Minami

**Minami** [糸无果 みなみ] is the prefectural capital and most populous city of Kōfu Prefecture. As of 2022, it had a population of around 1.6 million, and is one of the largest cities in the Honzura region. Due to its location within the Greater Kaimon Area, many residents of Minami commute south to the capital for work.

Minami has an ancient history stretching back far into the ancient era, before the Chisō period. The name of the city is currently spelled using *manrō* characters (that is, characters chosen for their sound rather than meaning); its moniker originally meant 'south of the river' in the old Eiita dialect. The area of Minami was the seat of the Sadawa clan up until the early 15th century, and the location of the grand Minami Castle. After the Battle of Eiita in 1421, the Eiita clan gained control of the region, and the castle was transferred to the ownership of the clan's most powerful vassals, the Yoran, as reward for their role during the Battle of Eiita.

For centuries Minami has been a centre of trade, farming and culture. The city is known particularly for its temples, historical landmarks, teahouses, and multiple *furumachi* or 'old towns', which are districts of the city preserved from the late 17th century. Its development as a commercial hub was partly due to its location on the Hongiryō highway, one of the busiest in Kanton, which made the city one of the major *koman* of the Honzura region from the 15th century onwards. Minami was favoured by wealthy merchants as a place in which to buy their second homes and holiday during the latter half of the year. From the late 1700s onwards, Minami also became famous for its red-light district, Takurayagi, which at its height was popular enough to rival the Kabanko.

## Geography

Minami is located on the Eiho Plain, a large flat swathe of arable grassland which has lent itself to agriculture for centuries. The Hyōzu River, one of the major waterways in northern Kanton, crosses through the city's western ward and was historically an important transport route; the famous Minami Bridge crosses it. The Maiko and Ishidari Rivers run through the north of the city. In the very centre of Minami lies Lake Eiya, which is one of the few 'urban lakes' in Kanton and is part of Minami Park, the largest green space in Honzura.

Minami is known for being fairly warm and dry all throughout the year, with snowfall being often very light in winter. The mildness of the climate has allowed the city to flourish as a summer holiday hotspot for visitors from further north.

## Economy

Minami's economy is principally constituted by commercial business. The city is a commercial centre for the Honzura and Honzuranō regions, and is also home to various manufacturers, exporting automotive, food, pharmaceutical and chemical products. The south of the city is agriculturally-oriented and is known for producing high-quality tea and rice. Tourism is another large sector of Minami's economy, as it is one of the most-visited cities in the Honzura region, coming only after Daimi and Anzaki. The brewing of *giri* is also a considerable contributor.

## Education

### Universities

* Honzura University - Minami campus
* Omiya University - Minami campus
* Kōfu University
* Minami University
* Kōfu Medical University
* Minami Dental College
* Taishō University of the Arts
* University of the Arts and Sciences
* Midai College
* Minami Law School

## Local attractions

* Minami Castle
* Old Takurayagi district
* *Furumachi*
* Minami Park
* Lake Eiya
* Minami Temple
* Midai Temple
* Hyōzu Temple
* Taisei Wetlands
* Minami Canals
* Betsuma Park
* Minami Ice Sculpture Festival