Gunma Prefecture is famous for its shape, often described as a crane in flight. But did you know that Gunma is also divided into four living areas — Seimo, Tōmo, Chumo, and Hokumo?
Among them, Nakanojo Town is in Hokumo.
Hokumo lies in the northwestern part of Gunma. It is a mountainous area with rich natural surroundings, known for hot springs such as Kusatsu, Shima, and Ikaho, as well as many ski resorts.
In contrast, Chumo (including Maebashi and Isesaki), Seimo (including Takasaki and Tomioka), and Tōmo (including Kiryu and Ota) cover large parts of the Kanto Plain, with cities and industrial areas developed throughout.
In short, Gunma has two very different landscapes: the mountains of Hokumo and the wide plains of Chumo, Seimo, and Tōmo.
The History of the Word "Mō"
The word "Mō" in Hokumo, Chumo, Seimo, and Tōmo is said to come from the ancient name Kenu.
In ancient times, the area that is now Gunma was called Kamitsukenu, and later Kōzuke.
These old names still live on in words such as Jōmō, another name for Gunma, and Hokumo, meaning northern Gunma.
And in Hokumo stands Nakanojo Town, where we live and grow rice.
Mountain water. The gap between day and night temperatures. Abundant nature.
Our rice at Sato Farms is closely connected to the land and climate of Hokumo and Nakanojo.