Around the city boundaries, the land is heavily forested and hilly.

The economy of Tansai is based on agriculture, forestry and seasonal tourism. The city's deer park is particularly popular with visitors. The Tansai Campgrounds are also perfect for hikers who are exploring the surrounding Gannan region.
Chissaro

A ***chissaro*** [芻帯; ちっさろ] is a traditional Kantonese garment, best described as a raincoat made from straw. Traditional *chissaro* only cover the back and arms of the wearer, although versions which shield both one's front and back do exist.

Most varieties of straw have water repellent properties. Raindrops striking a mat of straw will tend to flow along the fibers of the mat, rather than penetrate underneath it. For this reason, traditional Kantonese rain gear was often made of straw, which has the added benefits of being cheap to acquire, easy to weave and fasten, and light in weight. It is, however, bulky in size, and highly flammable. In earlier eras, straw clothing had an additional advantage: it afforded a significant degree of camouflage in certain terrain, particularly forests, meadows and wetlands, similar to modern ghillie suits.

As synthetic fibers and later plastics were introduced to Kanton, *chissaro* lost much of their practicality and fell out of use. Today, however, they are still worn as costumes in various traditional folk traditions and festivals, such as the New Year celebration Nonori-Kōki, where men dress as the demonic beings *nonori* wearing masks and straw mantles.
Omiinegami

**Omiinegami** [淤稲神; おみいねがみ] is the Kiren goddess of fertility, rice, prosperity, success, agriculture and industry. In ancient times this deity was seen as androgynous, but by the 1100s was considered to be a female *kami*. One of the oldest and most archetypal gods in the Kiren faith, Omiinegami has hundreds of different names and possibly the largest amount of enshrinements across the country, with over one-third being dedicated to her name. Archaeological findings suggest that she has been worshipped since the 7th century.

By the 16th century, Omiinegami was viewed less as a god of rice-growing and agriculture, and more as a symbol of prosperity and success in business. This reflected the changes of society during this time, and coincided with the rise of the merchant class. Some modern companies, such as the famous alcohol producer Yamaneko, continue to revere Omiinegami as a patron god, with shrines atop their corporate headquarters.

According to ancient myths, the goddess Omiinegami was said to have come to Heibaku soon after its creation amidst a harsh famine that had struck the land. As quoted from the Kanna Daiki:

> She descended riding on the back of a great white owl, and in one hand carried sheaves of grain, *ine*, which are now known as rice plants. As she flew, the Omiinegami scattered these grains across the land and they dispersed to the wind, eventually planting themselves with celestial power and growing to great luscious heights. Thus the Omiinegami saved the people from their starvation and ascended back to the Celestial Realm.
>
>

In sculptures, paintings, woodblocks and most other depictions predating the 1500s, Omiinegami is usually portrayed as a plump, beautiful woman with flowing hair and wearing silken robes, sheaves of rice plants held in her right hand. In later depictions, Omiinegami does not carry rice plants but a large sickel, which traditionally symbolising 'reaping the rewards' of successful business. Starting from the late 1700s, Omiinegami was commonly depicted empty-handed, but wearing robes embellished with the character 滾 [*yū*], meaning 'abundance' or 'wealth'.

## Worship

Omiinegami is a popular deity with temples and shrines located throughout most of Kanton. According to a 1978 survey, over 27,000 enshrinements - just less than one third of all enshrinements in Kanton - are dedicated to Omiinegami. Her shrines and temples are often located near to plantations and crop fields for symbolic reasons, and also to bring blessings on the plants growing there.

The Inenari Festival or Koyūshin Festival, traditionally a rice-harvesting festival conducted during the harvest, is celebrated annually in a number of major cities throughout Kanton in late July. Although it has special significance for those living in agriculturally-focused rural areas, it is generally seen as a festival of abundance and revelry, during which families will amuse, pray to and actively worship the three Koyūshin *kami* in hopes of receiving blessings and good luck in the areas of finance, business and general success. The Koyūshin group of gods consists of Omiinegami, Chūzuri, and Miashisama.
Keigan Peninsula

**Keigan Peninsula** [芸阜长; けいがんなぎ] is a small peninsula located in southern Shinkō Prefecture. The area is covered almost entirely by the city of Kitsuhara, although a small portion is shared by Kiman.

The Kitsuhara Lighthouse, built in 1704, stands on the peninsula's furthest reach and has been an important historical monument, guiding trade and cargo ships from Kanton's east coast towards the commercial hub of Kitsuhara.
Nonori

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 Ganyama and Heisai prefectures. Rituals, commonly known as *nonori-kōki* or '*nonori* 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.
Aohon River

The **Aohon River** [碧坎免; あおほん・み] is a river which is located in southern Aoma Prefecture. It is the longest river in the prefecture, and flows from Lake Yuki in the Migai Hills southwards towards the city of Aoma.

As the longest and largest river in the prefecture, the Aohon provides a source of fresh water and irrigation for the city of Kitari along with northern Aoma.
Shinku

**Shinku** [啸昆; しんく] 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 *shinku*: 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, *shinku* are now seen mostly as places of relaxation and leisure.

Now that almost all Kantonese households have their own baths, *shinku* 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 *shinku* to acknowledge its cultural value and historical importance, and experience the unique feeling of bathing with strangers. Other people simply visit *shinku* for their spaciousness and cleanliness, particularly those who live in shared accommodation fitted only with a shower.

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

## Features

There are many different looks, often related to region, which a Kantonese *shinku* 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 *shinku* 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.
Mount Kanbara

**Mount Kanbara** [完彭山; かんばらさん] is a mountain located in the Motoyama Hills in northern Kanton. It is the smallest mountain in the range, with an elevation of 640 metres.

Mount Kanbara, much like its neighbour Mount Motome, has long been viewed as a place of spiritual and religious significance. On the east foot of the mountain, Kanbara Temple has been in existence since the 10th century. The mountain and collection of small shrines near the summit were traditionally celebrated as national scenery and included in well-known artworks, such as the 17th century painting 'Spring Mist of Kanbara'.

The walk up to the mountain temple is picturesque and the stairway itself has been in use for over 600 years, though repaired many times.
Kusake

**Kusake** [華耏; くさけ] is a city located on the northern coast of Heisai Prefecture. As of 2020, it had a population of around 15,000.

Kusake is known for being the historical site of the Battle of JIan Village, during which native Summui soldiers cornered and slaughtered many Kantonese men on Jian Beach, forcing the survivors to surrender and flee. To this day, the city has a heavy Summui influence, with its architecture and cultural properties sharing similarities to those on the Zōhai islands.

Kusake is also known for its scenic coastal spots, particularly the aforementioned Jian Beach, and its natural hot springs [*fukko* in the local dialect], of which several are operated by municipality. Many traditional inns [*yoto*] also operate near these areas, usually with their own private hot spring facilities. Kusake is recognised across the north of Kanton as being one of the most inexpensive and beautiful places to holiday in a traditional *yoto*, and these inns can attract many visitors especially in winter.

Kusake's economy relies mostly on rice and potato farming, along with the cultivation of herbs and tea plants. It does not have a fishing industry, mostly because its shores are bordered by hills and cliffs and there are few beaches.
Lake Hagiyami

**Lake Hagiyami** [芦弹匆; はぎやみく] is a crater lake on the peak of Mount Senyu, lying in the wide crater which stretches along the northern side. The lake itself was formed around 3,000 years ago after a powerful eruption from the volcano, which now lies dormant.

Most visitors to Lake Hagiyami stay in local hotels or inns in the northern ward of Saibun. However, there is also a campsite located near the peak of the mountain, and very close to the lake. A hike up the most lenient slope of Mount Senyu from the outskirts of Kojidame takes a little over four hours; however, a shorter trip on an aerial tram allows for a more comfortable ascent with stunning views over the mountain. Senyu Temple is located quite close to the lake, around half way up the mountain on a jutting plateau.
Suijin

**Suijin** [水続; すいじん] is one of the Kantonese sea gods and a patron spirit of fishermen, sailors and seafarers. Taking the form of a huge octopus [comparable to a kraken], Suijin also has the ability to appear as a beautiful yet rugged human man. Many believed that Suijin had one of the most varied personalities of all the Kiren gods, often displaying a wide range of emotions which could be observed through watching the ocean. A stormy sea implied anger or wrath in Suijin, and people would often go to pray and appease him if this was the case. On the contrary, a calm and flat sea represented Suijin's placidity and contentment. He is also thought to be able to harness and bring rain, wind, mist, and thunder. His thousands of long, articulate tentacles are what control the tides, and pull the ocean back and forth.

In some depictions Suijin is not shown to be a octopus, but rather a sea eagle, shark, or jellyfish. Some sects believe he can shapeshift into any sea creature at will. He is considered a fundamentally benevolent god who can become quickly angered if not shown proper respect, which is the cause of great storms and terrible weather. Generally he is believed to be a patron spirit of all those who work or find their livelihood on the sea, and as Kanton is a nation dependent on the ocean, he is also known as Kanyōshin, the 'god who watches over Kanton'. According to the Book of Ōhaki, Suijin resides in a huge coral palace beneath the waves. Sea turtles, fish, jellyfish, and other sea creatures are often seen as Suijin's servants.

## Worship

Suijin is believed to be the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers. His main purpose is to control the movement of the tides and keep the ocean at a balance. Some legends says that when Suijin causes sea storms, he is angered by the over-fishing of humans and is trying to make them stop. Others state that Suijin is a particularly jealous deity who is resentful if other gods get more attention than him, and will therefore cause wild weather. Either way, the Kantonese have always tried to worship and placate Suijin with particular attention in order to keep this from happening and protect their fishermen.

Suijin has shrines and temples all across Kanton, especially in rural areas where fishing and rains for agriculture are important for local communities. His most-visited site is the Daipō Suijin Temple in southern Tōkoro Prefecture, a temple in which he is enshrined.
Inewa Castle

**Inewa Castle** [稲岩莽; いねわ・がり] is a 15th-century castle located in the city of Inewa, Heisai Prefecture. During its lifetime, it was known as Komigaku, and served as the stronghold of the Komi clan during their conquest of the northern coast of the province. The original site was abandoned in the 1600s and became extremely delapidated, but underwent extensive reconstruction in the 1980s and is now open to tourists.

The castle features a large dry moat, twin watchtowers and a belltower, as well as what was once a large storage basement and servants' living quarters. It has two gates, the larger being for nobles and guests, and the humbler one being for workers. Inewa Castle was almost entirely made of stone, as wood was very expensive for the region at the time, and had only a small number of defensive protections.
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 Obokami Temple in the city of Onsan, Shinkō 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.
Ikumo Mountains

The **Ikumo Mountains** (阳儚山來; いくもさんこ) make up a mountain range which runs in a north-facing direction, overlapping three prefectures, and located in northern Kanton. The mountains are culturally significant to Kanton and have been depicted many times in historical artworks. The majority of the Ikumo range lies over --- Prefecture.

The landscape of the Ikumo Mountains consists of rivers, streams, forests, mountains, valleys, and ridges. Like much of Kanton, the moist climate allows for lush vegetation which offers habitats for a variety of wildlife.

The forestry is mixed and consisting of nearly half of the trees coniferous and the other half deciduous. Trees including cedar, oak, ash and pine are mainly seen in the lower altitudes near the valleys. Maple and beech are more common in the higher altitudes. Flowers can be found throughout the year, such as rhododendron.

The area is populated with deer, raccoon dogs, flying squirrels and mountain goats. There is also the Asiatic black bear which can be found throughout the mountains.

In popular north Kanton folklore, it is said that the legendary warrior Yōfu disappeared into the peaks of the Ikumo Mountains once he learned the secret to immortality.

## Mountains

* Mount Taba [1,350m]
* Mount Kumogi [1,200m]
* Mount Hayama [940m]
* Mount Sōun [700m]
* Mount Taitan [670m]
Takurako River

The **Takurako River** [企子免; たくらこ・み] is a river located in western Kawara Prefecture. It is the second-longest waterway in the region, surpassed only by the Takura River. It has many tributaries, the largest being Nozoki River.

The Takurako flows in a winding easterly direction from the foothills of Mount Hiki before joining with the Takura just outside the city of Kendo. At its midway point, it traverses the Mizō Hills, passing through many rocky valleys and gorges. The Doku Falls, located on Mount Doku, are a creation of the Takurako and a popular tourist spot. The Takurako itself is often used for whitewater rafting, angling, and canoeing.

In 2017 construction of the Takurako Dam began on its lower course. The dam is expected to be complete in mid-2022, its sole purpose being flood control.
Ikanami

**Ikanami** [行身; いかなみ, 660s-750s] was a traveling Kiren priest of the Naro period, born in what is now modern-day Kawara Prefecture. According to one theory, he was of Korean descent. His birth name was Yūmen no Kandō.

Ikanami became a monk at a temple in northern Kawara at 17 and studied under multiple priests during his time there. In 704 he returned to his birthplace to convert his home into a shrine, then started to travel around Kanton to preach to commoners and help the poor. He formed a volunteer group to help the poor (mainly in the Zōku region), building over 30 hospitals and monasteries in various locations which were intended to act as places of respite for those 'down on their luck'. Ikanami and his followers traversed the countryside, teaching the peasantfolk about Kiren, building temples (his most famous is Jijō Temple in Shinbara), and organising irrigation and other public work projects.

It is thought that Ikanami's temples were less intended to be houses of worship and more like community centres. Uniquely, they were used as shelters and places of retreat for anybody undergoing hardship, where they would be welcomed and taken care of until they were able to leave. Ikanami also built a number of 'aid-stations' throughout the countryside of northern Kanton which functioned as makeshift hospitals for those who fell sick or were injured while hunting or working in the fields.

After his death, Ikanami received a veneration name, meaning 'bringer of light', and his spirit was enshrined in Sōun Temple in 1035. The burial place of his body is unknown, most likely lost in destroyed records.
Azuya

**Azuya** [梓缠; あずや, also known as *Azuyakami*] is the god of misfortune, evil and discord in Kiren. Born from the improper mating ritual conducted by Ōkandō and Ōkanne, he is considered an 'outcast god' or *utakami* who is not deserving of worship or appeasement by humans. His sole intent and purpose is to spread malice, conflict and misery throughout the world. The legend of the birth of Azuya (and to a lesser extent his brother Hiyakami) is widely considered to be a warning against ignoring tradition or ritual.

In Kiren tradition, cremation is partially required in order to make sure that souls are properly purified and thereby safeguarded against possible abduction by Azuya. If Azuya is able to take control of a 'lost soul' that has not undergone purification after death, he will often twist it into an evil spirit which seeks to wreak havoc upon humans.