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Yamaguchi Prefecture https://youtu.be/m3F_DvV7PsM?si=XXILNDgJxOE79W7Y Advert Yamaguchi Prefecture, at the western end of Honshū, is known for its natural attractions, its fugu pufferfish cuisine, and historic sites like the five-arched Kintai Bridge. Yamaguchi Prefecture is situated on the westernmost tip of Honshū in the Chūgoku region. It borders Shimane and Hiroshima Prefectures to the east and has a long, rugged coastline stretching from the Sea of Japan in the north to the Seto Inland Sea in the South. The inland is dominated by forested mountains. Yamaguchi Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Suō and Nagato provinces) Capital: Yamaguchi Population: 1,342,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 6,113 km2 The prefecture’s rich natural beauty and historical sites make it a popular tourist destination. There are the karst landscape and limestone caves of the Akiyoshidai plateau in the west, steep cliffs along the rocky northern coast, and numerous offshore islands in the calm Inland Sea waters. The city of Iwakuni is home to a feudal castle and the picturesque five-arched Kintai Bridge dating from the early Edo period (1603–1868). Industry is concentrated along the Seto Inland Sea coast and includes leading manufacturers in fields like iron and steel, chemicals, and machinery. The quaint city of Hagi in the north has long been a center of pottery. Yamaguchi’s robust agricultural sector produces a diverse array of fruits and vegetables along with staples like rice and high-end wagyū beef. The long coastline benefits the prefecture’s fisheries, which bring in such delicacies as fugu pufferfish and pike conger. Yamaguchi’s official PR character Choruru. Its peaked head represents the mountains of the prefecture, while the green, orange, and red colors symbolize Yamaguchi’s nature, cuisine, and history, respectively. Famous Figures Itō Hirobumi (1841–1909): Japan’s first prime minister and author of the Meiji Constitution. Uno Chiyo (1897–1996): Influential novelist and short-story writer known for her autobiographical fiction. Works available in English include Ohan, for which she won the prestigious Noma Literary Prize, and Irozange (trans. Confessions of Love). Abe Shinzō (1954–2022): Politician who represented Yamaguchi and Japan’s longest-serving prime minister (2006–7, 2012–20), felled by an assassin in 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFT-BvImF9M

Fukuoka Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Fukuoka Prefecture is home to the cities of Fukuoka and Kitakyūshū, comprising Japan’s largest urban area west of the Kansai region, and has historically been a center for international exchange thanks to its location close to the Asian mainland. Fukuoka Prefecture is located in northeastern Kyūshū. It faces the Genkai Sea to the west, Seto Inland Sea to the northeast, and Ariake Sea to the south. It is connected to Honshū via a tunnel under and a bridge spanning the Kanmon Strait. The inland of the prefecture is a mixture of plains, mainly in the north and east, and mountainous areas, particularly in the east and south. Kitakyūshū and the capital of Fukuoka are industrial centers, with the latter’s proximity to mainland Asia long making it an important international hub. Fukuoka Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Buzen, Chikugo, and Chikuzen provinces) Capital: Fukuoka Population: 5,135,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 4,987 km2 Fukuoka offers tourists a variety of natural, historical, and other sites to explore. The prefecture falls within the boundaries of Setonaikai National Park, which includes Mekari Park in Moji. The bustling capital of Fukuoka is famous for its rows of yatai (outdoor food stalls) and the raucous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, held in July. The former administrative center of Dazaifu is home to temples and the sprawling Tenmangū shrine. The Imperial Steel Works in Kitakyūshū is one of 23 facilities inscribed by UNESCO as symbolizing Japan’s industrial modernization during the Meiji era (1868–1912). Fukuoka is the economic center of western Japan and is a major hub of automobile-related industries. Other important manufacturing sectors include steel, chemicals, and a burgeoning biotechnology industry. The prefecture has a robust agricultural sector that produces staples like rice, along with a wide variety of fruits, vegetable, and garden plants. Fishing is also a core industry, including catches of sea bream and nori farmed in the Ariake Sea. Famous Figures Matsumoto Seichō (1909–92): Prolific writer best known for his crime novels, including Ten to sen (trans. Points and Lines) and Suna no utsuwa (trans. Inspector Imanishi Investigates). Takakura Ken (1931–2014): Actor who gained fame in the 1960s as a star of yakuza films, and later earned international fame with appearances in Hollywood productions including Black Rain. Tani Ryōko (1975–): Judoka and politician. Won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the extra-light-weight division in 2000 and 2004. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVN8nIvzwZk

Ishikawa Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group   Visit there Website Ishikawa Prefecture capital Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen is perhaps the most famous of Japan’s “three great gardens,” while the Noto Peninsula is known for its spectacular coastal scenery. Located in the Hokuriku region, Ishikawa Prefecture has a lengthy coastline with its northern half, the rugged Noto Peninsula, jutting out into the Sea of Japan. The southern half includes the major city of Kanazawa, long a historical center, which lies on a plain. To the southeast, the elevation rises toward Mount Hakusan, a dormant volcano with a peak of 2,702 meters, which is the nation’s tallest point west of the Japan Alps. Ishikawa Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1872 (formerly Kaga and Noto provinces) Capital: Kanazawa Population: 1,133,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 4,186 km2 Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is perhaps the most famous of Japan’s “three great gardens,” with different flowers through the seasons; the Kotojitōrō, a distinctive two-legged stone lantern, has become a symbol of the location. Other attractions in Kanazawa include geisha and samurai districts. Noto Peninsula is a relatively remote area known for its spectacular coastal scenery of cliffs, caves, and rock formations. At Shiroyone Senmaida steep rice-field terraces overlook the sea. The company Komatsu, named after the Ishikawa city of the same name where it was founded, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and mining equipment. The machinery industry remains important in the prefecture, alongside textile production. In traditional crafts, Kanazawa is known for its kinpaku sheets of hammered gold leaf, and the lacquerware of Wajima. The Ishikawa official mascot Hyakuman-san is modeled after the local Kaga hachiman-okiagari tumbler dolls. Its name refers to the hyakuman or 1 million koku (a unit equivalent to around 180 liters of rice) produced by the former Kaga domain, which was the largest during the Edo period Famous Figures D. T. Suzuki (1870–1966): Philosopher who helped popularize Zen Buddhism around the world. Nagai Gō (1945–): Manga artist known for works including Devilman, Cutie Honey, and Mazinger Z. Matsui Hideki (1974–): Baseball star nicknamed “Godzilla,” who hit more than 500 home runs during his career in Japan and the United States.

Gifu Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Text Text Text Text https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E

Shizuoka Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Shizuoka Prefecture, on the Pacific coast in central Honshū, is home to some of Japan’s best-known scenery, with beautiful seas and the peak of Mount Fuji on offer. Shizuoka Prefecture is located on the Pacific coast in the Tōkai Region of central Honshū. Predominantly mountainous, the eastern part of the prefecture is dominated by Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, which forms the easterly border of Suruga Bay, and the western half is marked by deep gorges, sandy beaches, and Lake Hamana. Shizuoka Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1876 (formerly Izu, Suruga, and Tōtōmi provinces) Capital: Shizuoka Population: 3,633,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 7,777 km2 Easily reached from the Tokyo metropolitan area, Shizuoka is a popular tourist destination. The rugged Izu Peninsula offers abundant nature, picturesque ocean views, and several famous hot spring resorts, notably Atami, Itō, and Shuzenji. Mount Fuji is a major draw for people from around the world, and the surrounding area offers nature and historical sites, including the Fujinomiya Sengen Shrine, the traditional starting point for ascending the hallowed peak. The Ōigawa Railway has a small fleet of antique steam locomotives that take passengers through a steep valley bordered by tea plantations, and beaches in the southwest offer sand dunes and swells that attract surfers. Shizuoka is a leading producer of green tea, mikan mandarin oranges, and wasabi. It is also noted for eel, cultivated in Lake Hamana and elsewhere, and its forestry products. Metal, machinery, and chemicals, as well as foodstuffs, nutritional supplements, and medical equipment are important manufacturing sectors, as are musical instruments, centering on Hamamatsu. Shizuoka’s official mascot Fujippi is based on the prefecture’s famed mountain and blue seas. Famous Figures Shimizu no Jirochō (1820–93): Entrepreneur, gangster, and folk figure who wielded influence with members of the Meiji government. Toyoda Sakichi (1867–1930): Founder of Toyota Industries and other firms that now make up the Toyota Group. Inoue Yasushi (1907–91): Author known for historical fiction. Born in Hokkaidō, he spent his formative years in Shizuoka. Notable works include Ryōjū (trans. The Hunting Gun) and Tōgyū (trans. Bullfight). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgl0lPR-it4

Aichi Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Aichi Prefecture, roughly in the center of Japan, is rich in history and a powerful modern industrial center, home to Toyota and many associated companies. Aichi Prefecture is situated along the Pacific Coast in the Tōkai Region, approximately in the middle of Japan. Much of the prefecture is taken up by the sprawling Nōbi Plain, the second largest in Japan, which is formed by the Kiso, Ibi, and Nagara Rivers and includes the capital of Nagoya. The Owari Hills extend to the east, and Aichi’s indented coastline follows the Chita Peninsula along Ise Bay in the west to Atsumi Peninsula in the east, with the two headlands forming Mikawa Bay. Aichi Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1872 (formerly Mikawa and Owari provinces) Capital: Nagoya Population: 7,542,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 5,173 km2 Aichi is home to a number of important historic sites, including national treasure Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s oldest wooden keeps. Near Inuyama is Meiji Mura, an outdoor architecture museum featuring buildings of Japanese and Western design, notably the entryway of the Imperial Hotel designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and the former residence of novelists Mori Ōgai and Natsume Sōseki, among other notable buildings. Nagoya has its own reconstructed castle, several famous art and history museums, and is the location of the important Atsuta Shrine, said to store the sacred sword Kusanagi, one of the three Imperial Regalia. Theme parks Legoland Japan, also in Nagoya, and Ghibli Park in Nagakute attract visitors from Japan and abroad. The auto industry focusing on Toyota Motor Corp., which has its headquarters and several production facilities in the prefecture, is a major contributor to Aichi’s economy. Nagoya and surrounding municipalities make up the Chūkyō Industrial Zone, one of Japan’s three major industrial regions, with manufacturers in fields like transportation equipment, electronics, and steel along with cutting-edge sectors such as aerospace and robotics having bases there. The prefecture is a major grower of staple vegetables like cabbage, tomatoes, and broccoli as well as flowers, in particular chrysanthemums and roses. Aichi’s mascot, Aichīta, first appeared to promote two events hosted concurrently in the prefecture in 2014: the Abilympics, a vocational skills competition for persons with disabilities, and the National Skills Competition. Famous Figures Oda Nobunaga (1534–82), Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–98), and Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616): The three warlords who unified Japan during the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Toyoda Kiichirō (1894–1952): Founder of automaker Toyota Motor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMPwTa2bCTw

Mie Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture is Japan’s most important center for Shintō, and the prefecture is also known for its ninja and its pearl divers. Mie Prefecture in Tōkai is on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula on Japan’s Pacific Ocean coast. Several of its cities, including the prefectural capital of Tsu, are located on the Ise Plain in the north of the prefecture. Mount Ōdaigahara in the southwest is known as one of the rainiest places in Japan. Mie Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1876 (formerly Ise Shima, Kii, and Iga provinces) Capital: Tsu Population: 1,770,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 5,774 km2 Ise Shrine, including its main Inner and Outer Shrines, is the most important center for Shintō in Japan. The two main shrines are rebuilt entirely every 20 years, with the most recent reconstruction taking place in 2013. Pilgrims have journeyed to the area for centuries. Iga is famous for its longstanding association with ninja, and visitors to the city can enjoy the Ninja Museum of Igaryū, introducing some of the stealthy spies’ tricks and traps. Mie Prefecture has a robust manufacturing industry, specializing in items such as LCD panels and vending machines. It is known for its cultured pearl industry, initially developed by local businessman Mikimoto Kōkichi (1858–1954). In another marine connection, the prefecture’s traditional female ama freedivers plunge underwater in search of shellfish and other seafood. Famous Figures Matsuo Bashō (1644–94): Poet and travel writer, who was instrumental in the development of the haiku. Edogawa Ranpo (1894–1965): Writer of mystery fiction, known for his uncanny and grotesque themes. Yoshida Saori (1982–): Freestyle wrestler who won gold medals at three successive Olympics, and was the flagbearer for Japan in 2012.

Shiga Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Shiga Prefecture is centered on Lake Biwa, which is Japan’s largest body of fresh water. Funazushi, an early, fermented form of sushi, is made with carp from the lake. Although it is one of a relatively small number of prefectures without a coastline, Shiga Prefecture in Kansai includes Lake Biwa, which is Japan’s largest body of fresh water. The lake lies entirely within Shiga’s borders and accounts for one sixth of its total area. The prefecture is located on a central plain surrounded by mountains. Shiga Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1872 (formerly Ōmi province) Capital: Ōtsu Population: 1,414,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 4,017 km2 Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture, one of Japan’s best-preserved castles, was originally built in the early seventeenth century. The hilltop fortress looks out over Lake Biwa, and is a popular spot during cherry blossom season. The small city of Ōmihachiman has a rich history as a hub for transportation, and its picturesque canal area attracts tourists today. Western Shiga, on the border with Kyoto Prefecture, is home to the temple Enryakuji on the mountain Hieizan, the head temple for the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Secondary industries are an important part of Shiga Prefecture’s overall production, and it specializes in products including hairdressing appliances and scales. Funazushi, an early, fermented form of sushi, is made with funa carp from Lake Biwa, while the local Ōmi beef is a respected wagyū brand. Caffy, the mascot for Shiga Prefecture, is based on the catfish to be found in Lake Biwa. Famous Figures Uno Sōsuke (1922–98): Liberal Democratic Party politician who was one of Japan’s shortest-serving prime ministers, resigning after 68 days in office in June–August 1989. Kiryū Yoshihide (1995–): Athlete who was the first Japanese sprinter to run 100 meters in under 10 seconds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxR9-DE_Q4U

Kyoto Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Kyoto Prefecture is Japan’s cultural center, including the former capital of Kyoto with its plethora of temples and shrines and its large population of practitioners of traditional crafts. As the location for the city of Kyoto, which was the imperial capital of Japan for a millennium, Kyoto Prefecture is steeped in history. It is one of just two urban prefectures (fu), based around the country’s important cities. The city of Kyoto lies in the southern part of the prefecture, and forms part of the heavily urbanized Kansai region center, together with Osaka and Kobe. The prefecture is divided roughly into two parts by the Tanba Mountains, with the north stretching toward the Sea of Japan coast. Kyoto Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Yamashiro, Tanba, and Tango provinces) Capital: Kyoto Population: 2,578,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 4,612 km2 The city of Kyoto is known for its many temples and shrines, several of which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Among the most famous, Kiyomizudera dates back for over a millennium and offers a panoramic view of the city from its wooden stage. The Zen temple of Kinkakuji awes visitors with its golden pavilion, and was the model for Ginkakuji, which became associated with the flourishing of Higashiyama culture in the fifteenth century. To the south, Fushimi Inari Shrine is popular for its tunnels of vermilion torii. Floats make a stately progress through the city in the centerpiece of the Gion Festival in July, which is one of Japan’s most famous local observances. In the south of the prefecture, the city of Uji has a notable temple in Byōdōin. Originally the residence of the powerful leader Fujiwara no Michinaga, it later became a temple, and its fame is such that it appears on the ¥10 coin. In the north of the prefecture, Amanohashidate, a narrow sandbar covered in pines, is considered to be one of Japan’s traditional Three Scenic Views. Kyoto has sophisticated versions of many traditional Japanese crafts. Techniques associated with production of kimonos are particularly highly regarded, such as nishijin-ori silk weaving and kyō yūzen dyeing. The city is also known for ceramics, dolls, lacquer ware, and fans. At the same time the prefecture is a center for high-tech industry, and the home of companies like Nintendo and Kyocera. The city of Uji is renowned for its matcha green tea. Mayumaro is the mascot for Kyoto Prefecture, taking its name and appearance from a silkworm cocoon (mayu), due to the use of silk in local kimonos. Famous Figures Dōgen (1200–53): Founder of the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism. Itami Jūzō (1933–97): Director, known for works including Tanpopo. Wada Emi (1937–2021): Costume designer who won an Academy Award for her work on the Kurosawa Akira film Ran. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGJMwixogyk