Named for the second discoverer’s birthplace, a town of population 4,000 located approximately 70 km southwest of Sapporo {see planet  (3473)} at the foot of the most beautiful mountains in Hokkaido {see planet  (3720)}. The town is known for its production of potatoes, asparagus and wheat, and nearby Fukidashi park provides high-quality mineral water, which has gained in popularity among the tourists. (M 15428) _ _.