Awaryō

Awaryō (临样; awaryō) is a city located in Tagikan District, Tagi Prefecture. As of 2020, it has an estimated population of around 3.6 million, and is the most heavily-populated settlement in the prefecture.

History
Beginning as a farming township sometime in the 5th century, Awaryō was known as a number of names throughout its early history as its land passed from family to family. For a long time the particularly arable and fertile fields of north Tagi Prefecture was fought over heatedly by warring clans, each desiring control of the land.

Eventually Linyang stayed in the control of the Kazaki clan, who were one of the most powerful families in the prefecture and were descended distantly from the Ikaya of Chiha. It remained in their hands from the end of the Kyo Period right up to the crowning of Emperor Uyama.

After the coronation of Emperor Uyama in 1456, the town of Awaryō passed into the crown's control and was developed for trading meat and various grains such as wheat and barley. It soon grew into a large, wealthy and flourishing community and attracted many newcomers, becoming known as a centre of business and industry for most of the 16-18th centuries. In fact, Awaryō was commonly called Dairōkagi (台廊閌), or the 'city of opportunities'.

Awaryō became one of the first cities in Kanton to grow increasingly technologically advanced. For example, the nation's first daily newspaper, gas-powered street lamps and even the first telephone operation centre were all established in this city. Fast-developing, wealthy and ever-expanding in its physical size, Awaryō gained a reputation as being a place to earn one's fortune and tackle the exciting challenges of 'urban life' in the 18th century.

20th century
The early 20th century was marked by rapid growth of industry. Entrepeneurs built factories throughout Awaryō's southern ward which eventually grew to become the modern-day Kanekin Industrial Area. The growth of industry brought affluence across mid-Kanton, and many wealthy families constructed sprawling residences there. Meanwhile, the rapid influx of population from other parts of the country led to the formation of the notorious slum Kashihō-bun.

In 1909, Awaryō's first power plant was constructed by a Japanese merchant from Yokohama, Shuichi Abe, whose work is commemorated with a bronze statue in the city's western ward.

In 1939, the slum district of Kashihō-bun was cleared up somewhat, and over 5,000 residents were re-located elsewhere across the city. The area still remained dangerous and poverty-stricken, however.

In 1971, the acclaimed rock and roll band Ni Yo Nata (而よ占; Names and Faces) made their debut with their hit single, Abyss Of Love. The group, hailing from Awaryō's east end, went on to become one of Kanton's most successful and well-loved musical acts.

21st century
In 2007, Awaryō oversaw the building of Kanton's third-tallest building, the Awaryō Landmark Tower (known in Kantonese as 临い塔; The Shining Tower). On the 60th floor there is an observatory and indoor garden from which a visitor may have a 360-degree view of the city, and on clear days, the mountain Kunyou may be visible.

Geography
Awaryō lies in the north of Tagi Prefecture, its closest neighbour being the city of Taoza. It is also relatively near to the western side of the Ikumo Mountains.

The city usually experiences temperate summers with cold winters and often heavy snow.

Economy
Ever an industrial centre for its prefecture, Awaryō's economy focuses mostly on tertiary and industrial employment, though more and more whitecollar jobs are becoming available in the city centre.