Shikokuchuo

Shikokuchuo is a city located in Ehime Prefecture, Japan. Shikokuchuo is the leading producer of paper and paper products in Japan. It is also a port city and one of Ehime's major centers of industry. As of April 30, 2017, the city has an estimated population of 89,029, with 38,941 households and a population density of 210 persons per km². The total area is 419.98 km². Shikokuchuo is part of the former Uma District. As Uma is centrally located in Shikoku, it was historically a transportation hub between Shikoku's major cities.

Due to its strategic importance, during the Sengoku period Uma was repeatedly invaded by the neighboring domains of Sanuki, Awa and Tosa. Forts were built in the east part of Uma to protect against these invasions.Industry began to flourish in Uma during the Edo period, and the city grew as a port town. The Tosa kaido offered access to Tosa in the south, so Uma was also a stopping spot, or ‘post station,’ for the Tosa daimyo and travelers to and from Tosa. Paper making began in Uma around 1750, and much later grew into the region's major industry.

The Buddhist monk Junshin dwelt here after he was expelled from Tosa province modern day Kochi. As is described in the lyrics of the Yosakoi naruko dancing song, Junshin had an illicit affair with a comb-maker's daughter, and the two of them attempted to elope. After they were caught leaving Tosa without permission, Junshin was permanently expelled from Tosa, and the two of them were separated. Junshin lived in this building for the remainder of his life.