AOMORI

northernmost ken (prefecture) on the island of Honshu, Japan. It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean (east), the Tsugaru Strait (north), and the Sea of Japan (west). The peninsulas of Tsugaru and Shimokita enclose Mutsu Bay. Aomori has a relatively poor agricultural economy that is handicapped by long, cold, snowy winters and poor drainage. Rice and Japan's largest apple crop are grown in the west, while the east specializes in dry grains and potatoes. Horse breeding for military use has long given way to beef cattle and dairy farming. Most large-scale manufacturing is found in Hachinohe, in the southeast. In the mountainous interior are some of Japan's finest timber stands, mostly in national forests. Coastal and deep-sea fishing operations centre on Hachinohe, the leading fishing port, and Aomori. Area 3,714 square miles (9,619 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 1,472,000. city and capital of Aomori ken (prefecture), Japan, located on Aomori Bay. One of Japan's most important transportation centres, it is the terminus of both northern Honshu rail lines and railroad ferry services across the Tsugaru Strait to Hakodate, on Hokkaido. The Tohoku Highway and Seikan Tunnel facilitate communication between Hokkaido and Honshu. Strong winter winds make extensive breakwaters necessary in Aomori's artificial harbour, which ships lumber and fish and is noted for coastal trade. Pop. (1992 est.) 287,354.