of Japan's leading paper manufacturing areas. Paper industry The history of the paper industry in Shikokuchūō extends back to around 1750, when washi was first produced in the Uma area. The area does not have much flat land, and is ill-suited to rice farming, but as water and paper mulberry (kōzo) are plentiful, it is ideal for paper manufacturing. The modern paper industry began to flourish when mechanized manufacturing techniques were developed in the Meiji era. After World War II, the paper industry contributed to the city's rapid economic growth. The city paper museum, Kami no Machi Shiryokan, has exhibits and information on traditional paper making and the modern paper industry. Education Shikokuchūō has 18 public elementary schools and six public middle schools and one combined public elementary/middle school operated by the city government. The city has three public high schools operated by the Ehime Prefectural Board of Education. Transportation Railways Shikoku Railway Company - Yosan Line - - - - - Highways Matsuyama Expressway Kōchi Expressway Takamatsu Expressway Tokushima Expressway Ports Port of Mishima-Kawanoe Local attractions Manabe house The Manabe house is the oldest extant minka (traditional Japanese house) in Ehime, and is designated as a national cultural treasure. The house was built by the Manabe family, who were descended from members of the Heike clan who fled to Shikoku after the Heike's defeat in the Genpei War. Junshin-do 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. Kofun Many burial mounds, or kofun, were built in the area during the mid to late Kofun period. These include the Toguzan burial mounds, the Kyogaoka burial mounds (circa sixth century AD), and the Umamukaiyama Kofun (early seventh century). The Toguzan kofun is said to be the grave of crown prince Kinashi no Karu no Miko, son of the nineteenth emperor, who in the Kojiki was banished to Iyo by his brother. Tosa Kaidō The Tosa Kaidō is a direct route over the mountains between Tosa (modern day Kochi) and Iyo (modern day