Tochigi Prefecture has the highest dried gourd production in Japan.
Writing
Usually written in kanji as 干瓢 or in hiragana as かんぴょう.
Cultural note
干瓢 is made from the 夕顔 (bottle gourd) fruit, peeled into long strips and dried in the sun. It is a traditional ingredient in 巻き寿司 and 煮物. 栃木県 produces over 90% of Japan's 干瓢.