district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan. Economy The local economy of Shiwa is traditionally based on agriculture, primarily rice cultivation, apples, grapes and cucumbers; however, due to its proximity to Morioka city, it is increasingly serving as a bedroom community. Education Shiwa has eleven public elementary schools and three public junior high schools 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) - Tōhoku Main Line – – Highway – Takizawa Interchange International relations – Southern Downs, Queensland, Australia - Portage, Michigan, United States Notable people from Shiwa Toru Yoshida, professional soccer player References External links Official Website Towns in Iwate Prefecture