SAITAMA — Once a prosperous center backed by the cement industry, the Chichibu area in Saitama Prefecture has been shaken by a huge drop in production by Chichibu Taiheiyo Cement Corp.
The cement industry's decay follows the decline of the area's key industries — silk fabrics and timber.
"We are worried about a tax revenue cutback. There are no job openings for young people," a local official said.