Susaki, Fujishima

Susaki (須崎市) is a city located on Fujishima island, Yamatai. As of 2016, Susaki has a population of 26,446. Susaki is located on the southernmost tip of Fujishima, on the Niifuto Peninsula.

Susaki is the smallest city by population in Yamatai, having been formed in 2005 under the Special Merger of Municipalities Act by combining the towns of Susaki, Niifuto, and Sunahama. In recognition of the city's small size, Susaki maintains sister city relations with Niihama, which has the highest population in Yamatai.

History
The area of modern Susaki has been known for octopus fishing and pearl-diving for centuries. In 1928, the Fujishima Coastal Line was built from Kudo City to Niifuto, which was expanded as a secondary port supporting the port of Kudo.

In 1995, Susaki briefly became famous across the country when the Imposter Murders occurred. A group of researchers from Niihama Technological University arrived in Susaki to measure groundwater salinity levels in mid-February, and three of the researchers were murdered while the team was carrying out their tasks. The murderer was discovered to be Sasagaki Amogu, a schizophrenic, homeless ex-student who had disguised himself as one of the team members weeks prior and had lived with the team for several days under his assumed identity before carrying out the murders. The bizarre nature of the case led to great national interest for several months, and various horror films, manga, and other media have been created inspired by the incident.

In 2005, Susaki City was formed through the merger of the towns of Susaki, Niifuto, and Sunahama.

Economy
Susaki is primarily a fishing town, though other industries include soy sauce and tsukudani production, as well as general agriculture. The Port of Niifuto was closed in 1983 and redeveloped into a waterfront park, with the Niifuto Terminal the only remaining part of the old port. Tourism is also an important part of the local economy.

Susaki is connected to Kudo City via the Fujishima Coastal Line, as well as National Road 17-02. In addition, ferries run between Niifuto Terminal and Wangan on a once-daily basis. Ferries to Aguni in Shojin are also sometimes available in the spring and summer months, during which a temporary customs station is erected in the Niifuto Terminal.

Sister cities

 * Niihama