Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Yamagata May 24, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture
山形県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 山形県
• Rōmaji Yamagata-ken

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

Country Japan
Region Tōhoku
Island Honshu
Capital Yamagata
Subdivisions Districts: 8, Municipalities: 35
Government
• Governor Mieko Yoshimura
Area
• Total 9,325.15 km2 (3,600.46 sq mi)
Area rank 9th
Population (June 1, 2019)
• Total 1,079,950
• Rank 35th
• Density 120/km2 (300/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-06
Website www.pref.yamagata.jp
Symbols
Bird Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata)
Fish Cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou)
Flower Safflower (Car

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

Yamagata Prefecture (山形県, Yamagata-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region of Honshu.

Yamagata Prefecture has a population of 1,079,950 (1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 9,325 km² (3,600 sq mi).

Yamagata Prefecture borders Akita Prefecture to the north, Miyagi Prefecture to the east, Fukushima Prefecture to the south, and Niigata Prefecture to the southwest.

Yamagata is the capital and largest city of Yamagata Prefecture, with other major cities including Tsuruoka, Sakata,Shinjō, and Yonezawa.

Yamagata Prefecture is located on Japan’s western Sea of Japan coast and its borders with neighboring prefectures are formed by various mountain ranges, with 17% of its total land area being designated as Natural Parks.

Yamagata Prefecture formed the southern half of the historic Dewa Province with Akita Prefecture and is home to the Three Mountains of Dewa, which includes the Haguro Five-story Pagoda, a recognised National Treasure of Japan.

History

The aboriginal Ezo (蝦夷) people once inhabited the area now known as Yamagata.

Yamagata and Akita Prefecture were known as Dewa Province until the Meiji Restoration.

During the Heian period (794–1185), the Fujiwara (藤原) family ruled the area. Yamagata City flourished during the Edo period (1603–1867) due to its status as a castle town and post station, famous for beni (red safflower dye used in the production of handspun silk).

In 1689, the famous haiku poet, Matsuo Bashō visited Yamagata during his five-month trip to the northern regions of Japan.

Geography

Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southwest corner of Tōhoku, facing the Sea of Japan.

It borders Niigata Prefecture and Fukushima Prefecture on the south, Miyagi Prefecture on the east, and Akita Prefecture on the north.

All of these boundaries are marked by mountains, with most of the population residing in a limited central plain.

As of 31 March 2020, 17 percent of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Bandai-Asahi National Park; Chōkai, Kurikoma, and Zaō Quasi-National Parks; and Goshōzan, Kabusan, Kennan, Mogamigawa, Shōnai Kaihin, and Tendō Kōgen Prefectural Natural Parks.

Climate

The climate of Yamagata Prefecture is characterized by long, hot, and humid summers and long, snowy winters.

Both spring and autumn are short, the former often cold, the latter often warm, but both quite dry and sunny.

Yamagata Prefecture, along with northern parts of Miyagi and Iwate are the transition areas from humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa/Cwa) to humid continental within the Japan mainland.

Winter temperatures rarely fall below −10 °C (14 °F) in populated areas; they frequently rise above 30 °C (86 °F) in July and August.

Precipitation falls all year round and the remnants of one or perhaps two typhoons usually pass through between August and October.

The winters see heavy snowfall especially at higher elevations, though the Japan Sea coast (Sakata) is milder and has more rain.

Snowfall for Shinjō is typical of populated mountainous areas, snowfall for Yamagata City typical of the valleys.

The central mountains around Gassan may see as much as 3,000 centimetres (98.43 ft) of snow in a season with depths up to 8 metres (26 ft) at higher elevations.

Economy

Yamagata Prefecture is the largest producer of cherries and pears in Japan.

A large quantity of other kinds of fruits such as grapes, apples, peaches, melons, persimmons and watermelons are also produced.

Demographics

As of October 2014, Yamagata Prefecture had a population of 1,131,000.

The prefecture also has one of the oldest populations in Japan. As of 2004, 12.8% of the population was aged between 65 and 74, and 12.1% was over 75 (the fourth and third highest in Japan, respectively).

Over 40% of households in Yamagata contain one or more relatives aged 65 or over (one of the three highest in Japan).

Per Japanese census data and population of Yamagata has changed significantly with Yamagata 2020 having roughly same population as Yamagata 1930

Culture

Festivals and events

Yamagata Prefecture has a number of annual festivals and events.

The largest is the Yamagata Hanagasa Festival (花笠祭り) which takes place in Yamagata City on the first weekend in August, when thousands of people perform the hanagasa dance in the city centre and attracts up to 300,000 spectators.

Yamagata City is the home of the bi-annual Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in October.

In February, a snow lantern festival is held in Yonezawa at the Uesugi Shrine.

Hundreds of candle-lit lanterns light pathways dug into the snow around the shrine.

Yonezawa is also the site of the Uesugi Festival (上杉祭り, uesugi matsuri) in mid-spring.

The festival’s highlight is a re-enactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima on the banks of the Matsukawa River.

In September, Yamagata Prefecture is famous for its imoni, a taro-root stew popular in Northern Japan during the autumn.

Imonikai, taro-root soup parties, are very popular during this season, and many tourists come to Yamagata Prefecture specifically for its particular style of imoni.

Art

Beginning in 2003, Yamagata city officials with the aid of Tōhoku University of Art and Design began a three-year project in which the Buddhist art of the city’s temples would be catalogued and compared to a set of guidelines in order to identify “cultural assets”.

One hundred and ninety temples have had their works of art examined and several significant examples of Buddhist sculpture have been discovered.

At Heisenji Temple, in the Hirashimizu district, a particularly rare statue, a seated Vairocana Buddha made from zelkova wood, was found. Other significant works include sculptures from the Heian period (794–1185) and Kamakura period (1192–1333).

The Yamagata Museum of Art, located in Yamagata City, was opened in 1964 through the efforts of a foundation led by Yoshio Hattori, the president of Yamagata Shimbun and Yamagata Broadcasting Co, Ltd.

The permanent collection consists of three types of art: Japanese and Asian, regional, and French. Special exhibitions are held periodically.

Language

Yamagata Prefecture is known for its local dialect Yamagata-ben, sometimes thought of as backward sounding in other parts of Japan.

The 2004 movie Swing Girls (スウィングガールズ), co-written and directed by Shinobu Yaguchi, is set in Yamagata and makes use of Yamagata-ben for comedic purposes.

Sports

The sports teams listed below are based in Yamagata.

Football

Montedio Yamagata

Volleyball

Pioneer Red Wings (Tendō)

Basketball

Passlab Yamagata Wyverns

Tourism

The temple of Yama-dera, carved into the mountainside near the city of Yamagata, is a major attraction.

The Dewa Sanzan are three holy mountains that form a traditional pilgrimage for followers of the Shugendō branch of Shintō.

The famous Gojudo (five-story pagoda) is at the base of Mount Haguro, the lowest of the three mountains.

Mount Zaō is a famous winter ski resort, also known for its snow monsters (frozen snow-covered trees) in the winter, and the Okama crater lake, also known as the Goshiki Numa (Five Color Lake) because its colour changes according to the weather.

Media

Newspapers

Yamagata Shimbun
Yonezawa Shimbun
Shonai Nippo
Okitama Times

TV and radio

YBC TV and Radio (NNN, JRN, and NRN)
YTS TV (ANN)
TUY TV (JNN)
SAY TV (FNN)
Rhythm Station (JFN)

Film

Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival

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Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
Twitter @japan_mmandmp
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Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Aichi May 24, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

Aichi Prefecture
愛知県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 愛知県
• Rōmaji Aichi-ken

Prefectures of Japan Aichi – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Tōkai)
Island Honshu
Capital Nagoya
Subdivisions Districts: 7, Municipalities: 54
Government
• Governor Hideaki Ōmura (since February 2011)
Area
• Total 5,172.92 km2 (1,997.28 sq mi)
Area rank 27th
Population (1 October 2019)
• Total 7,552,873
• Rank 4th
• Density 1,500/km2 (3,800/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-23
Website www.pref.aichi.jp/global/en/index.html
Symbols
Bird Oriental scops owl (Otus sunia japonicus)
Fish Kuruma prawn (Penaeus japonicus)
Flower Kakitsubata (Iris laevigata)
Tree Hananoki (Acer pycnanthum)

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

ichi Prefecture (愛知県, Aichi-ken, Japanese pronunciation: [aitɕi̥ꜜkeɴ]) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshū.[1]: 11, 126 Aichi Prefecture has a population of 7,552,873 (as of 1 October 2019) and a geographic area of 5,172.92 square kilometres (1,997.28 sq mi) with a population density of 1,460 inhabitants per square kilometre (3,800/sq mi). Aichi Prefecture borders Mie Prefecture to the west, Gifu Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture to the north, and Shizuoka Prefecture to the east.

Nagoya is the capital and largest city of Aichi Prefecture, and the fourth-largest city in Japan, with other major cities including Toyota, Okazaki, and Ichinomiya. Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya form the core of the Chūkyō metropolitan area, the third-largest metropolitan area in Japan and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world.[1]: 685 Aichi Prefecture is located on Japan’s Pacific Ocean coast and forms part of the Tōkai region, a subregion of the Chūbu region and Kansai region. Aichi Prefecture is home to the Toyota Motor Corporation. Aichi Prefecture had many locations with the Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens, The Chubu Centrair International Airport, and the Legoland Japan Resort.

History

Originally, the region was divided into two provinces of Owari and Mikawa.[1]: 780 After the Meiji Restoration, Owari and Mikawa were united into a single entity. In 1871, after the abolition of the han system, Owari, with the exception of the Chita Peninsula, was established as Nagoya Prefecture, while Mikawa combined with the Chita Peninsula and formed Nukata Prefecture. Nagoya Prefecture was renamed to Aichi Prefecture in April 1872, and was united with Nukata Prefecture on November 27 of the same year.

The government of Aichi Prefecture is located in the Aichi Prefectural Government Office in Nagoya, which is the old capital of Owari. The Aichi Prefectural Police and its predecessor organisations have been responsible for law enforcement in the prefecture since 1871.

The Expo 2005 World Exposition was held in Seto and Nagakute.

Etymology

In the third volume of the Man’yōshū there is a poem by Takechi Kurohito that reads: “The cry of the crane, calling to Sakurada; it sounds like the tide, draining from Ayuchi flats, hearing the crane cry”. Ayuchi is the original form of the name Aichi, and the Fujimae tidal flat is all that remains of the earlier Ayuchi-gata. It is now a protected area.[2][3]

For a time, an Aichi Station existed on the Kansai Line (at the time the Kansai Railway) between Nagoya and Hatta stations, but its role was overtaken by Sasashima-raibu Station on the Aonami Line and Komeno Station on the Kintetsu Nagoya Line.

Geography

Located near the center of the Japanese main island of Honshu, Aichi Prefecture faces the Ise and Mikawa Bays to the south and borders Shizuoka Prefecture to the east, Nagano Prefecture to the northeast, Gifu Prefecture to the north, and Mie Prefecture to the west. It measures 106 km (66 mi) east to west and 94 km (58 mi) south to north and forms a major portion of the Nōbi Plain. With an area of 5,172.48 square kilometres (1,997.11 sq mi) it accounts for approximately 1.36% of the total surface area of Japan. The highest spot is Chausuyama at 1,415 m (4,642 ft) above sea level.

The western part of the prefecture is dominated by Nagoya, Japan’s third largest city, and its suburbs, while the eastern part is less densely populated but still contains several major industrial centers. Due to its robust economy, for the period from October 2005 to October 2006, Aichi was the fastest growing prefecture in terms of population, beating Tokyo, at 7.4% and around with after Saitama Prefecture.

As of 1 April 2012, 23% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as the Natural Parks, namely the Aichi Kōgen, Hida-Kisogawa, Mikawa Wan, and Tenryū-Okumikawa Quasi-National Parks along with seven Prefectural Natural Parks.

Cities

Thirty-eight cities are located in Aichi Prefecture.

Aisai
Ama
Anjō
Chiryū
Chita
Gamagōri
Handa
Hekinan
Ichinomiya
Inazawa
Inuyama
Iwakura
Kariya
Kasugai
Kitanagoya
Kiyosu
Komaki
Kōnan
Miyoshi
Nagakute
Nagoya (capital)
Nishio
Nisshin
Okazaki
Ōbu
Owariasahi
Seto
Shinshiro
Tahara
Takahama
Tokoname
Tōkai
Toyoake
Toyohashi
Toyokawa
Toyota
Tsushima
Yatomi

Towns and villages

These are the towns and villages in each district:

Aichi District
Tōgō
Ama District
Kanie
Ōharu
Tobishima
Chita District
Agui
Higashiura
Mihama
Minamichita
Taketoyo
Kitashitara District
Shitara
Tōei
Toyone
Nishikasugai District
Toyoyama
Niwa District
Fusō
Ōguchi
Nukata District
Kōta

Economy

Gross domestic product (2018) is the second in Japan, shipment value of manufactured goods (2018) is the first in Japan, annual product sales(2019) is the third in Japan, and agricultural output (2018) is eighth in Japan. Agriculture industry, and commerce are all ranked high in Japan, and the industrial structure is well-balanced.

Main industry

Automotive industry
Aerospace Industry
Ceramics Industry
Steel, Alloy steel Industry

Companies headquartered in Aichi include the following.
Aichi Steel Tōkai
Aisin Seiki Kariya
Brother Industries, Ltd. Nagoya
Central Japan Railway Company Nagoya
Denso Corporation Kariya
Eisaku Noro Company Ichinomiya
Kanesue Corporation Ichinomiya
Makita Corporation Anjō
Matsuzakaya Nagoya
Mizkan Corporation Handa
Nagoya Railroad Nagoya
Nippon Sharyo Nagoya
Noritake Nagoya
Okuma Corporation Ōguchi
Sumitomo Riko Komaki[5]
Toyota Motor Corporation Toyota

Companies such as Fuji Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Motors, Pfizer, Sony, Suzuki, Bodycote, and Volkswagen Group also operate plants or branch offices in Aichi.

International relations

Sister Autonomous Administrative division

Australia Victoria, Australia – May 2, 1980
China Jiangsu, China – July 28, 1980
Thailand Bangkok, Thailand – July 9, 2012
China Guangdong, China – November 25, 2013
South Korea Gyeonggi Province, South Korea – November 10, 2015
United States Texas, United States – April 22, 2016
Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – September 13, 2016
United States Washington, United States – October 18, 2016
Belgium Brussels, Flemish Region, Wallonia, Belgium – May 15, 2017
United States Indiana, United States – September 15, 2017
United States Kentucky, United States – October 23, 2017
France Occitanie, France – June 5, 2018
Brazil São Paulo, Brazil – September 10, 2018

Demographics

As of 2001, Aichi Prefecture’s population was 50.03% male and 49.97% female. 139,540 residents (nearly 2% of the population) are of foreign nationality.

Population by age (2001)

Age	% population	% male	% female
0–9	10.21	10.45	9.96
10–19	10.75	11.02	10.48
20–29	15.23	15.71	14.75
30–39	14.81	15.31	14.30
40–49	12.21	12.41	12.01
50–59	15.22	15.31	15.12
60–69	11.31	11.22	11.41
70–79	6.76	6.01	7.52
Over 80	3.12	2.01	4.23
Unknown	0.38	0.54	0.23

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1890	1,473,099	—
1903	1,752,042	+1.34%
1913	2,073,224	+1.70%
1920	2,089,762	+0.11%
1925	2,319,494	+2.11%
1930	2,567,413	+2.05%
1935	2,862,701	+2.20%
1940	3,166,592	+2.04%
1945	2,857,851	−2.03%
1950	3,390,585	+3.48%
1955	3,769,209	+2.14%
1960	4,206,313	+2.22%
1965	4,798,653	+2.67%
1970	5,386,163	+2.34%
1975	5,923,569	+1.92%
1980	6,221,638	+0.99%
1985	6,455,172	+0.74%
1990	6,690,603	+0.72%
1995	6,868,336	+0.53%
2000	7,043,300	+0.50%
2005	7,254,704	+0.59%
2010	7,410,719	+0.43%
2015	7,484,094	+0.20%
Source: Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

Transport

Rail

JR logo (central).svgJR Central
Shinkansen jrc.svgTokaido Shinkansen
■Tokaido Line
■Chūō Main Line
■Kansai Line
■Taketoyo Line
■Iida Line
Meitetsu logomark 2.svgMeitetsu
NH Nagoya Line
IY Inuyama Line
KM Komaki Line
TA Centrair Line
TA Tokoname Line
ST Seto Line
TK Toyokawa Line
GN Gamagori Line
TT Toyota Line
KC Chita Line
MU MY Mikawa Line
TB Bisai Line
CH Chikko Line
TB Tsushima Line
KintetsuLogo.svgKintetsu
E Nagoya Line
Aonami line logo.svgAonami Line
Nagoya Subway Logo (black).svgNagoya Municipal Subway
Nagoya Subway Logo V2 (Higashiyama Line).svgHigashiyama Line
Nagoya Subway Logo V2 (Meijo Line).svgMeijo Line
Nagoya Subway Logo V2 (Tsurumai Line).svgTsurumai Line (connecting to Meitetsu Toyota and Inuyama Line)
Nagoya Subway Logo V2 (Sakura-dori Line).svgSakura-dori Line
Nagoya Subway Logo V2 (Meiko Line).svgMeiko Line
Nagoya Subway Logo V2 (Kamiiida Line).svgKamiiida Line (connecting to Meitetsu Komaki Line)
Toyotetsu logomark.svgToyohashi Railroad
Aikan logomark.svgAichi Loop Line

People movers and tramways

Nagoya Guideway Bus
Linimo
Toyohashi Railroad

Road

Expressways and toll roads

Chuo Expressway
Higashi-Meihan Expressway（East Meihan Expressway）
Isewangan Expressway（Ise Bayside Expressway）
Meishin Expressway
Mei-Nikan Expressway
Nagoya Expressway
Shin-Meishin Expressway
Shin-Tōmei Expressway
Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway
Tomei Expressway
Chita Peninsula Road
South Chita Road
Chubu International Airport Connecting Road
Chita across Road
Nagoya Seto Road

National highways

Route 1
Route 19 (Nagoya-Kasugai-Tajimi-Nagiso-Matsumoto-Nagano)
Route 22 (Nagoya-Ichinomiya-Gifu)
Route 23 (Ise-Matsuzaka-Suzuka-Yokkaichi-Nagoya-Toyoake-Chiryu-Gamagori-Toyohashi)
Route 41 (Nagoya-Komaki-Inuyama-Gero-Takayama-Toyama)
Route 42
Route 151
Route 153
Route 154
Route 155 (Tokoname-Chita-Kariya-Toyota-Seto-Kasugai-Komaki-Ichinomiya-Tsushima-Yatomi)
Route 247
Route 248
Route 257 (Hamamatsu-Shinshiro-Toyota-Ena-Nakatsugawa-Gero-Takayama)
Route 259
Route 301
Route 302
Route 362
Route 363
Route 366
Route 419
Route 420
Route 473 (Gamagori-Okazaki-Toyota-Shitara-Hamamatsu)
Route 474
Route 475

Airports

Chubu Centrair International Airport
Nagoya Airfield

Ports

Nagoya Port – International Container hub and ferry route to Sendai and Tomakomai, Hokkaido
Mikawa Port – mainly automobile and car parts export and part of inport base
Kinuura Port – Handa and Hekinan

Education

Universities

National universities

Aichi University of Education
Graduate University for Advanced Studies – Okazaki Campus (National Institute for Basic Biology, Japan, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan)
Nagoya Institute of Technology
Nagoya University
Toyohashi University of Technology

Public universities

Aichi Prefectural University
Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts
Nagoya City University

Private universities

Aichi Bunkyo University
Aichi Gakuin University
Aichi Gakusen University
Aichi Institute of Technology
Aichi Medical University
Aichi Mizuho College
Aichi Sangyo University
Aichi Shukutoku University
Aichi Toho University
Aichi University
Aichi University of Technology
Chubu University
Chukyo University
Daido University
Doho University
Fujita Health University
Globis University Graduate School of Management – Nagoya Campus
Japanese Red Cross Toyota College of Nursing
Kinjo Gakuin University
Meijo University
Nagoya Bunri University
Nagoya College of Music
Nagoya Gakuin University
Nagoya Keizai University
Nagoya Sangyo University
Nagoya University of Arts
Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences
Nagoya University of Commerce & Business
Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
Nagoya Women’s University
Nagoya Zokei University
Nanzan University
Nihon Fukushi University
Ohkagakuen University
Okazaki Women’s Junior College
Seijoh University
Seisa University – Nagoya Schooling Campus
Shigakkan University
Shubun University
Sugiyama Jogakuen University
Tokai Gakuen University
Tokyo University of Social Welfare – Nagoya Campus
Toyohashi Sozo College
Toyota Technological Institute
University of Human Environments

Sports

The sports teams listed below are based in Aichi.

Baseball

Central League

Chunichi Dragons (Nagoya)

Soccer

J.League

Nagoya Grampus (Nagoya and Toyota)

JFL

FC Maruyasu Okazaki (Okazaki)

Tokai Regional League

FC Kariya (Kariya)

L.League

NGU Loveledge Nagoya (Nagoya)

Basketball

B.League

SAN-EN NeoPhoenix（Toyohashi and Hamamatsu）
SeaHorses Mikawa（Kariya）
Nagoya Diamond Dolphins（Nagoya）
Toyotsu Fighting Eagles Nagoya（Nagoya）
Aisin AW Areions Anjo（Anjō）

Volleyball

V.League

Toyoda Gosei Trefuerza (Inazawa)
JTEKT Stings（Kariya）
Denso Airybees (Nishio)
Toyota Auto Body Queenseis (Kariya)

Rugby

Top League

Toyota Verblitz (Toyota)
Toyota Industries Shuttles（Kariya）

Futsal

F.League

Nagoya Oceans（Nagoya）

Football

X-League

Nagoya Cyclones（Nagoya）
Kirix Toyota Bull Fighters (Toyota)
Aichi Golden Wings (Nagoya and Toyota)

AFL

Nagoya Redbacks Australian Football Club (AFL Japan)（Nagoya）

Tourism

Notable sites in Aichi include the Meiji Mura open-air architectural museum in Inuyama, which preserves historic buildings from Japan’s Meiji and Taishō periods, including the reconstructed lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright’s old Imperial Hotel (which originally stood in Tokyo from 1923 to 1967).

Other popular sites in Aichi include the tour of Toyota car factory in the city by the same name, the monkey park in Inuyama, and the castles in Nagoya, Okazaki, Toyohashi, and Inuyama.

Aichi Prefecture has many wonderful beaches. For example, Himakajima Beach, Shinojima Beach, Akabane Beach and Utsumi Beach.

Notable people from Aichi

Manabu Kubota[citation needed][clarification needed]
F Chopper Koga (Japanese: FチョッパーKOGA, romanized: Efu Choppā Koga), bass player and leader of the rock band Gacharic Spin[citation needed]
Yūki Ishikawa ( 石川祐希, Professional Volleyball Player, Japan National Team, Power Volley Milano Italy Super lega

Festival and events

UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage[7]

Owari Tsushima Tenno Matsuri（Aisai, Tsushima）
Inuyama Festival（Inuyama）
Kamezaki Shiohi Festival（Handa）
Chiryu Festival（Chiryū）
Sunari Festival（Ama District Kanie）

Others

Nagoya Festival（Nagoya City）
Tsutsui-chō/Dekimachi Tennō Festival（Nagoya Higashi-ku）
Miya Festival（Gamagōri）
Toyohama Sea bream Festival（Chita District Minamichita Town）
Okkawa Festival（Handa）
Hōnen Matsuri（Komaki）
Omanto festival（Takahama）
Kōnomiya Hadaka Matsuri（Inazawa）
Tezutsu Matsuri（Toyohashi, Toyokawa）
Nagashino festival（Shinshiro）
Mando festival（Kariya）
Isshiki Lantern Festival（Nishio）
Toba Fire Festival（Nishio）
Owari Tsushima Autumn Festival（Tsushima）

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
Twitter @japan_mmandmp
Instagram mmandmppro_ltd
Pinterest MMANDMPpro LTD
Twitter @BCanimeleague

https://twitter.com/BCanimeleague

Follow, Like, retweet our social media accounts

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Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Fukui May 24, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

Fukui Prefecture
福井県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 福井県
• Rōmaji Fukui-ken

Prefectures of Japan Fukui – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Hokuriku)
Island Honshū
Capital Fukui
Subdivisions Districts: 7, Municipalities: 17
Government
• Governor Tatsuji Sugimoto
Area
• Total 4,190.49 km2 (1,617.96 sq mi)
Area rank 34th
Population (June 1, 2017)
• Total 778,943
• Rank 43rd
• Density 185.95/km2 (481.6/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-18
Website www.pref.fukui.jp/english/
Symbols
Bird Dusky thrush (Turdus naumanni)
Flower Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta)
Tree Pine tree (Pinus)

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

ukui Prefecture (福井県, Fukui-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshū.[1] Fukui Prefecture has a population of 778,943 (1 June 2017) and has a geographic area of 4,190 km2 (1,617 sq mi). Fukui Prefecture borders Ishikawa Prefecture to the north, Gifu Prefecture to the east, Shiga Prefecture to the south, and Kyoto Prefecture to the southwest.

Fukui is the capital and largest city of Fukui Prefecture, with other major cities including Sakai, Echizen, and Sabae.[2] Fukui Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan coast and is part of the historic Hokuriku region of Japan. The Matsudaira clan, a powerful samurai clan during the Edo period that became a component of the Japanese nobility after the Meiji Restoration, was headquartered at Fukui Castle on the site of the modern prefectural offices. Fukui Prefecture is home to the Kitadani Formation, the Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins, and the Tōjinbō cliff range.

Prehistory

The Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry, on the Sugiyama River within the city limits of Katsuyama, has yielded animals such As Fukuiraptor, Fukuisaurus, Nipponosaurus, Koshisaurus, Fukuivenator, Fukuititan and Tambatitanis as well as an unnamed dromaeosaurid.

History

Fukui originally consisted of the old provinces of Wakasa and Echizen, before the prefecture was formed in 1871.[3]

During the Edo period, the daimyō of the region was surnamed Matsudaira, and was a descendant of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

During World War II, Fukui was heavily bombed and its palace, Fukui Castle, surrounded by a moat, was demolished. Buildings for the Fukui Prefectural government were built on the site of the castle.

Geography

Fukui faces the Sea of Japan, and has a western part (formerly Wakasa) which is a narrow plain between the mountains and the sea, and a larger eastern part (formerly Echizen) with wider plains including the capital and most of the population. The province lays within Japan’s “Snow country”.

As of 31 March 2008, 15% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Hakusan National Park; Echizen-Kaga Kaigan and Wakasa Wan Quasi-National Parks; and Okuetsu Kōgen Prefectural Natural Park.

Cities

Nine cities are located in Fukui Prefecture:

Economy

Sabae is known for producing 90% of Japan’s domestically-made glasses.
There are several nuclear power plants located along Wakasa Bay in Tsuruga which supply power to the Keihanshin metropolitan region. It has 14 reactors, the most of any prefecture.

Demographics

Fukui is one of the less populated prefectures of Japan; in September 2015 there were an estimated 785,508 people living in 281,394 households.[6] As seen in most of Japan, Fukui is facing the problem of both an aging and decreasing population; 28.6% of the population were over the age of 65 in July 2015[6] and the population has decreased 2.6% from the 806,000 measured in the October 2010 national census.

Culture

Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in Japan.
Eihei-ji is a temple offering training and education to Buddhist monks. Founded by Dogen Zenji in 1244, Eiheiji is located on a plot of land covering about 33 hectares.
Myōtsū-ji’s Three-storied Pagoda and Main Hall are National Treasures of Japan.
Fukui is home to Maruoka Castle, the oldest standing castle in Japan. It was built in 1576.
Many dinosaur fossils have been excavated in Fukui and they can be seen at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.
Residents of Fukui Prefecture have a distinctive accent, Fukui-ben.
Fukui has long been a center for papermaking in Japan (along with Kyoto). Its Echizen Papermaking Cooperative is a world-famous collection of papermakers making paper in the traditional Echizen style.
Fukui is also renowned for its clean water and crops, which result in delicious sake, rice, and soba noodles.[citation needed]
In August 2010 Fukui launched its own dating website entitled Fukui Marriage-Hunting Café in hopes of helping the declining population growth of Japan increase. Couples who meet in the site and continue on to marry receive monetary aid from the government as well as gifts.

Friendship cities

Vihti, Finland
Germany Winsen (Luhe), Germany

Education

University

Fukui University
Fukui University of Technology
Fukui Prefectural University
Jin-ai University

Transportation

Railroad

JR West
Hokuriku Line
Obama Line
Kuzuryu Line
Echizen Railway
Katsuyama-Eiheiji Line
Mikuni-Awara Line
Fukui Railway
Fukubu Line

Road

Expressway and Toll Road

Hokuriku Expressway
Maizuru-Wakasa Expressway
Chubu Jukan Expressway
Mikata Lake Rainbow Road
Mount Hoonji Toll Road

National Highway

Route 8
Route 27
Route 157
Route 158
Route 161
Route 162
Route 303
Route 305
Route 364
Route 365
Route 367
Route 416
Route 417
Route 418
Route 476

Port

Tsuruga Port – Ferry route to Niigata, Akita, Tomakomai, Otaru and International container hub
Fukui Port

Tourism

Ichijōdani Asakura Family Historic Ruins
Eihei-ji Temple
Tōjinbō, a scenic piece of coastline, which is also a notorious spot for suicide.
Echizen crabs are a local delicacy available year-round, though the crabbing season is during the winter.
Another traditional sea-side Fukui dish is genge, a small guppy-like fish that when eaten raw as sashimi, gives the body a brief tingling sensation.
Awara is a famous onsen in the north of the prefecture.
Takefu Chrysanthemum Character Doll Exhibition, held in Takefu Central Park on every October to November, first held on 1952.

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Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

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Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Gifu May 24, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Gifu

Prefectures of Japan Gifu

Gifu Prefecture
岐阜県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 岐阜県
• Rōmaji Gifu-ken

Prefectures of Japan Gifu – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Gifu

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Tōkai)
Island Honshu
Capital Gifu
Subdivisions Districts: 9, Municipalities: 42
Government
• Governor Hajime Furuta
Area
• Total 10,621.29 km2 (4,100.90 sq mi)
Area rank 7th
Population (June 1, 2019)
• Total 1,991,390
• Rank 17th
• Density 190/km2 (490/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-21
Website www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/English
Symbols
Bird Rock ptarmigan
(Lagopus muta)
Fish Ayu
(Plecoglossus altivelis)
Flower Chinese milk vetch
(Astragalus sinicus)
Tree Japanese yew
(Taxus cuspidata)

Prefectures of Japan Gifu

Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, Gifu-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu.[1]: 246 [2]: 126 Gifu Prefecture has a population of 1,991,390 (as of 1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 10,621 square kilometres (4,101 sq mi). Gifu Prefecture borders Toyama Prefecture to the north; Ishikawa Prefecture to the northwest, Fukui Prefecture and Shiga Prefecture to the west, Mie Prefecture to the southwest, Aichi Prefecture to the south, and Nagano Prefecture to the east.

Gifu is the capital and largest city of Gifu Prefecture, with other major cities including Ōgaki, Kakamigahara, and Tajimi.[3]: 246

Gifu Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, one of only eight landlocked prefectures, and features the country’s center of population. Gifu Prefecture has served as the historic crossroads of Japan with routes connecting the east to the west, including the Nakasendō, one of the Five Routes of the Edo Period. Gifu Prefecture was a long-term residence of Oda Nobunaga and Saitō Dōsan, two influential figures of Japanese history in the Sengoku period, spawning the popular phrase of “control Gifu and you control Japan” in the late Medieval era.[4] Gifu Prefecture is known for its traditional Washi paper industry, including Gifu Lanterns and Gifu Umbrellas, and as a center for the Japanese swordsmithing and cutlery industries. Gifu Prefecture is home to Gifu Castle, the 1,300-year-old tradition of Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River, and the site of the Battle of Sekigahara.

History

The land area that makes up modern-day Gifu became part of the Yamato Court around the middle of the fourth century. Because it is in the middle of the island of Honshū, it has been the site of many decisive battles throughout Japan’s history, the oldest major one being the Jinshin War in 672, which led to the establishment of Emperor Tenmu as the 40th emperor of Japan.

The area of Gifu Prefecture consists of the old provinces of Hida and Mino, as well as smaller parts of Echizen and Shinano.[5] The name of the prefecture derives from its capital city, Gifu, which was named by Oda Nobunaga during his campaign to unify all of Japan in 1567.[6] The first character used comes from Qishan (岐山), a legendary mountain from which most of China was unified, whereas the second character comes from Qufu (曲阜), the birthplace of Confucius.[7] Nobunaga chose those characters because he wanted to unify all of Japan and he wanted to be viewed as a great mind.

Historically, the prefecture served as the center of swordmaking for the whole of Japan, with Seki being known for making the best swords in Japan. More recently, its strengths have been in fashion (primarily in the city of Gifu) and aerospace engineering (Kakamigahara).

On October 28, 1891, the present-day city of Motosu was the epicenter for the Mino–Owari earthquake, the second largest earthquake to ever hit Japan.[8] The earthquake, estimated at 8.0 (surface wave magnitude), left a fault scarp that can still be seen today.

Geography

One of the few landlocked prefectures in Japan, Gifu shares borders with seven other prefectures: Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Shiga, Mie, Aichi, and Nagano. Japan’s postal codes all start with a three-digit number, ranging from 001 to 999. Part of Gifu has the 500 prefix, reflecting its location in the center of Japan. The center of Japanese population is currently located in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture. The center of population is a hypothetical point at which a country is perfectly balanced assuming each person has a uniform weight. The spot was calculated using the 2005 census.

As of 31 March 2019, 18 percent of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Hakusan and Chūbu-Sangaku National Parks, Hida-Kisogawa and Ibi-Sekigahara-Yōrō Quasi-National Parks, and fifteen Prefectural Natural Parks.

Regions

Gifu has five unofficial regions, which allows local municipalities to work together to promote the surrounding area. The five regions are Seinō,[10] Gifu,[11] Chūnō,[12] Tōnō[13] and Hida.[14] The borders of the regions are loosely defined, but they are usually delineated among major cities.

Topography

The northern Hida region is dominated by tall mountains, including parts of the Japanese Alps. The southern Mino region is mostly parts of the fertile Nōbi Plain, a vast plains area with arable soil. Most of the prefecture’s population lives in the southern part of the prefecture, near the designated city of Nagoya.

The mountainous Hida region contains the Hida Mountains, which are referred to as the “Northern Alps” in Japan. The Ryōhaku Mountains are also in the Hida region. Other major ranges include the Ibuki Mountains and the Yōrō Mountains.

Much of the Mino region is made up of the alluvial plain of the Kiso Three Rivers, which are the Kiso River, Nagara River and Ibi River. The sources of Kiso river is in Nagano prefecture, and those of the others are in Gifu prefecture. They eventually run through Aichi and Mie prefectures before emptying into Ise Bay. Other major rivers in the prefecture include the Miya, Takahara, Shō, Toki (Shōnai), Yahagi and Itoshiro rivers.

Climate

Municipalities

All of the cities, towns, villages and districts of Gifu Prefecture are listed below.

Cities

Twenty-one cities are located in Gifu Prefecture:

Gifu – (the capital city of the prefecture)

Ena
Gero
Gujō
Hashima
Hida
Kaizu
Kakamigahara
Kani
Mino
Minokamo
Mizuho
Mizunami
Motosu
Nakatsugawa
Ōgaki
Seki
Tajimi
Takayama
Toki
Yamagata

Towns and villages

These are the towns and villages in each district:

Anpachi District
Anpachi
Gōdo
Wanouchi
Fuwa District
Sekigahara
Tarui
Hashima District
Ginan
Kasamatsu
Ibi District
Ibigawa
Ikeda
Ōno
Kamo District
Hichisō
Higashishirakawa
Kawabe
Sakahogi
Shirakawa
Tomika
Yaotsu
Kani District
Mitake
Motosu District
Kitagata
Ōno District
Shirakawa
Yōrō District
Yōrō

Economy

Traditional industries such as paper-making and agriculture are found in Gifu, but its economy is dominated by manufacturing including aerospace and automotive, with industrial complexes extending from the Nagoya area. A wealth of small component manufacturing is also found, such as precision machine, dye and mold making, and plastic forming.

Traditional industries

Gifu is famous for cormorant fishing, which has a history of over 1,300 years. Agriculture is also a major industry because of Gifu’s vast, arable plains. The forests in the north provide materials for woodworking and for the viewing boats used in cormorant fishing.

The Mino region has long been known for its high-quality paper called Mino washi, which is stronger and thinner than most other papers in Japan, and was used by the Japanese military during World War II.[22] Other paper-based products include Gifu Lanterns and Gifu Umbrellas, made in the prefectural capital of Gifu. Other traditional goods include mino-yaki pottery in Tajimi, Toki, and Mizunami, cutlery in Seki, and lacquerware in Takayama. Sake is often brewed with clear water from the rivers.

Modern industries

Kakamigahara has a large role in the prefecture’s modern industries. It boasts large aerospace facilities of both Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, as well as many metalworking and manufacturing companies.

Information technology (IT) is gaining a foothold in the prefecture with both Softopia Japan in Ōgaki and VR Techno Japan (part of Techno Plaza) in Kakamigahara. The capital city of Gifu, located between Ōgaki and Kakamigahara, is also working to strengthen its IT fields, too.

Tourism

Gifu has many popular tourist attractions, bringing visitors to all parts of the prefecture. The most popular places are Gifu, Gero, Shirakawa and Takayama. Gero is known for its relaxing hot springs, which attract visitors throughout the year. Shirakawa’s historic villages are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Takayama is famous for retaining its original appearance and is often referred to as Little Kyoto.

In addition to international tourists, Gifu also plays host to many international events. The World Event and Convention Complex Gifu is available for many types of events. Other areas of Gifu, too, bring international events. The World Rowing Championships were held in the city of Kaizu in 2005. The FIS Snowboard World Cup was held in the city of Gujo in 2008. The APEC Japan 2010 SME Ministerial Meetings were held in Gifu City.

Science

The Kamioka area of the city of Hida is home to the Kamioka Observatory underground laboratory. Located 1,000 m (3,281 ft) underground in Kamioka Mining and Smelting Co.’s Mozumi Mine, the Super-Kamiokande experiment searches for neutrinos from the high atmosphere, the sun and supernovae, while the KamLAND experiment searches for antineutrinos from regional nuclear reactors. The Super-Kamiokande consists of a cylindrical stainless steel tank that is 41.4 m (136 ft) tall and 39.3 m (129 ft) in diameter holding 50,000 tons of ultra-pure water. Some of the 11,146 photomultiplier tubes are on display at the Miraikan in Tokyo. The same facility also hosts the CLIO prototype and KAGRA gravitational wave detector.

Demographics

The prefecture’s population was 2,101,969, as of 1 September 2007, with approximately 1.8 million people in the cities and the rest in towns and villages.[23] The percentage of male and female residents is 48.4% and 51.6%, respectively.[23] 14.4% of the population is no more than 14 years old, with 22.1% of the population being at least 65 years old.[23]

According to Japan’s census, the country’s center of population is located in Gifu Prefecture. In 2000, it was located in the former town of Mugi, which has since merged with Seki. In the most recent census in 2005, the center of population has moved slightly more to the east, but is still located within Gifu.

Education

Asahi University
Chubu Gakuin University
Chukyo Gakuin University
Gifu City Women’s College
Gifu College of Nursing
Gifu Keizai University
Gifu Pharmaceutical University
Gifu Shotoku Gakuen University
Gifu University
Gifu University of Medical Science
Gifu Women’s University
Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences
Tokai Gakuin University

Transportation

Rail

JR Central
Tokaido Shinkansen – Gifu-Hashima Station
Tokaido Line
Takayama Line
Chuo Line
Taita Line
Meitetsu
Nagoya Line
Kakamigahara Line
Hashima Line
Takehana Line
Hiromi Line
Inuyama Line
Yoro Railway
Nagaragawa Railway
Tarumi Railway
Akechi Railway

Road

Expressway and toll roads

Meishin Expressway
Chuo Expressway
Tokai Hokuriku Expressway
Tokai Loop Expressway
Chubu Jukan Expressway
Hakusan Forest Road
Mount Ibuki Toll Road
Nagaragawa Riversideway

National highways

Route 19
Route 21
Route 22
Route 41
Route 156
Route 157
Route 158
Route 248
Route 256
Route 257
Route 258
Route 303
Route 360
Route 361
Route 363
Route 365
Route 417
Route 418
Route 419
Route 471
Route 472
Route 475

Prefectural symbols

Gifu’s symbol comes from the first character gi (岐) of its Japanese name, written in a stylized script, surrounded by a circle, which represents the peace and harmony of the prefectural citizen. It was chosen by contest in 1932.[24]

The prefectural logo (see right) expands from the red dot into the center to the outer two lines and, finally, the yellow plain. This symbol was chosen in 1991 for the development and expansion of the prefecture.[24]

The prefecture also has two plants (the milk vetch and the Japanese yew) and two animals (the snow grouse and the ayu) as symbols. The milk vetch was chosen in 1954, because the prefecture is well known for its abundance of blooming milk vetch each spring. The yew was chosen in 1966, because it is the tree used to make ornamental scepters for the emperor, many of which came from the Hida district. The snow grouse was chosen in 1961, as the birds live up in the Japanese alps and is a nationally protected species. Ayu were chosen in 1989, because the fish is found in many prefectural rivers and is prized for its sweet taste.

Notable people

Chie Aoki, sculptor
Chiune Sugihara, diplomat
Junji Ito, mangaka
Tsuyoshi Makino, author and social activist
Teiji Takagi, mathematician

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
Twitter @japan_mmandmp
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Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Ishikawa May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Ishikawa

Ishikawa Prefecture
石川県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 石川県
• Rōmaji Ishikawa-ken

Prefectures of Japan Ishikawa – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Ishikawa

Country Japan
Region Chūbu
Hokuriku
Island Honshu
Capital Kanazawa
Subdivisions Districts: 5, Municipalities: 19
Government
• Governor Masanori Tanimoto
Area
• Total 4,186.09 km2 (1,616.26 sq mi)
Area rank 35th
Population (October 31, 2019)
• Total 1,140,573
• Rank 34th
• Density 272.47/km2 (705.7/sq mi)
• Dialect
Kaga
ISO 3166 code JP-17
Website [1]
Symbols
Bird Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Flower Black lily (Fritillaria camtschatcensis)
Tree Hiba (Thujopsis dolabrata)

Prefectures of Japan Ishikawa

Ishikawa Prefecture (石川県 (Ishikawa-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu island.[1] Ishikawa Prefecture has a population of 1,140,573 (31 October 2019) and has a geographic area of 4,186 km2 (1,616 sq mi). Ishikawa Prefecture borders Toyama Prefecture to the east, Gifu Prefecture to the southeast, and Fukui Prefecture to the south.

Kanazawa is the capital and largest city of Ishikawa Prefecture, with other major cities including Hakusan, Komatsu, and Kaga.[2] Ishikawa is located on the Sea of Japan coast and features the most of the Noto Peninsula which forms Toyama Bay, one of the largest bays in Japan. Ishikawa Prefecture is part of the historic Hokuriku region and formerly an important populated center that contained some of the wealthiest han (domains) of the Japanese feudal era. Ishikawa Prefecture is home to Kanazawa Castle, Kenroku-en one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Nyotaimori (“body sushi”), and Kutani ware.

History

Ishikawa was formed in 1872 from the merger of Kaga Province and the smaller Noto Province.

Geography

Ishikawa is on the Sea of Japan coast. The northern part of the prefecture consists of the narrow Noto Peninsula, while the southern part is wider and consists mostly of mountains with the prefecture’s chief city, Kanazawa, located in the coastal plain. The prefecture also has some islands, including Notojima, Mitsukejima, Hegurajima.

As of 1 April 2012, 13% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Hakusan National Park; Echizen-Kaga Kaigan and Noto Hantō Quasi-national parks; and five prefectural natural parks.

Economy

Ishikawa’s industry is dominated by the textile industry, particularly artificial fabrics, and the machine industry, particularly construction machinery.

Demographics

Ishikawa Prefecture has an area of 4,186.09 km² and, as of 1 April 2011, it has a population of 1,166,643 persons.

Data	Unit	Statistics
Area	km²	4,186.09
Population	Persons	1,166,643
Population density	Persons per km²	278.72
Number of households	Households	441,980
Income per person	Thousand yen	2,707
Power consumed	Kwh per household	6,446
Number of doctors	Physicians per 100,000 people	249

List of governors of Ishikawa Prefecture

Wakio Shibano (柴野和喜夫) (12 April 1947 to 23 February 1955)
Jūjitsu Taya (田谷充実) (24 February 1955 to 19 February 1963)
Yōichi Nakanishi (中西陽一) (23 February 1963 to 2 February 1994)
Masanori Tanimoto (谷本正憲) (29 March 1994 to present)

Culture

The area is noted for arts and crafts and other cultural traditions:

The art of Noh was introduced to the area during the rule of the fifth Maeda lord Tsunanori and was refined into the style of Kaga hosho.
The tea ceremony was introduced in 1666 when Maeda Toshitsune invited Senbiki Soshitsu of Urasenke to Kanazawa.
Kutani ware (Kutani yaki) is a bright colored glaze like Chinese porcelain.
Ohi teaware (Ōhi yaki) is a pottery with a style unique to Kanazawa.
Nyotaimori or naked sushi is said to have originated in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Kaga silk (Kaga yūzen) is made with complicated silk print technique with an intentional rough look (wabi-sabi).
Kanazawa lacquerware (Kanazawa shikki) is high quality lacquerware traditionally decorated with gold dust.
Kanazawa gold leaf (Kanazawa haku) is produced with a technique of beating gold into wafer-thin sheets.
Kaga mizuhiki is ribbon-like decoration made from glued Japanese paper (washi).
Kaga inlay crafts (Kaga zōgan) are made with a combination of thin flat and thread metal inlays.
Gojinjo Daiko is a Japanese drum, a Wajima city cultural heritage (since 1961) as well as an Ishikawa Prefecture intangible cultural heritage (since 1963).
Abare Festival is reputed the most ‘fierce’ festivals of Noto, Ishikawa.

Tourism

The most popular destination in Ishikawa is Kanazawa. Tourists can get to Ishikawa by plane via either the Komatsu or Noto airports. Popular sites include:

1000 Rice Fields
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
Chirihama Driveway
Higashi-chaya district in Kanazawa
Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art
Kaga hot-springs district
Kenroku-en
Mount Haku
Shibayama Lagoon
Wajima Morning Market

Prefectural symbols

Fritillaria camschatcensis (flower)
Golden eagle (bird)
Thujopsis dolabrata (tree)

Notable people

Kitaro Nishida, philosopher, founder of the Kyoto School of philosophy, from Kahoku.
Kyōka Izumi, author of novels, short stories, and kabuki plays, from Kanazawa.
Murō Saisei, poet and novelist in modern Japanese literature from Kanazawa.
Shūsei Tokuda, author from Kanazawa.（Izumi, Muro, and Tokuda are known as the Three Famous Literary Persons in Ishikawa[5]）
Takeshi Kaga, an actor in Japan who is probably best known internationally for his portrayal of Chairman Kaga in the Japanese television show Iron Chef produced by Fuji TV, is from Ishikawa.
Hideki Matsui, a former Yomiuri Giants and New York Yankees, was born and raised in Neagari Town (now Nomi City), Ishikawa. He gained fame as a baseball player while attending high school in Kanazawa.
Daisuke Nakata, a trampolinist who has competed in the Olympics in the past, is from Ishikawa.
Kodai Iida, a professional footballer for OKC Energy FC
D.T. Suzuki, Buddhist philosopher and popularizer of Buddhism in the West was born in Kanazawa.
Yusuke Suzuki, (no relation to D.T.) born in 1988, is a racewalker born in Nomi, Ishikawa prefecture.

Universities

Ishikawa has a number of universities:

Kanazawa University
Hokuriku University
Ishikawa Prefectural Nursing University
Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Kanazawa College of Art
Ishikawa Prefectural University
Kanazawa Gakuin University
Kanazawa Institute of Technology
Kanazawa Medical University
Kanazawa Seiryo University
Kinjo University
Hokuriku Gakuin University
Komatsu University
Hokuriku Gakuin University

Transport

Rail

JR West
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Hokuriku Main Line
Nanao Line
Hokuriku Railway (Hokutetsu)
Asanokawa Line
Ishikawa Line
Noto Railway Nanao Line
IR Ishikawa Railway Line

Road

Expressways and toll roads

Hakusan Super Forest Road
Hokuriku Expressway
Noetsu (Noto-Etsuchu) Expressway
Noto Toll Road

National highways

National Route 8
National Route 157 (Kanazawa – Hakusan – Katsuyama – Motosu – Gifu)
National Route 159
National Route 160
National Route 249
National Route 304
National Route 305
National Route 359
National Route 360 (Toyama – Hida – Shirakawa – Komatsu)
National Route 364
National Route 365
National Route 415
National Route 416
National Route 470 (Wajima – Himi – Takaoka – Oyabe – Tonami)
National Route 471

Ports

Kanazawa Port (International container hub port)
Nanao Port

Airports

Komatsu Airport
Noto Airport

Politics

The current governor of Ishikawa is Masanori Tanimoto who was first elected in 1994 and has been reelected for a sixth term in the gubernatorial election in March 2014.[6] Tanimoto is currently one of two governors who are in their sixth term nationwide, the other being Masaru Hashimoto of Ibaraki. Tanimoto is only the fourth governor of Ishikawa since 1947 when prefectural governors became elected offices, as predecessor Yōichi Nakanishi had held the governorship even longer than Tanimoto, winning his first election in 1963 and then serving eight consecutive terms until his death in 1994.

The prefectural assembly of Ishikawa has 43 members and is elected in unified local elections (last round: 2011) in 15 SNTV electoral districts – six single-member, five two-member, one three-member, two four-member districts and the Kanazawa City district that elects 16 members. As of February 26, 2014, the LDP prefectural assembly caucus has 25 members and no other group has more than four members.[7]

In the National Diet, Ishikawa is represented by three directly elected members of the House of Representatives and two (one per election) of the House of Councillors. Additional members from the prefecture may be elected in the proportional representation segments of both houses: the Hokuriku-Shin’etsu proportional representation block in the lower house, the proportional election to the upper house is nationwide. After the Diet elections of 2010, 2012 and 2013, the five directly elected members from Ishikawa districts are all Liberal Democrats, namely:

in the House of Representatives
for the 1st district that covers Kanazawa City: Hiroshi Hase, LDP, 5th term,
for the 2nd district that consists of Southern parts of Ishikawa and had been the district of former LDP president Yoshirō Mori until 2012: Hajime Sasaki, LDP, 1st term,
for the 3rd district in the North: Shigeo Kitamura, LDP, 3rd term,
in the House of Councillors
in the class of 2010 (term ends 2016): Naoki Okada, LDP, 2nd term, and
in the class of 2013 (term ends 2019): Shūji Yamada, LDP, 1st term who was able to defeat Democratic incumbent and former defense minister Yasuo Ichikawa by a huge margin in 2013.

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

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Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Nagano May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Nagano

Nagano Prefecture
長野県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 長野県
• Rōmaji Nagano-ken

Prefectures of Japan Nagano – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Nagano

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Kōshin’etsu)
Island Honshu
Capital Nagano
Subdivisions Districts: 14, Municipalities: 77
Government
• Governor Shuichi Abe
Area
• Total 13,561.56 km2 (5,236.15 sq mi)
Area rank 4th
Population (June 1, 2019)
• Total 2,052,493
• Rank 16th
• Density 150/km2 (390/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-20
Website www.pref.nagano.lg.jp
Symbols
Bird Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta)
Flower Gentian (Gentiana scabra var. buergeri)
Tree White birch (Betula platyphylla var. japonica)

Prefectures of Japan Nagano

Nagano Prefecture (長野県, Nagano-ken) is a landlocked prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshū.[1] Nagano Prefecture has a population of 2,052,493 (as of 1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 13,561 square kilometres (5,236 sq mi). Nagano Prefecture borders Niigata Prefecture to the north, Gunma Prefecture to the northeast, Saitama Prefecture to the east, Yamanashi Prefecture to the southeast, Shizuoka Prefecture and Aichi Prefecture to the south, and Gifu Prefecture and Toyama Prefecture to the west.

Nagano is the capital and largest city of Nagano Prefecture, with other major cities including Matsumoto, Ueda, and Iida.[2]: 682 Nagano Prefecture has impressive highland areas of the Japanese Alps, including most of the Hida Mountains, Kiso Mountains, and Akaishi Mountains which extend into the neighbouring prefectures. The abundance of mountain ranges, natural scenic beauty, and rich history has gained Nagano Prefecture international recognition as a world-class winter sports tourist destination, including hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and a new Shinkansen line to Tokyo.

Geography

Nagano is an inland prefecture and it borders more prefectures than any other in Japan, bordering Gunma Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Yamanashi Prefecture, and Shizuoka Prefecture to the east, Niigata Prefecture to the north, Toyama Prefecture and Gifu Prefecture to the west, and Aichi Prefecture to the south. Nagano contains the point furthest from the sea in the whole of Japan—this point lies within the city of Saku. The province’s mountains have made it relatively isolated, and many visitors come to Nagano for its mountain resorts and hot springs. Nine of the twelve highest mountains in Japan can be found in Nagano and one of its lakes, Lake Kizaki, is a beach resort popular for its water attractions and games.

As of 1 April 2014, 21% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks; namely the Chichibu Tama Kai, Chūbu-Sangaku, Jōshin’etsu Kōgen, and Minami Alps National Parks; Myōgi-Arafune-Saku Kōgen, Tenryū-Okumikawa, and Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kōgen Quasi-National Parks; and Chūō Alps, Enrei Ōjō, Hijiriyama Kōgen, Mibugawa Suikei, Ontake, and Tenryū Koshibu Suikei Prefectural Natural Parks.

Cities

Nineteen cities are located in Nagano Prefecture:

Azumino
Chikuma
Chino
Iida
Iiyama
Ina
Komagane
Komoro
Matsumoto
Nagano (capital)
Nakano
Okaya
Ōmachi
Saku
Shiojiri
Suwa
Suzaka
Tōmi
Ueda

Towns and villages

These are the towns and villages in each district:

Chiisagata District
Aoki
Nagawa
Hanishina District
Sakaki
Higashichikuma District
Asahi
Chikuhoku
Ikusaka
Omi
Yamagata
Kamiina District
Iijima
Minamiminowa
Minowa
Miyada
Nakagawa
Tatsuno
Kamiminochi District
Iizuna
Ogawa
Shinano
Kamitakai District
Obuse
Takayama
Kiso District
Agematsu
Kiso (village)
Kiso (town)
Nagiso
Ōkuwa
Ōtaki
Kitaazumi District
Hakuba
Ikeda
Matsukawa
Otari
Kitasaku District
Karuizawa
Miyota
Tateshina
Minamisaku District
Kawakami
Kitaaiki
Koumi
Minamiaiki
Minamimaki
Sakuho
Shimoina District
Achi
Anan
Hiraya
Matsukawa
Neba
Ōshika
Shimojō
Takagi
Takamori
Tenryū
Toyooka
Urugi
Yasuoka
Shimominochi District
Sakae
Shimotakai District
Kijimadaira
Nozawaonsen
Yamanouchi
Suwa District
Fujimi
Hara
Shimosuwa

Demographic

The life expectancy in Nagano prefecture is the longest nationwide with the average life expectancy of 87.18 years for women and 80.88 years for men.

Transportation

Railway

East Japan Railway Company
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Shin’etsu Main Line
Chūō Main Line (east line)
Shinonoi Line
Ōito Line (from Matsumoto to Minami-Otari)
Koumi Line
Central Japan Railway Company
Chūō Main Line (west line)
Iida Line
West Japan Railway Company
Ōito Line (from Minami-Otari to Itoigawa)
Shinano Railway
Shinano Railway Line
Nagano Electric Railway
Nagano Line
Matsumoto Electric Railway
Kamikōchi Line
Ueda Dentetsu
Bessho Line

Road

Expressways

Chuo Expressway
Nagano Expressway
Joshinetsu Expressway
Sanen-nanshin Expressway
Chubu-jukan Expressway
Chubu-odan Expressway

National highways

Route 18
Route 19 (Nagano-Matsumoto-Shioriri-Nagiso-Nakatsugawa-Tajimi-Nagoya)
Route 20 (Matsumoto-Suwa-Kofu-Otsuki-Hachioji-Nihonbashi of Tokyo)
Route 117
Route 141
Route 142
Route 143 (Matsumoto-Azumino-Ueda)
Route 144
Route 147 (Matsumoto-Omachi)
Route 148 (Omachi-Itoigawa)
Route 151 (Iida-Shinshiro-Toyohashi)
Route 152
Route 153 (Nagoya-Toyota-Iida-Shioriri)
Route 158 (Fukui-Gujo-Takayama-Matsumoto)
Route 254
Route 256 (Gifu-Gujo-Gero-Nakatsugawa-Nagiso-Iida)
Route 403
Route 406 (Omachi-Hakuba-Nagano-Susaka-Tsumagoi-Takasaki)
Route 418 (Ono-Seki-Ena-Iida)

Airports

Matsumoto Airport

Education

Universities

Public

Shinshu University (National)
Nagano College of Nursing (Prefectural)
The University of Nagano (Prefectural)
Nagano University [Municipal (Ueda City)]
Suwa Tokyo University of Science [Municipal (Chino City)]

Private

Matsumoto University (Private)
Matsumoto Dental University (Private)
Saku University (Private)
Seisen Jogakuin College (Private)

Economy

Nagano Prefecture has a large and diversified economy, with a strong focus on electronics, information technology, precision machinery, agriculture and food products, and tourism, with a total GDP of about ¥8.5 trillion (2017).[6]

Several large Japanese groups have production facilities in Nagano Prefecture, such as Citizen Watch (Citizen Group), MinebeaMitsumi, Seiko Epson or Vaio.

Tourism

Lake Kizaki
Lake Suwa
Mount Kirigamine
Suwa Taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan
Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s national treasures
One of the world’s highest geysers (about 40 to 50 meters) in Suwa
Zenkō-ji temple in Nagano city
Five Mountains of Northern Shinshu

Sports

There are two local J.League clubs: AC Nagano Parceiro and Matsumoto Yamaga FC.

Prefectural symbols

Siberian Silver Birch
Gentian
Ptarmigan
Japanese Serow
Shinano no Kuni (prefecture song)

Sister regions

Changhua County, Taiwan (2008)
Hebei, China
Colorado, USA

Personalities

Nagano’s former governor, Yasuo Tanaka, is an independent who has made a reputation internationally for attacking Japan’s status quo. Among other issues, he has refused national government money for construction projects that he deems unnecessary, such as dams, and has overhauled (locally) the press club system that is blamed for limiting government access to journalists who give favorable coverage. Tanaka was voted out from office on August 6, 2006 and was replaced by Jin Murai.
Tatsumi Yoda (aka Tom Yoda), former chairman of Avex, is from Chikuma-shi.
Glim Spanky, the members of the rock band are from Nagano Prefecture
Yuto Adachi, of Korean boy group Pentagon is from Nagano Prefecture
Yasuyuki Kazama, a professional drift driver, is from Shimosuwa in Nagano Prefecture.
Keiichi Tsuchiya, a professional racing driver, is from Tōmi in Nagano Prefecture.
Jun’ya Ota (aka ZUN), video game developer best known for the Touhou Project series is from Nagano Prefecture.

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
Twitter @japan_mmandmp
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Paul Michael Woodman published in Japan, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Niigata May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Niigata

Niigata Prefecture
新潟県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 新潟県
• Rōmaji Niigata-ken

Prefectures of Japan Niigata – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Niigata

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Kōshinetsu) (Hokuriku)
Island Honshu
Capital Niigata
Subdivisions Districts: 9, Municipalities: 30
Government
• Governor Hideyo Hanazumi
Area
• Total 12,584.18 km2 (4,858.78 sq mi)
Area rank 5th
Population (July 1, 2019)
• Total 2,227,496
• Rank 14th
• Density 180/km2 (460/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-15
Website www.pref.niigata.lg.jp
Symbols
Bird Crested ibis (Nipponia nippon)
Flower Tulip (Tulipa gesneriana)
Tree Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Prefectures of Japan Niigata

Niigata Prefecture (新潟県, Niigata-ken) is a prefecture in the Chūbu region of Honshu of Japan.[1] Niigata Prefecture has a population of 2,227,496 (1 July 2019) and is the fifth-largest prefecture of Japan by geographic area at 12,584.18 km2 (4,858.78 sq mi). Niigata Prefecture borders Toyama Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture to the southwest, Gunma Prefecture to the south, Fukushima Prefecture to the east, and Yamagata Prefecture to the northeast.

Niigata is the capital and largest city of Niigata Prefecture, with other major cities including Nagaoka, Jōetsu, and Sanjō.[2] Niigata Prefecture contains the Niigata Major Metropolitan Area centered on Niigata with a population of 1,395,612, the largest metropolitan area on the Sea of Japan coast and the twelfth-largest in Japan. Niigata Prefecture is part of the historic Hokuriku region and features Sado Island, the sixth largest island of Japan in area following the four main islands and Okinawa Island.

History

Until after the Meiji Restoration, the area that is now Niigata Prefecture was divided into Echigo Province (on the mainland) and Sado Province.[3] During the Sengoku period, the Nagao clan, who were at times vassals to the Uesugi, ruled a fief in the western part of modern Niigata from Kasugayama Castle. The most notable member of the Nagao clan was Nagao Kagetora, later and better known as Uesugi Kenshin. He unified the leaders of Echigo Province and became its sole ruler. By taking the surname Uesugi, he also became the head of the Uesugi clan and effectively brought their realm under his control.

The city of Niigata is now the third largest Japanese city facing the Sea of Japan, after Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. It was the first Japanese port on the Sea of Japan to be opened to foreign trade following the opening of Japan by Matthew Perry. It has since played an important role in trade with Russia and Korea. A freighter from North Korea visits Niigata once a month, in one of the few forms of direct contact between Japan and that country.

The Etsuzankai organization, led by the politician Kakuei Tanaka, was highly influential in bringing infrastructure improvements to Niigata Prefecture in the 1960s and 1970s. These included the Jōetsu Shinkansen high-speed rail line and the Kanetsu Expressway to Tokyo.

On October 23, 2004, the Chūetsu earthquake struck Niigata Prefecture and was measured at Shindo 6+ at Ojiya.

On January 9, 2006, a heavy winter storm struck the prefecture and its neighbors. At least 71 people died and more than 1,000 were injured. Also in 2006, a massive tsunami and earthquake damaged homes and caused casualties in the maritime areas of Niigata Prefecture, especially near Sado Island.

On July 16, 2007, another earthquake hit the area.

Niigata Prefecture hosts the Fuji Rock Festival, an annual event held at the Naeba ski resort. The three-day event, organized by Smash Japan, features more than 200 Japanese and international musicians. It is one of the largest outdoor music events in Japan, with more than 100,000 people attending in 2005.

Geography

Niigata Prefecture stretches about 240 km (149 mi) along the Sea of Japan, from the southwest to the northeast, with a coastal plain between the mountains and the sea. It also includes Sado Island. Niigata Prefecture could be placed in either the Hokuriku or the Kōshinetsu, both of which are considered parts of the Chūbu region. The prefecture is generally divided into four geographical areas: Jōetsu region (上越) in the south, Chūetsu (中越) in the center, Kaetsu (下越) in the north, and Sado Island. The mouth of the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan, is located in Niigata Prefecture.

As of 1 April 2014, 25% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely Bandai-Asahi, Chūbu-Sangaku, Nikkō, and Oze National Parks; Echigo Sanzan-Tadami and Sado-Yahiko-Yoneyama Quasi-National Parks; and thirteen Prefectural Natural Parks.

List of Governor of Niigata Prefecture (from 1947)

Shohei Okada (岡田正平) – from 15 April 1947 to 29 April 1955
Kazuo Kitamura (北村一男) – from 30 April 1955 to 30 November 1961
Toichiro Tsukada (塚田十一郎) – from 7 December 1966 to 28 March 1966
Shiro Watari (亘四郎) – from 8 May 1966 to 30 April 1974
Takeo Kimi (君健男) – from 1 May 1974 to 19 April 1989

Kiyoshi Kaneko (金子清) – from 4 June 1989 to 9 September 1992
Ikuo Hirayama (平山征夫) – from 25 October 1992 to 24 October 2004
Hirohiko Izumida (泉田裕彦) – from 25 October 2004 to 24 October 2016
Ryuichi Yoneyama (米山隆一) – from 25 October 2016 to 27 April 2018
Hideyo Hanazumi (花角英世) – from 12 June 2018 to present

Economy

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

The major industry in Niigata Prefecture is agriculture. Rice is the principal product, and among the prefectures of Japan Niigata is second only to Hokkaidō in rice output. The area around Uonuma is known for producing the Koshihikari variety, widely considered to be the highest-quality rice produced in Japan.

Rice-related industries are also very important to the prefectural economy. Niigata Prefecture is known throughout Japan for its high-quality sake, senbei, mochi, and arare. In sake production, the prefecture comes third after Gunma and Kyoto prefectures.

The prefecture was also the place of origin of the ornamental carp known as koi.

Niigata Prefecture produces the highest volume of azaleas and cut lilies in Japan, and is increasing production of cut flowers and flower bulbs. Along with Toyama Prefecture, it produces the highest volume of tulips in the country.

Mining and manufacturing

Crude oil is produced in Niigata Prefecture, although Japan relies heavily on petroleum imported from other countries. Kerosene heaters are also produced for use in the cold Niigata winters.

Kinzan, on Sado Island, was an active gold mine until it was closed in 1989.

Sanjō and Tsubame produce 90 percent of all the silverware made in Japan. The two cities are second after Osaka in the production of scissors, kitchen knives, and wrenches.

Niigata Prefecture may have been the first area in Japan to produce knitted textiles, although the earliest products may have been imported from China. A nuclear power plant, which formerly had the highest energy output in the world,[citation needed] is located in the tiny village of Kariwa. It has been closed since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

Demographics

In the Census of 2003, Niigata ranked as the 14th most populous.

Culture

Food

Niigata is known for the following regional specialities:

Uonuma Koshihikari rice
Shōyu (soy sauce) and Yofu (western-style) katsudon
Shōyu sekihan
Noppe stew
Wappa-meshi (seafood and rice steamed in a bamboo basket)
Sasa-dango (mochi balls filled with red bean paste, seasoned with mugwort and wrapped in bamboo leaves)
Poppo-yaki (steamed bread flavored with brown sugar)
Hegi-soba (soba from the Uonuma and Ojiya areas, which uses a special kind of seaweed)
“Tsubame-Sanjō ramen” (ramen made using thick udon-style noodles)
Tochio aburage (aburaage is called “aburage” in Tochio)
Kirazu (dishes using okara)
Kakinomoto (edible chrysanthemums)
Kanzuri (a special seasoning from Myōkō made by leaving chili peppers exposed on snow, then adding flour, salt and yuzu)
Yasuda yogurt

Niigata in popular culture

Snow Country (1947): a novel by Nobel laureate Yasunari Kawabata set in Yuzawa
“Niigata Snow”: a track on the LP Aida, released by Derek Bailey in 1980
Kura: a film and TV series (1995) based on the 1993 book by Tomiko Miyao, an award-winning period piece about a Niigata family and its sake brewery
Blue (1996): a manga about high school girls, set in Niigata City, adapted as a film in 2001
Whiteout: an action film based on a novel published in 1995
United States of Tara (2011): a comedy-drama series on Showtime; Kate is about to embark on a trip to teach English in Niigata when a flight attendant tells her that the only thing she will hopefully find in Niigata is “a life lesson and a bullet train back to Tokyo.”

Historical population

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1880	1,546,338	—
1890	1,693,727	+0.91%
1903	1,780,123	+0.38%
1913	1,911,308	+0.71%
1920	1,776,474	−1.04%
1925	1,849,807	+0.81%
1930	1,933,326	+0.89%
1935	1,995,777	+0.64%
1940	2,064,402	+0.68%
1945	2,389,653	+2.97%
1950	2,460,997	+0.59%
1955	2,473,492	+0.10%
1960	2,442,037	−0.26%
1965	2,398,931	−0.36%
1970	2,360,982	−0.32%
1975	2,391,938	+0.26%
1980	2,451,357	+0.49%
1985	2,478,470	+0.22%
1990	2,474,583	−0.03%
1995	2,488,364	+0.11%
2000	2,475,733	−0.10%
2005	2,431,459	−0.36%
2010	2,374,450	−0.47%
2015	2,305,098	−0.59%
2020	2,227,496	−0.68%

Tourism and sports

Much of the tourism in Niigata centers around skiing, especially in the alpine areas of Myōkō and Yuzawa, and going to onsen. Sado Island off the west coast of Niigata is accessible via ferry (taking one to two and a half hours) from Naoetsu or Niigata City.

Professional sports clubs include Albirex Niigata, a J-League Division 1 Football Club, and Niigata Albirex BB, a BJ (Basketball Japan) League team.

Festivals

Tokamachi Snow Festival- February
Murakami Taisai – July 6–7
Iwafune Taisai – October 18–19, in Murakami
Niigata Festival – August
Niigata General Dancing Event -September 21–25
Shirone Kite Festival – June
Sanjo Kite Festival – June
Nagaoka Festival (with fireworks) – August
Niigata Tanrei Sake-no-Jin – March
Echigo-Tsumari Festival – August and September (every third year)

Education

Universities

Niigata University
Niigata University of International and Information Studies
Niigata Sangyo University (Niigata Industrial University)
Niigata University of Health and Welfare
Niigata University of Pharmacy and Applied Life Sciences
Niigata Institute of Technology
Niigata University of Management
Niigata College of Nursing
Nippon Dental University
Nagaoka University
Nagaoka University of Technology
Nagaoka Institute of Design
International University of Japan
Keiwa Gakuen University

Transport

Rail

JR East
Jōetsu Shinkansen
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Shin’etsu Line
Hakushin Line
Yahiko Line
Echigo Line
Jōetsu Line
Uetsu Line
Ban’etsu West Line
Tadami Line
Iiyama Line
Yonesaka Line
JR West
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Ōito Line
Hokuetsu Express
Hokuhoku Line
Echigo Tokimeki Railway
Myōkō Haneuma Line
Nihonkai Hisui Line

Roads

Expressways

E17 Kanetsu Expressway
E18 Jōshinetsu Expressway
E8 Hokuriku Expressway
E49 Ban-etsu Expressway
E7 Nihonkai Tōhoku Expressway

National highways

Route 7 (Niigata—Shibata—Murakami—Sakata—Akita—Noshiro—Hirosaki—Aomori)
Route 8 (Niigata—Nagaoka—Kashiwazaki—Jōetsu—Toyama—Kanazawa—Tsuruga—Kyoto)
Route 17 (Nagaoka—Ojiya—Minamiuonuma—Takasaki—Nihonbashi of Tokyo)
Route 18 (Jōetsu—Myōkō—Nagano—Karuizawa—Takasaki)
Route 49 (Niigata—Aizuwakamatsu—Kōriyama—Iwaki)
Route 113 (Niigata—Arakawa—Nan’yō—Shiroishi—Sōma)
Route 116 (Niigata—Tsubame—Izumozaki—Kashiwazaki)
Route 117 (Ojiya—Tōkamachi—Iiyama)
Route 148 (Itoigawa—Ōmachi)
Route 252
Route 253
Route 289
Route 290
Route 291
Route 292
Route 345
Route 350 (Sado Island)
Route 351
Route 352
Route 353
Route 402
Route 403
Route 404
Route 405
Route 459
Route 460

Ports

Niigata Port – Ferry route to Sado Island (Ryotsu),[8] Tsuruga, Akita, Otaru and Tomakomai, with International Container hub port
Ryotsu Port – Ferry route to Niigata
Ogi Port – Ferry route to Naoetsu
Naoetsu Port in Joetsu – Ferry route to Ogi
Iwafune Port in Murakami- Ferry route to Awashima

Airports

Niigata Airport
Sado Airport

Notable individuals

Politics and military

Masako, Empress of Japan, former registered domicile (Honseki) was Murakami
Uesugi Kenshin (1530–1578), daimyō in the Sengoku period
Naoe Kanetsugu (1559–1620), samurai in the Sengoku period
Horibe Yasubei (1670–1703), samurai in the Edo period
Hachirō Arita (1884–1965), foreign minister, from Sado Island
Maejima Hisoka (1835–1919), founder of the Japanese postal service, from Joetsu
Masuda Takashi (1848–1938), creation of a general trading company, Mitsui Bussan. established a newspaper, Nihon Keizai Shimbun. from Sado Island
Kita Ikki (1883–1937), nationalist author and intellectual, from Sado Island
Sakae Ōsugi (1885-1923), anarchist, lived in Shibata
Honma Masaharu (1887–1946) World War II lieutenant-general executed by the United States for war crimes committed in the Philippines
Hitoshi Imamura (1886–1968) World War II General in the Imperial Japanese Army, from Shibata high school
Isoroku Yamamoto (1884–1943), commander of the Japanese Imperial Navy, from Nagaoka
Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975), Chinese political and military leader, served in the Imperial Japanese Army from 1909 to 1911 in Joetsu (Takada)
Ba Maw (1893-1977), Burmese political leader, active during the interwar and World War II, lived in Minamiuonuma (Ichiuchi)
Kakuei Tanaka (1918–1993), prime minister, from Kashiwazaki
Hisashi Owada (born 1932), diplomat and father of Crown Princess Masako, from Shibata
Makiko Tanaka (born 1944), first female foreign minister, from Kashiwazaki

Arts and culture

Zeami Motokiyo(1363– 1443), aesthetician, actor, and playwright, exile to Sado Island
Ryōkan (1758–1831), Zen Buddhist monk and poet, from Izumozaki
Etsu Inagaki Sugimoto, (1874–1950), autobiographer and novelist, Professor of literature and taught Japanese language, culture and history at Columbia University, from Nagaoka
Yaichi Aizu (1881–1956), poet, calligrapher and historian, from Niigata City
Kokei Kobayashi (1883–1957), Nihonga painter, from Joetsu
Mimei Ogawa (1882–1961), author of short stories, children’s stories, and fairy tales, from Joetsu
Koganei Yoshikiyo (1859–1944), anatomist and anthropologist, from Nagaoka
Kyusaku Ogino (1882-1975), doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, Niigata Takeyama Hospital
Kinichiro Sakaguchi(1897 – 1994), agricultural chemist and microbiologist, from Joetsu
Takashi Amano(1954-2015), photographer and aquarist, from Niigata
Tetsuji Morohashi(1883– 1982) chief editor of the Dai Kan-Wa jiten, a comprehensive dictionary of Chinese characters, from Sanjo
Tetsuo Harada (born 1949 Niitsu-shi), sculptor working in Paris France
Tsuchida Bakusen (1887–1936), Japanese painter, from Sado
Fubō Hayashi (1900–1935), novelist from Sado Island
Inoue Enryō (1858–1919), Buddhist philosopher, from Nagaoka
Junzaburō Nishiwaki (1894–1982), Japanese poet and literary critic, from Ojiya
Daigaku Horiguchi (1892-1981), poet and translator of French literature, from Nagaoka
Makoto Aida (born 1965), Artist, from Niigata City
Donald Keene (born 1922), Japanese scholar, historian, teacher, writer and translator of Japanese literature, Honorary Citizen of Kashiwazaki
Kodo (taiko group), Based in Sado

Actors, Actresses, Singers

Ken Watanabe (born 1959), stage, TV and film actor, from Niigata
Princess Tenko (born 1959), magician, from Joetsu
Mina Fujii (born 1998), actress
Mikie Hara (born 1987), gravure idol and actress, from Murakami
Fumika Baba (born 1995), actress and model, from Niigata City
Maya Kobayashi (born 1979), journalist and newscaster, from Ojiya
Mao Kobayashi (actress) (born 1982), newscaster and former actress, from Ojiya
Miyuki Koizumi (born 1982), Model
Kazuyuki Sekiguchi (born 1955), bass player for the rock group Southern All Stars, from Agano
Makoto Ogawa (born 1987), former member of Morning Musume, actor and model, from Kashiwazaki
Koharu Kusumi (born 1992), former member of Morning Musume, actor and model, from Washima
Hitomi Saito (born 1981), former singer of leader of Melon Kinenbi, from Niigata City
Suneohair (born 1971), singer, from Nagaoka
Yasuyuki Okamura (born 1965), from Niigata Higashi High School
Double (singer),Japanese R&B singer
Negicco Based on Niigata City, Niigata
NGT48 Based on Niigata City, Niigata

Pop culture, manga, voice actors

One (manga artist) (1986), mangaká, from Niigata City
Yoshifumi Kondō (1950–1998), animator, from Gosen
Hiroyuki Yamaga (born 1962), anime director and producer, and a founding member of the animation studio Gainax, from Niigata City
Daisuke Hirakawa (born 1973), voice actor
Ryō Hirohashi (born 1977), voice actress, from Nagaoka
Yoko Ishida (born 1973), singer, from Niigata City
Rumi Kasahara (born 1970), voice actress, from Itoigawa
Makoto Kobayashi (born 1958), manga artist, from Niigata City
Közi (born 1972), rock musician
Haruo Minami (1923–2001), enka singer, from Nagaoka
Hitomi Nabatame (born 1976), voice actress, from Sado Island
Tatsuyuki Nagai (born 1976), anime director
Kazuto Nakazawa (born 1968), animator
Kenichi Suzumura (born 1974), voice actor
Kiriko Nananan (born 1972), manga artist, from Tsubame
Yukari Nozawa (born 1957), actor and voice actor
Takeshi Obata (born 1969), manga artist, from Niigata City
Etsushi Ogawa (born 1969), manga artist
Ikue Otani (born 1965), voice actress, from Kashiwazaki
Ango Sakaguchi (1906–1955), novelist and essayist, from Niigata City
Daisuke Sakaguchi (born 1973), voice actor, from Kashiwazaki
Shuichi Shigeno (born 1958), manga artist, from Tōkamachi
Bin Shimada (born 1954), voice actor, from Niigata City
Kunio Shimizu (1936–2021), playwright from Niigata
Motoei Shinzawa (born 1958), manga artist, from Kashiwazaki
Yōko Sōmi (born 1965), voice actress
Rumiko Takahashi (born 1957), manga artist, from Niigata City
Kazuya Tsurumaki (born 1966), animator, from Gosen
Hajime Watanabe (born 1957), animator
Nobuhiro Watsuki (born 1970), manga artist, from Nagaoka
Hiroki Yagami (born 1967), manga artist, from Kashiwazaki
Akiko Yajima (born 1967), voice actress, from Kashiwazaki
Kimio Yanagisawa (born 1948), manga artist, from Gosen
Keiko Yokozawa (born 1952), voice actress, from Niigata City

Sports

Shiro Saigo(1866 – 1922), Judo, lived in Aga (Tsugawa), lived in 1869-1882
Haguroyama Masaji (1914–1969), sumo wrestler from Nakanokuchi who was yokozuna for 12 years and three months; an all-time record
Shohei Baba (1938–1999), Japanese professional wrestler, from Sanjō
Sawao Kato (born 1946), winner of 12 Olympic medals in gymnastics
Killer Khan (born 1947), professional wrestler, from Tsubame
Ayumu Hirano (born 1998), snowboarder, from Murakami
Ayana Onozuka (born 1988), freestyle skier, from Minamiuonuma
Kentaro Minagawa (born 1977), alpine skier, from Yuzawa
Junko Hoshino (born 1989), freestyle skier, from Nagaoka
Reruhi Shimizu (born 1993), ski jumper, from Myoko
Mai Nakamura (born 1979), swimmer, from Nagaoka
Gōtoku Sakai (born 1991), footballer (2015– Hamburger SV), from Sanjo
Yujiro Takahashi (born 1981), professional wrestler from Niigata City.

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Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

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Paul Michael Woodman published in Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Shizuoka May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture
静岡県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 静岡県
• Rōmaji Shizuoka-ken

Prefectures of Japan Shizuoka – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Shizuoka

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Tōkai)
Island Honshu
Capital Shizuoka
Largest city Hamamatsu
Subdivisions Districts: 5, Municipalities: 35
Government
• Governor Heita Kawakatsu
Area
• Total 7,777.42 km2 (3,002.88 sq mi)
Area rank 13th
Highest elevation (Mount Fuji)
3,778 m (12,395 ft)
Population (1 December 2019)
• Total 3,637,998
• Rank 10th
• Density 470/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
• Dialect
Shizuoka dialect
ISO 3166 code JP-22
Website www.pref.shizuoka.jp/a_foreign/english
Symbols
Bird Japanese paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata)
Flower Azalea (Rhododendron)
Tree Sweet osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus)

Prefectures of Japan Shizuoka

Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県, Shizuoka-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu.[1] As of December 2019, Shizuoka Prefecture has a population of 3,637,998 and has a geographic area of 7,777.42 km2 (3,002.88 sq mi). Shizuoka Prefecture borders Kanagawa Prefecture to the east, Yamanashi Prefecture to the northeast, Nagano Prefecture to the north, and Aichi Prefecture to the west.

Shizuoka is the capital and Hamamatsu is the largest city in Shizuoka Prefecture, with other major cities including Fuji, Numazu, and Iwata.[2] Shizuoka Prefecture is located on Japan’s Pacific Ocean coast and features Suruga Bay formed by the Izu Peninsula, and Lake Hamana which is considered to be one of Japan’s largest lakes. Mount Fuji, the tallest volcano in Japan and cultural icon of the country, is partially located in Shizuoka Prefecture on the border with Yamanashi Prefecture. Shizuoka Prefecture has a significant motoring heritage as the founding location of Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha, and is home to the Fuji International Speedway.

History

Shizuoka Prefecture was established from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.[3]

The area was the home of the first Tokugawa shōgun.[citation needed] Tokugawa Ieyasu held the region until he conquered the lands of the Hōjō clan in the Kantō region and placed land under the stewardship of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After becoming shōgun, Tokugawa took the land back for his family and put the area around modern-day Shizuoka city under the direct supervision of the shogunate. With the creation of Shizuoka han in 1868, it once again became the residence of the Tokugawa family.

Geography

Shizuoka Prefecture is an elongated region following the coast of the Pacific Ocean at the Suruga Bay. In the west, the prefecture extends deep into the Japan Alps. In the east, it becomes a narrower coast bounded in the north by Mount Fuji, until it comes to the Izu Peninsula, a popular resort area pointing south into the Pacific.[citation needed]

As of April 2012, 11% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Fuji-Hakone-Izu and Minami Alps National Parks; Tenryū-Okumikawa Quasi-National Park; and four Prefectural Natural Parks.

Tokai earthquakes

Throughout history, a disastrous earthquake called the Tokai earthquake has hit Shizuoka every 100 to 150 years. On 15 March 2011, Shizuoka Prefecture was hit with a magnitude 6.2 earthquake approximately 42 km (26 mi) NNE of Shizuoka City.

Municipalities

Since 2010, Shizuoka consists of 35 municipalities: 23 cities and 12 towns

Mergers

After the introduction of modern municipalities in 1889, Shizuoka consisted of 337 municipalities: 1 (by definition: district-independent) city and 23 districts with 31 towns and 305 villages. The Great Shōwa mergers of the 1950s reduced the total from 281 to 97 between 1953 and 1960, including 18 cities by then. The Great Heisei mergers of the 2000s combined the 74 remaining municipalities in the year 2000 into the current 35 by 2010.

Transportation

Rail

JR East
Tōkaidō Line (Atami–Odawara)
Itō Line
JR Central
Tōkaidō Shinkansen
Tōkaidō Line (Atami–Toyohashi)
Gotenba Line
Minobu Line
Iida Line
Izukyū
Izuhakone Railway
Daiyūzan Line
Sunzu Line
Gakunan Railway
Shizuoka Railway
Ōigawa Railway
Enshū Railway
Tenryū Hamanako Railroad

Roads

Expressways Tōmei Expressway
Shin-Tōmei Expressway
Chūbu-Ōdan Expressway
Izu-Jūkan Expressway
San-en Nanshin Expressway

Toll roads

Shizuoka East-West Road
Shizuoka South-North Road
West Fuji Road (not a toll road anymore as of 2012)
Fujinomiya Road
Nishi-Fuji Road

National highways

National Route 1
National Route 42
National Route 52
National Route 135
National Route 136
National Route 138
National Route 139
National Route 149
National Route 150
National Route 152
National Route 246
National Route 257
National Route 301
National Route 362
National Route 414
National Route 469
National Route 473
National Route 474

Airports

Shizuoka Airport

Ports

Shimizu Port
Atami Port and Shimoda Port – Mainly ferry route to Izu Island
Numazu Port

Education

Universities

National universities

Hamamatsu University School of Medicine
Shizuoka University
Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Mishima Campus, National Institute of Genetics)

Public universities

Shizuoka University of Art and Culture
University of Shizuoka

Private universities

Fuji Tokoha University
Hamamatsu University
Hamamatsu Gakuin University
Juntendo University (Mishima Campus)
Nihon University (Mishima Campus)
Shizuoka Eiwa Gakuin University
Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology
Shizuoka Sangyo University
Shizuoka University of Welfare
Tokyo Women’s Medical University (Daito Campus)
Tokai University (Shimizu and Numazu Campuses)
Tokoha Gakuen University

Senior high schools

Numazu Commercial High School
Shizuoka Prefectural Susono High School
Shizuoka Prefectural High School

Sports

The sports teams listed below are based in Shizuoka.

Basketball

San-en NeoPhoenix

Motorsport

Fuji International Speedway

Rugby

Yamaha Júbilo (Iwata)

Football

Shimizu S-Pulse (Shimizu, Shizuoka)
Júbilo Iwata (Iwata)
Matches between the above two teams, both currently in the top flight of the J. League, are known as the Shizuoka Derby.
Honda F.C. (Hamamatsu)
Azul Claro Numazu (Numazu)
Fujieda MYFC (Fujieda)

Volleyball

Toray Arrows (men’s volleyball team) (Mishima city)

Tourism

Museums

Shizuoka Prefectural Museum of Art
Museum of Natural and Environmental History, Shizuoka

Theme parks

Air Park Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Information Building)[5]
Shimizu Sushi Museum

Festivals and events

Shimoda Black Ship Festival, held in May
Shimizu Port Festival, held on August 5 to 7
Shizuoka Festival, held in April
Daidogei World Cup in central Shizuoka City, held in November
Enshu Daimyo Festival in Iwata, held in April
Numazu Festival, held in July
Mishima Festival, held in August

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
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Paul Michael Woodman published in Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Toyama May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Toyama

Prefectures of Japan

Toyama

Toyama Prefecture
富山県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 富山県
• Rōmaji Toyama-ken

Prefectures of Japan Toyama – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Toyama

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Hokuriku)
Island Honshu
Capital Toyama
Subdivisions Districts: 2, Municipalities: 15
Government
• Governor Hachiro Nitta
Area
• Total 4,247.61 km2 (1,640.01 sq mi)
Area rank 33rd
Population (June 1, 2019)
• Total 1,044,588
• Rank 37th
• Density 250/km2 (640/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-16
Website pref.toyama.jp
Symbols
Bird Ptarmigan
Fish Japanese amberjack
Pasiphaea japonica
Firefly squid
Flower Tulip (Tulipa)
Tree Tateyama Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica)

Prefectures of Japan Toyama

Toyama Prefecture (富山県, Toyama-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu.[2] Toyama Prefecture has a population of 1,044,588 (1 June 2019) and has a geographic area of 4,247.61 km2 (1,640.01 sq mi). Toyama Prefecture borders Ishikawa Prefecture to the west, Gifu Prefecture to the south, Nagano Prefecture to the east, and Niigata Prefecture to the northeast.

Toyama is the capital and largest city of Toyama Prefecture, with other major cities including Takaoka, Imizu, and Nanto.[3] Toyama Prefecture is part of the historic Hokuriku region, and the majority of prefecture’s population lives on Toyama Bay, one of the largest bays in Japan. Toyama Prefecture is the leading industrial prefecture on the Japan Sea coast and has the advantage of cheap electricity from abundant hydroelectric resources. Toyama Prefecture contains the only known glaciers in East Asia outside of Russia, first recognized in 2012, and 30% of the prefecture’s area is designated as national parks.[4]

History

Historically, Toyama Prefecture was Etchū Province.[5] Following the abolition of the han system in 1871, Etchū Province was renamed Niikawa Prefecture, but Imizu District was given to Nanao Prefecture. In 1872 Imizu District was returned by the new Ishikawa Prefecture.

In 1876, Niikawa Prefecture was merged into Ishikawa Prefecture but the merger was void in 1881 and the area was re-established as Toyama Prefecture.[citation needed]

The Itai-itai disease occurred in Toyama around 1950.

Geography

Toyama Prefecture is bordered by Ishikawa Prefecture to the west, Niigata to the northeast, Nagano to the southeast, Gifu to the south and Sea of Japan to the north.

As of April 1, 2012, 30% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Chūbu-Sangaku and Hakusan National Parks; Noto Hantō Quasi-National Park; and six Prefectural Natural Parks.

Municipalities

Due to the mergers in the 2000s, Toyama has the fewest municipalities of any prefecture in Japan with 10 cities, 2 districts, 4 towns, and 1 village (before the mergers took place, the prefecture had 9 cities, 18 towns, and 8 villages).

List of governors of Toyama Prefecture (from 1947)

This is a list of governors of Toyama with their titles.

19 April 1947 – 15 November 1947: Tetsuji Tachi (館哲二)
16 November 1947 – 30 September 1956: Takekuni Takatsuji (高辻武邦)
1 October 1956 – 1 December 1969: Minoru Yoshida (吉田実)
30 December 1969 – 18 September 1980: Kokichi Nakata (中田幸吉)
11 November 1980 – 8 November 2004: Yutaka Nakaoki (中沖豊)
9 November 2004–present: Takakazu Ishii (石井隆一)

Economy

Agriculture

In 2014 Toyama contributed approximately 2.5% of Japan’s rice production[7] and makes use of abundant water sources originating from Mount Tate. It also has many fisheries along its Sea of Japan coastline.

Manufacturing

Toyama is famous for its historical pharmaceutical industry which remains a top manufacturing industry in the prefecture in terms of manufacturing shipment value followed by electronic parts and devices (industrial robots, general machinery, etc.), and metal products (aluminum, copper etc.) manufacturing.

Energy

Kurobe Dam generates electricity for the Kansai Electric Power Company. It is located on the Kurobe River in Toyama Prefecture.

Demographics

Per Japanese census data,[8] and,[9] Toyama has had gradual population increase after 1950 and gradual population decline at 1960-1970 and 21st century

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1920	724,000	—
1930	779,000	+7.6%
1940	823,000	+5.6%
1950	1,009,000	+22.6%
1960	1,033,000	+2.4%
1970	1,030,000	−0.3%
1980	1,103,000	+7.1%
1990	1,120,000	+1.5%
2000	1,120,851	+0.1%
2010	1,093,247	−2.5%
2020	1,044,588	−4.5%

Transportation

Rail

Tokyo: 2 hr 7 min via Hokuriku Shinkansen

Osaka: 3 hr via Hokuriku Shinkansen and Thunderbird Limited Express

The Hokuriku Shinkansen line is scheduled to extend to Osaka in the future, and will shorten the Osaka-Toyama trip to approximately 1 hr 40 min.

Expressway

Tokyo: 5 hr
Osaka: 4 hr 10 min
Nagoya: 3 hr 15 min
Niigata: 2 hr 30 min

Air

Toyama Airport (TOY)

Domestic

Tokyo: 1 hr
Sapporo: 1 hr 20 min
Fukuoka: 1 hr 30 min

International

Shanghai: 2 hr 30 min via Shanghai Airlines
Dalian: 2 hr 30 min via China Southern Airlines
Seoul: 1 hr 50 min via Asiana Airlines
Vladivostok: 2 hr 40 min via Vladivostok Airlines

Culture

UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites

Gokayama Historical Village (Nanto City)

National Treasures of Japan

Zuiryū-ji Temple (Takaoka City)

Festivals

Spring

All Japan Chindon Competition (Toyama City (Toyama Castle Park), Mid April
Tonami Tulip Fair (Tonami City), May
Marumage Festival (Himi City), May 17

Summer

Sassa Narimasa Sengoku Era Festival (Toyama City), Late July
Japan Wildlife Film Festival (Toyama Prefecture), Early August

Fall

Toyama Festival (Toyama City), Sept. 1
Owara Kaze no Bon (Toyama City (Yatsuo Area)), Sept. 1-3

Winter

Nanto Toga Soba Festival (Nanto City (Toga Village Area)), Mid Feb.

Regional Foods

Trout Sushi (Masuzushi)
White Shrimp (Shiro Ebi)
Matured Yellow Tail (Buri)
Firefly Squid (Hotaru Ika)
Fish Paste (Kamaboko)

Regional sake

Tateyama (立山)
Narimasa (成政)
Masuizumi (満寿泉)
Sanshoraku (三笑楽）

Sports

The sports teams listed below are based in Toyama.

Football (soccer)

Kataller Toyama (Toyama City)

Basketball

Toyama Grouses (Toyama City)

Baseball

Toyama Thunderbirds (Toyama City)

Rugby Union

Takaoka Mariners (Takaoka)

Tourism

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
kurobe Gorge Railway
Unazuki Onsen
Gokayama（UNESCO World Heritage Site）
Mitsui Outlet Park, Hokuriku Oyabe

International Links

United States, Oregon State- October 19, 1991
China, Liaoning Province – May 9, 1984
Brazil, São Paulo State – July 18, 1985
Russia, Primorsky Region – August 26, 1992
India, Andhra Pradesh State – December 29, 2015

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
Twitter @japan_mmandmp
Instagram mmandmppro_ltd
Pinterest MMANDMPpro LTD
Twitter @BCanimeleague

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Paul Michael Woodman published in Anime, Animenewsnetwork, Animenewsnetwork - All articles, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Toyama May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Toyama

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi

Yamanashi Prefecture
山梨県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 山梨県
• Rōmaji Yamanashi-ken

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi

Country Japan
Region Chūbu (Kōshin’etsu) (Tōkai)
Island Honshu
Capital Kōfu
Subdivisions Districts: 5, Municipalities: 27
Government
• Governor Kotaro Nagasaki (from February 2019)
Area
• Total 4,465.27 km2 (1,724.05 sq mi)
Area rank 32nd
Highest elevation (Mount Fuji)
3,778 m (12,395 ft)
Population (January 1, 2019)
• Total 817,192
• Rank 41st
• Density 183/km2 (470/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code JP-19
Website www.pref.yamanashi.jp
Symbols
Bird Uguisu (bush warbler)
Flower Fujizakura (Fuji cherry)
Tree Kaede (Japanese maple)

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi

Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県, Yamanashi-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu.[1] Yamanashi Prefecture has a population of 817,192 (1 January 2019) and has a geographic area of 4,465 km2 (1,724 sq mi). Yamanashi Prefecture borders Saitama Prefecture to the northeast, Nagano Prefecture to the northwest, Shizuoka Prefecture to the southwest, Kanagawa Prefecture to the southeast, and Tokyo to the east.

Kōfu is the capital and largest city of Yamanashi Prefecture, with other major cities including Kai, Minamiarupusu, and Fuefuki.[2] Yamanashi Prefecture is one of only eight landlocked prefectures, and the majority of the population lives in the central Kōfu Basin surrounded by the Akaishi Mountains, with 27% of its total land area being designated as Natural Parks. Yamanashi Prefecture is home to many of the highest mountains in Japan, and Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan and cultural icon of the country, is partially located in Yamanashi Prefecture on the border with Shizuoka Prefecture.

History

Pre-history to the 14th century

As in most other Japanese regions, prehistoric society in Yamanashi progressed through the hunting, fishing and gathering stage of the Jōmon period, then the rice-producing stage of the Yayoi period and subsequent village and regional formation. The Maruyama and Choshizuka Kofun (earthen burial mounds) located on Sone Hill of Nakamichi Town (Southern Kōfu) are believed to have been built from the end of the 4th century. From these remains it can be assumed that the people of Sone Hill had great influence.

During the Heian period, Kai Province was created in this area.

15th to 19th centuries

Among the many Kaigenji generations, those of the Takeda, Ogasawara, and Nanbu families were particularly prosperous. During the Sengoku period of the 16th century, Takeda Shingen attained the status of daimyō and built Tsuzuji Mansion and the Yōgai Castle in Kōfu. From this base, he attempted to unify and control Japan.

After Takeda’s death in 1582, Kai-no-Kuni came under the control of the Oda and Toyotomi clans before being subsumed into the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. Beneath the Edo shogunate, the Kōfu clan (based in Kuninaka, or Central and Western Yamanashi) and the Yamura clan (based in Gunnai, or Eastern Yamanashi) were formed, but in 1724 the area came under the direct control of the Shogunate. With the development of the Kōshū Kaidō (highway) and Fuji River transport, goods, materials and culture flowed into the region.

By the mid-19th century, the contradictions of military government and clan system caused stability to erode and resistance to erupt across Japan, paving the way for the Meiji Restoration of 1868.

Meiji Restoration (1868) to end of World War II (1945)

During the Boshin War, the Battle of Kōshū-Katsunuma on the 29 March 1868 was a significant battle between pro-Imperial and Tokugawa shogunate forces immediately prior to the Imperial Forces march on Edo Castle. Preceding the Kōshū-Katsunuma battle, Kōfu Castle had been captured by troops loyal to the Emperor Meiji.

The province was renamed Kōfu Prefecture in 1869 and then Yamanashi Prefecture in 1871.[3] The anniversary of this event on November 20, 1872, is now celebrated as Prefectural Citizen’s Day in Yamanashi.

In the early part of the Meiji period (1868–1911), industrial promotion policies furthered sericulture, silk textile production and wine making industries. In 1903, after seven years of construction, including the building of a nearly three mile long tunnel at the Sasago Pass, the Chūō Railway Line from Hachiōji and central Tokyo finally reached Kōfu. The reduced journey times to the capital and the port of Yokohama brought significant change to local industry and culture.[4]

Agricultural production in farming communities was still on a small scale at the turn of the century and land reforms had yet to be introduced. From the 1920s however, tenancy and contract disputes between landowners and farmers in Yamanashi grew increasingly common.[5]

In 1926, the Minobu Railway Line connecting Kōfu with Shizuoka Prefecture opened, bringing an end to Fuji River transportation. The Koumi Line connecting Kobuchizawa to Kiyosato was opened by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1933, providing access to hitherto remote highland areas on the slopes of Mt. Yatsugatake in the North of the prefecture.

1945 to present

The capital city, Kōfu, suffered extensive damage during a major air raid on the night of 6 July 1945.[6] From 1945 onwards, as part of economic initiatives introduced under the post war Government of Occupation, agricultural land reforms significantly increased the number of individual farms and promoted fruit farming and viticulture throughout the prefecture. At first with limited success in 1946, but on a much more sustained basis in 1951, dairy farming, introduced by American Paul Rusch, became a feature of highland pastures surrounding the town of Kiyosato.[7]

Small scale manufacturing industries and commerce grew at rapid speed during the expansion of the post-war Japanese economy. The 1982 opening of the Chūō Expressway also led to significant growth in service industries, transport logistics and tourism.

In common with many similar sized cities during the 1990s, rapid growth in car ownership, out of town shopping, and improved transportation links to Tokyo, caused a drop in commercial activity and land values in the center of the prefectural capital Kōfu. To counterbalance this trend the prefectural government launched a city center revitalization plan in 2008, promoting downtown tourist attractions such as redeveloped land North of Kōfu station, Maizuru Castle Park and new residential, cultural and government office facilities.

Planned changes in transportation infrastructure also promise to significantly impact the Yamanashi economy in the coming decades; under mountains in the eastern part of the prefecture is a completed 42.8 km section of the SCMaglev test track, a section of the planned Chūō Shinkansen.

The maglev line is designed to ultimately connect Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka with a station also planned to the South of Kōfu.[8]

Central Government permission to proceed with an extension to the existing test track was granted on May 27, 2011. At the end of 2013 construction was already well advanced as far as Fuefuki.

JR Central is considering opening a demonstration service from a new station in Kōfu by the 2020 Summer Olympics so that visitors can also ride on the experimental track through the Yamanashi mountains.

Geography

Yamanashi Prefecture is bordered by Tokyo, Kanagawa Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, and Nagano Prefecture. The prefecture is landlocked, with high mountains surrounding the central Kōfu Basin. Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes region is located on the southern border with Shizuoka. Mount Fuji provides rain shadow effects, and as a result, the prefecture receives only about 818 mm of rainfall a year.

As of April 1, 2012, 27% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Chichibu Tama Kai, Fuji-Hakone-Izu, and Minami Alps National Parks; Yatsugatake-Chūshin Kōgen Quasi-National Park; and Minami Alps Koma and Shibireko Prefectural Natural Parks.[10]

78% of the prefecture is covered by forests, making it one of the most densely wooded prefectures in Japan. Land cultivated for agriculture is mainly restricted to the lower elevations of the Kōfu basin.

Cities

Thirteen cities are located in Yamanashi Prefecture:

List of governors of Yamanashi Prefecture

	Start	End
Katsuyasu Yoshie (吉江勝保)	12 April 1947	29 April 1951
Hisashi Amano (天野久)	30 April 1951	16 February 1967
Kunio Tanabe (田辺国男)	17 February 1967	16 February 1979
Komei Mochizuki (望月幸明)	17 February 1979	16 February 1991
Ken Amano (天野建)	17 February 1991	16 February 2003
Takahiko Yamamoto (山本栄彦)	17 February 2003	16 February 2007
Shōmei Yokouchi (横内正明)	17 February 2007	16 February 2015
Hitoshi Goto (後藤斎)	17 February 2015	16 February 2019
Kotaro Nagasaki (長崎幸太郎)	17 February 2019	Present

Economy

Yamanashi has a sizable industrial base in and around Kōfu city, with jewelry and robotics industries being particularly prominent. The headquarters of FANUC, manufacturer of factory automation systems, is based in Oshino in the south of the prefecture.[12]

The prefecture is also host to numerous fruit farms and vineyards. Yamanashi is one of the major fruit producing regions in Japan, being the top domestic producer of grapes, peaches, plums, as well as wine.

In addition, roughly 40% of the mineral water bottled in Japan comes from Yamanashi, mainly from around the Southern Alps, Mount Fuji, and Mitsutōge areas. The quality of the water sources in the Southern Alps prompted Suntory Group to open the Hakushu distillery in the northern Yamanashi town of Hokuto.

Population

Per Japanese census data,[13] and,[14] Yamanashi prefecture has had negative population growth from 1950 to 1970 and 21st century with population peak at around year 2000.

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1920	583,000	—
1930	631,000	+8.2%
1940	663,000	+5.1%
1950	811,000	+22.3%
1960	782,000	−3.6%
1970	762,000	−2.6%
1980	804,000	+5.5%
1990	853,000	+6.1%
2000	888,172	+4.1%
2010	863,075	−2.8%
2020	817,192	−5.3%

Tourism

The natural scenery and cultural sights of Yamanashi are popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists due to the prefecture’s proximity to the crowded Tokyo conurbation and ease of access by road and rail. Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes region, the highland resort region of Kiyosato, the city of Kōfu, the Senga Falls, Koshu wineries, the temple of Erin-ji in Koshu, and the Kuonji Temple at Minobu are a few of the most popular places to visit.

The Fuji-Q Highland amusement park at Fujiyoshida with roller coasters Eejanaika, and Takabisha, the world’s steepest roller coaster, is also a popular destination for day trips.

The natural topography of the region makes Yamanashi popular with mountaineering, hiking and climbing enthusiasts throughout the year. The highest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji, at 3,776 m (12,388 ft) and the second highest mountain in Japan, Mount Kita, at 3,193 m (10,476 ft) are both located within Yamanashi. The Mt. Fuji summer hiking season in July and August attracts thousands of overnight hikers typically starting at the Fifth Station in the late evening and climbing through the night to witness the sunrise at the summit.

Although not as tall, Mount Minobu, a popular place for Buddhist pilgrimage, offers extensive views from the summit of the mountain. Parts of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, and Minami Alps National Park are all located in Yamanashi.

Given the area’s volcanic activity, natural hot springs, or onsens, are found in abundance. Some of the more well known are Shimobe Onsen, Isawa Onsen and Yamanami Onsen.

Major Festivals

Shingen Festival, held each March in the precincts of Kōfu Castle and Takeda Shrine in commemoration of Takeda Shingen’s role in prefectural history.
Fujiyoshida Fire Festival, marks the end of the summer climbing season on Mount Fuji. Held on the last weekend in August.
Yatsugatake County Fair and Paul Rusch Festival. Held each October in Kiyosato to celebrate the life and work of Paul Rusch, his contributions to local agricultural development and US Japan friendship.

Universities

Tsuru University
University of Yamanashi
Yamanashi Gakuin University
Yamanashi Prefectural University
Yamanashi Eiwa College

Sports

Ventforet Kōfu, the J2 League association football (soccer) team is based in Kōfu. The team’s home ground is the Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium.

Since 2005 the Fujizakura Country Club in Fujikawaguchiko has also hosted the Fujisankei Classic golf tournament, an annual event on the Japan Golf Tour.

Transportation

Railway lines

East Japan Railway Company
Chūō Main Line
Koumi Line
Central Japan Railway Company
Minobu Line
Fuji Kyuko
Fujikyuko Line

Road

Expressways

Chuo Expressway
Chūbu-Ōdan Expressway (under construction)
Higashifuji-goko Road
Kōfu Yamanashi Road

National highways

Route 20
Route 52
Route 137
Route 138
Route 139
Route 140
Route 141
Route 411
Route 413
Route 469

Media

Television

Yamanashi Broadcasting System (YBS)
UHF Television Yamanashi (UTY)

Radio

FM Fuji (FMF)

Sister states and regions

Iowa, United States (since 1960)
Brazil Minas Gerais, Brazil (since 1973)
China Sichuan Province, China (since 1985)
South Korea Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea (since 1992)
France Saône-et-Loire, France (since 2000)
United States Fairfield, California, United States (since the 1970s)

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

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Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
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Paul Michael Woodman published in Anime, Animenewsnetwork, Animenewsnetwork - All articles, Prefectures of Japan, Prefectures of Japan Toyama May 23, 2022

Prefectures of Japan Toyama

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi

Yamanashi Prefecture
山梨県
Prefecture
Japanese transcription(s)
• Japanese 山梨県
• Rōmaji Yamanashi-ken

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Yamanashi

History

Pre-history to the 14th century

During the Heian period, Kai Province was created in this area.

15th to 19th centuries

By the mid-19th century, the contradictions of military government and clan system caused stability to erode and resistance to erupt across Japan, paving the way for the Meiji Restoration of 1868.

Meiji Restoration (1868) to end of World War II (1945)

1945 to present

The maglev line is designed to ultimately connect Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka with a station also planned to the South of Kōfu.[8]

Central Government permission to proceed with an extension to the existing test track was granted on May 27, 2011. At the end of 2013 construction was already well advanced as far as Fuefuki.

Geography

Cities

Thirteen cities are located in Yamanashi Prefecture:

List of governors of Yamanashi Prefecture

	Start	End
Katsuyasu Yoshie (吉江勝保)	12 April 1947	29 April 1951
Hisashi Amano (天野久)	30 April 1951	16 February 1967
Kunio Tanabe (田辺国男)	17 February 1967	16 February 1979
Komei Mochizuki (望月幸明)	17 February 1979	16 February 1991
Ken Amano (天野建)	17 February 1991	16 February 2003
Takahiko Yamamoto (山本栄彦)	17 February 2003	16 February 2007
Shōmei Yokouchi (横内正明)	17 February 2007	16 February 2015
Hitoshi Goto (後藤斎)	17 February 2015	16 February 2019
Kotaro Nagasaki (長崎幸太郎)	17 February 2019	Present

Economy

Population

Per Japanese census data,[13] and,[14] Yamanashi prefecture has had negative population growth from 1950 to 1970 and 21st century with population peak at around year 2000.

Historical population
Year	Pop.	±%
1920	583,000	—
1930	631,000	+8.2%
1940	663,000	+5.1%
1950	811,000	+22.3%
1960	782,000	−3.6%
1970	762,000	−2.6%
1980	804,000	+5.5%
1990	853,000	+6.1%
2000	888,172	+4.1%
2010	863,075	−2.8%
2020	817,192	−5.3%

Tourism

The Fuji-Q Highland amusement park at Fujiyoshida with roller coasters Eejanaika, and Takabisha, the world’s steepest roller coaster, is also a popular destination for day trips.

Given the area’s volcanic activity, natural hot springs, or onsens, are found in abundance. Some of the more well known are Shimobe Onsen, Isawa Onsen and Yamanami Onsen.

Major Festivals

Universities

Tsuru University
University of Yamanashi
Yamanashi Gakuin University
Yamanashi Prefectural University
Yamanashi Eiwa College

Sports

Ventforet Kōfu, the J2 League association football (soccer) team is based in Kōfu. The team’s home ground is the Yamanashi Chuo Bank Stadium.

Since 2005 the Fujizakura Country Club in Fujikawaguchiko has also hosted the Fujisankei Classic golf tournament, an annual event on the Japan Golf Tour.

Transportation

Railway lines

East Japan Railway Company
Chūō Main Line
Koumi Line
Central Japan Railway Company
Minobu Line
Fuji Kyuko
Fujikyuko Line

Road

Expressways

Chuo Expressway
Chūbu-Ōdan Expressway (under construction)
Higashifuji-goko Road
Kōfu Yamanashi Road

National highways

Route 20
Route 52
Route 137
Route 138
Route 139
Route 140
Route 141
Route 411
Route 413
Route 469

Media

Television

Yamanashi Broadcasting System (YBS)
UHF Television Yamanashi (UTY)

Radio

FM Fuji (FMF)

Sister states and regions

[owm-weather id=”7433″/]

Paul Michael Woodman

50 Year old Freelane photographer/videographer/reporter Living in London

Working for MMANDMPPro Ltd as photographer/videographer/reporter

Twitter @MMANDMPpro_LTD
Twitter @japan_mmandmp
Instagram mmandmppro_ltd
Pinterest MMANDMPpro LTD
Twitter @BCanimeleague

https://twitter.com/BCanimeleague

Follow, Like, retweet our social media accounts

banzaijapan.jp

0 Share

Japan and UK

Chūbu Region

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

Prefectures of Japan Yamagata

History

Geography

Climate

Economy

Demographics

Culture

Festivals and events

Art

Language

Sports

Football

Volleyball

Basketball

Tourism

Media

Newspapers

TV and radio

Film

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

Prefectures of Japan Aichi – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

Prefectures of Japan Aichi

History

Etymology

Geography

Cities

Towns and villages

Economy

Main industry

International relations

Demographics

Population by age (2001)

Transport

Rail

People movers and tramways

Road

Airports

Ports

Education

Universities

National universities

Public universities

Private universities

Sports

Baseball

J.League

JFL

Basketball

B.League

Volleyball

V.League

Rugby

Top League

Futsal

F.League

Football

X-League

AFL

Tourism

Notable people from Aichi

Festival and events

Others

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

Prefectures of Japan Fukui – Profile Photos

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

Prefectures of Japan Fukui

Prehistory

History

Geography

Cities

Economy