Shizukuishi on July 30, 1971. Government Shizukuishi has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral town council of 16 members. Shizukuishi, together with the city of Takizawa, contributes three seats to the Iwate Prefectural legislature. In terms of national politics, the town is part of Iwate 2nd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy The local economy is based on agriculture, forestry and seasonal tourism. Koiwai Farm, based in Takizawa, is currently the largest privately owned dairy production center in Japan. The farm produces a full range of dairy products distributed throughout the nation. Education Shizukuishi has five public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government, and one public high school operated by the Iwate Prefectural Board of Education. Transportation Railway East Japan Railway Company (JR East) - Akita Shinkansen East Japan Railway Company (JR East) - Tazawako Line - - Highway Local attractions In winter, numerous ski resorts come to life. Due to the town's rural nature, low income and low population Yoshiaki Tsutsumi, Japan's richest man at the time, was able to build a large ski area and hotel without the kind of "organized opposition of environmentalists" which stymied his plans elsewhere in Japan. Koiwai Farm is a working dairy and tourist attraction. A number of the farm buildings have been named National Tangible Cultural Properties. The farm has been used as a shooting location for television dramas and movies. Every year Koiwai Farm puts on the . This festival is noteworthy for its giant snow sculptures. The town is known for its annual hemp festival every year in August which draws "crowds of sightseers". References External links Official Website Towns in Iwate Prefecture