Kuzu

The former name of a town (Kuzumachi) in Aso District, southwestern Tochigi Prefecture. Currently, it is a district occupying the northeastern part of Sano City. The former Kuzumachi was incorporated as a town in 1889 (Meiji 22). In 1955 (Showa 30), it merged with the villages of Tokiwa and Himuro. In 2005 (Heisei 17), it was merged into Sano City. The Tobu Railway Sano Line and National Route 293 pass through the town. It is located in the Ashio Mountains, and the Akiyama River runs through it. The lime, dolomite, and cement industries are thriving here, and since early modern times, lime has been sent to Edo by water transport on the Watarase River under the name "Yashu Lime," competing with "Hachioji Lime." It was also used to repair Edo Castle. In particular, the production of dolomite, a raw material for steelmaking, is important, and is sent to the Keihin area.

[Masayasu Murakami]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

栃木県南西部、安蘇郡(あそぐん)にあった旧町名（葛生町(まち)）。現在は、佐野市の北東部を占める一地区。旧葛生町は、1889年（明治22）町制施行。1955年（昭和30）常盤(ときわ)、氷室(ひむろ)の2村と合併。2005年（平成17）佐野市に合併。東武鉄道佐野線、国道293号が通じる。足尾(あしお)山地にあり、秋山川が貫流する。石灰、ドロマイト工業、セメント工業が盛んで、近世から「野州石灰(やしゅうせっかい)」の名で渡良瀬(わたらせ)川の水運を利用して江戸に送られ、「八王子石灰」と対抗していた。江戸城の修復にも利用された。とくに、製鋼用原料になるドロマイトの生産が重要で、京浜地域に送られる。

［村上雅康］

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