The H-II (H-two) Launch Vehicle was the first rocket produced in Japan using only domestic technologies. It is also a symbol of Tsukuba Academic New Town in Ibaraki prefecture. The rocket was developed at the National Space Development Agency of Japan, the predecessor to the present Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, in this town.
Mt. Tsukuba is admired for its graceful shape and is often compared with Mt. Fuji. It is designated as one of the one hundred famous mountains in Japan and is also known for its rare insects and plants.

Capital City: Mito
Population in 2007 (thousands): 2,969
Area in 2007 (square km): 6,096