Iwate Prefecture has the largest area in Honshu and is the most heavily forested prefecture in Honshu. There are few flat areas in the prefecture, and most of the land is covered by "mountains," an environment that fosters values of living in harmony with nature.
Ninohe City is located in the northernmost inland part of Iwate Prefecture and is about 90% hilly, with an average maximum temperature of 28.2°C in August and 1.7°C in January, and a cool climate throughout the year.
Ninohe City is famous for its domestic lacquer production. Domestic lacquer is used in the restoration of important cultural properties in Japan, 70% of which is "Joboji lacquer" collected in the Ninohe area.
The unique climate, with the lowest rainfall in Iwate Prefecture, allows for the cultivation of rice and cereals, and the production of brand-name poultry such as "Abedori" and " Saisaidori" raised in high-quality water, and brand-name meat such as "Tankakugyu," a lean Japanese beef raised in natural pastureland, also flourishes.
