Kamaishi (釜石市 ka-ma-i-shi?) is a small city located on the southern coast of Iwate Prefecture with a population of about 40,000 people. Many years ago, it was famed for its large industrial capacity namely in the form of a steel mill which propelled the city to a size of approximately 100,000 at its peak. During World War II, Kamaishi functioned as a major steel manufacturing facility, and as such, was the target of extensive American bombardment towards the end of the conflict. Morioka really is one's best bet when visiting, working, or living in Kamaishi.