Named for a city in Hyogo Prefecture and its ancient castle on the Seto inland sea. Ako is famous for its salt production and the story of “Chushin-Gura”, which shows the loyalty of samurais to their local lord. Three centuries ago 47 loyal samurais committed harakari after avenging their master. The second discoverer, by profession a dentist, lives in Ako and observes comets and minor planets at his private observatory there. (M 18465) _ _.