The former towns of Daiei and Hojo merged on October 1st, 2005、and became Hokuei. Also the hometown of the author of the popular manga Detective Conan, Gosho Aoyama, the Conan Road is a unique attraction. Along the streets are various character statues、all kinds of anime and manga related things. Also, running 12km east and west, and 1.2km north and south are the sand dunes, which are used to grow nationally renowned watermelons、sand dune potatoes, shallots, grapes, tomatoes, etc. and various other specialties. The area also boasts the highest number of tombs and ruins in the prefecture.