with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 20 members. Tanabe contributes three members to the Wakayama Prefectural Assembly. In terms of national politics, the city is part of Wakayama 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy Tanabe is the main commercial center of central Wakayama Prefecture. Agriculture plays a major role in the economy, with production of umeboshi pickled plums, and the cultivation of various varieties of oranges and other citrus fruits predominant. Shiitake mushrooms, and the raising of poultry are also contributors. Commercial fishing and forestry play secondary roles. Education Tanabe has 25 public elementary schools and 15 public middle schools operated by the city government and five public high schools operated by the Wakayama Prefectural Department of Education. The prefecture also operates one special education school for the handicapped, and one vocational education school. Transportation Railway JR West – Kisei Main Line - - Highway Hanwa Expressway Kisei Expressway Local attractions Kumano Hongū Taisha (熊野本宮大社), one of the Kumano Sanzan shrines Kumano Kodō and Ōmine Okugakemichi ancient pilgrimage roads, a National Historic Sites and World Heritage site Cape Tenjinzaki, a preserved beach made of layered slabs of rock formation. The beach is submerged with water during high tides and revealed during low tides. It is also known as the birthplace of the Japan National Trust movement. Tenjinzaki Cape serves as a place of recreation and relaxation for citizens. People also enjoy fishing and shellfish gathering. Ogigahama beach Kawayu Onsen Ryūjin Onsen Loren Baker's Apartment Kōzanji Shell Mound, National Historic Site Misu-ji temple ruins, National Historic Site Isoma Rock Shelter Site, National Historic Site Festivals Benkei Matsuri, a Yosakoi dance festival, featuring fireworks and dance performances by employees of local businesses as well as traveling dance groups, held in October. Tanabe Matsuri, a festival held at Tanabe's Tokei jinja shrine (闘鶏神社) in July. Ya-Ya Matsuri (August 8 Festival), a festival held to promote local shopping districts in downtown Tanabe City in August. Sister cities Tanabe was a sister city to Wyong Shire in New South Wales, Australia until 2010. Noted people from Tanabe Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Tetsu Katayama, former Prime Minister of Japan Minakata Kumagusu, author and naturalist References External links Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau in English U.S. Air Force band performs in gratitude for 70 years of honoring fallen comrades Asahi Shimbun, October 21, 2014