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Fukushima Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Fukushima Prefecture, Japan’s third largest by area, lies some 200 kilometers north of Tokyo on Japan’s main island of Honshū. Fukushima is the southernmost prefecture in Japan’s Tōhoku region. From Aizuwakamatsu, its historic castle town in the western Aizu area, to the Hamadōri area on the Pacific coast, this expansive prefecture has much to offer to visitors. Fukushima Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1876 (formerly part of Mutsu province) Capital: Fukushima Population: 1,833,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 13,784 km2 Fukushima is the third largest prefecture in Japan and the second largest in Tōhoku, behind Iwate. Spanning much of the width of the island of Honshū, from its border with Niigata Prefecture in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east, Fukushima boasts a range of terrain and climatic conditions, from the mountain wilderness in its far western area of Aizu to the warmer coastal Hamadōri area in the east, with the Nakadōri area between them. To the north of Fukushima are Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures; to the south, it borders Gunma, Tochigi, and Ibaraki. Hiuchigatake, at 2,356 meters the highest peak in the prefecture, stands in Oze National Park, which straddles the borders with Gunma, Tochigi, and Niigata. More famous, though, is the 1,816-meter Mount Bandai, north of Lake Inawashiro in the center of the prefecture. Fukushima Prefecture has a thoroughly modernized economy, with chemicals, IT equipment, and transportation machinery topping its list of manufacturing industries. The prefecture’s broad plains and rich forestry resources have also made it a powerhouse in production of crops like peaches, for which it ranks second in Japan, and rice, sixth. The March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake dealt Fukushima a triple blow, with the quake damage followed by the massive tsunami and then the meltdowns at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station on the prefecture’s northern coast. Parts of a number of municipalities near the station remain closed to habitation indefinitely due to radiation concerns, and work to dismantle and safely dispose of the damaged reactors and containment buildings is expected to continue for decades. Also receiving a major blow was Fukushima’s fisheries industry. Nationwide and international concerns about radiation leaking into the sea have caused consumers to avoid Fukushima’s seafood, despite stringent safety checks. The prefectural fishing industry’s output remains less than half of what it was in 2010, before the disaster. Tourism remains an area where Fukushima is counting on growth. Ski areas around Mount Bandai, hot springs along the coast and in the mountainous areas, the castle Tsurugajō and other historical attractions in the western city of Aizuwakamatsu, and the surprising presence of Spa Resort Hawaiians, a Pacific-island-themed hotel complex in the city of Iwaki, all bring people to visit. Located just a couple hours north from Tokyo via Shinkansen, Fukushima also hosts annual festivals like the Sōma Nomaoi, a horse-riding event with a millennium of history. The prefecture now uses a mascot called Kibitan, based on the kibitaki (narcissus flycatcher), to symbolize the recovery from the 3/11 disaster. Famous Figures Noguchi Hideyo (1876–1928): Bacteriologist. Despite badly burning one hand in an accident as a toddler, he persevered and became a celebrated medical researcher, doing work in the United States, Europe, South America, and Africa and helping to identify the causes of diseases like syphilis and yellow fever. Felled by illness in Ghana during a research trip, he remains a heroic figure to this day, and is featured on the ¥1,000 note. Tsuburaya Eiji (1901–70): Filmmaker. Known as the “father of tokusatsu” practical special effects, he was a creator of the Godzilla and Ultraman film franchises, and worked on some 250 movies during his prolific and influential career. Nishida Toshiyuki (1947–): Actor. Most famous in Japan for starring in the long-running Tsuribaka nisshi fishing-themed film series, he has won two Japanese Academy Awards for best actor.

Nara Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website The city of Nara in Nara Prefecture was the nation’s capital in the eighth century, and is known for Buddhist sites including the temple of Tōdaiji, famous for its bronze Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, as well as its wandering wild deer. Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region is landlocked and largely mountainous, apart from the Nara Basin in the north. Most people live in this flat northern area, which includes the prefectural capital of Nara and is humid in summer and extremely cold in winter. The Kii Mountains occupy the southern half of the prefecture, including Mount Hakkyō, which is the tallest peak in the Kansai region at 1,914 meters. Nara Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1887 (formerly Yamato province) Capital: Nara Population: 1,324,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 3,691 km2 The city of Nara was the capital of Japan during most of the Nara period (710–94), when the country was greatly influenced by culture imported from China, including Buddhism. Among the major Buddhist sites in the city, the temple of Tōdaiji is famous for its bronze Daibutsu, or Great Buddha, and Hōryūji has some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden buildings. Nara is also known for its wandering wild deer. Further south, Mount Yoshino is Japan’s most celebrated cherry blossom spot. Capitalizing on its long history, Nara Prefecture is a leader in traditional crafts, such as the production of sumi ink and tea whisks. It is Japan’s number one prefecture for the manufacture of socks and baseball gloves, as well as the breeding of goldfish. Remnants of Yoshino sugi (Japanese cedar) trees are also made into disposable chopsticks, another leading local product. One of the more famous prefectural mascots, Nara’s Sento-kun resembles the Buddha with deer antlers, combining two well-known local elements. Famous Figures Takaichi Sanae (1961–): Liberal Democratic Party politician,who has served as minister of internal affairs and communications and minister of economic security. Kawase Naomi (1969–): Director known for films including Sweet Bean and The Mourning Forest, which won the Grand Prix at the 2007 Cannes International Film Festival. Murata Ryōta (1986–): Boxer who won the middleweight gold medal at the London Summer Olympics in 2012. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQEsdyXDoS4

Wakayama Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Wakayama Prefecture, on the Pacific coast south of Japan’s ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, has attracted pilgrims for centuries. Its Mount Kōya temple complex is one of Japan’s most sacred sites. Located in the Kii Peninsula in Kansai, Wakayama Prefecture is mostly covered by mountains, apart from a small plain around the capital Wakayama. The cape Shionomisaki is the southernmost point in the island of Honshū, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. To the west is the Kii Channel, linking the Pacific to the Seto Inland Sea. At 133 meters, Nachi Waterfall is Japan’s highest waterfall with a single, uninterrupted drop. Wakayama Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Kii province) Capital: Wakayama Population: 923,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 4,725 km2 The area that is now Wakayama Prefecture has attracted pilgrims for centuries. Mount Kōya in the northeast is a center for Buddhism, where Kūkai, one of the early proselytizers of the religion, established the Shingon sect in the ninth century. Many temples offer overnight stays to visitors. Meanwhile, Kumano in the southeast is known for its three major Shintō shrines connected by walking trails. A major fruit producer due to its warm climate, Wakayama is Japan’s top prefecture for growing mandarins, ume apricots, and persimmons. It is also number one for hassaku citrus fruits and sanshō or Japanese pepper. The mosquito coil was invented in the small city of Arida, which remains a leading manufacturer of the product today. Wakayama’s Kii-chan character is a Kishū dog—the name of the province where the prefecture stands today was Kii or Kishū. The mascot design incorporates a “W” for Wakayama. Famous Figures Minakata Kumagusu (1867–1941): A polymath who made contributions in the fields of biology, folklore studies, and environmentalism. Matsushita Kōnosuke (1894–1989): The founder of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, which became a household name across the world as Panasonic. Maehata Hideko (1914–95): The first Japanese woman to win an Olympic gold medal, which came in the 200-meter breaststroke at Berlin in 1936. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rjtcFddLxQ

Tottori Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Tottori Prefecture is known for its sand dunes and as the home prefecture of the celebrated manga creator Mizuki Shigeru. Japan’s least populous prefecture, Tottori is in the Chūgoku region in the west of the island of Honshū. The country’s largest sand dunes can be found along its northern coast, beside the Sea of Japan. The Chūgoku Mountains stretch from east to west along the south of the prefecture, and much of the rest of its area is at a high altitude. Tottori Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1881 (formerly Inaba and Hōki provinces) Capital: Tottori Population: 553,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 3,507 km2 Located within San’in Kaigan National Park, Tottori Prefecture’s 16-kilometer-long area of sand dunes in its capital of Tottori is the area’s best-known attraction. Visitors can climb a small hill for a view of the ocean. As the hometown of manga creator Mizuki Shigeru, the city of Sakaiminato has a museum dedicated to its famous son and many bronze statues of the yōkai (supernatural creatures) that appear in his works. Tottori is known for agricultural produce like rakkyō scallions and Nijisseiki nashi pears. It also has fine seafood, with notable catches of zuwaigani crab. In local crafts, there is inshū washi, a form of traditional Japanese paper. Toripy, the character for Tottori Prefecture, is a mixture of a bird (the kanji for “bird” appears in the prefecture’s name) and a Nijisseiki nashi pear, a famous local product. Famous Figures Mizuki Shigeru (1922–2015): Manga artist, best known for Ge Ge Ge no Kitarō, and other stories featuring supernatural yōkai. Otowa Nobuko (1924–1994): Actress, who appeared in many works directed by Shindō Kaneto, including the horror films Onibaba and Kuroneko. Ishiba Shigeru (1957–): Liberal Democratic Party politician, who has served as minister of defense and LDP secretary-general. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjRjUz_SvCQ

Shimane Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Shimane Prefecture has long been associated with Japanese deities, and Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s most sacred Shintō shrines. Located in the southwest of the island of Honshū, Shimane Prefecture is in the region of Chūgoku, with the Sea of Japan to its north. The main population centers lie on the Izumo Plain in the northeast. The prefecture includes the volcanic Oki Islands, much of which are a national park. Shimane Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1881 (formerly Iwami, Izumo, and Oki provinces) Capital: Matsue Population: 671,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 6,708 km2   The Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture has long been associated with Japanese deities, and Izumo Taisha is one of Japan’s most sacred Shintō shrines. Ōkuninushi, the legendary creator of Japan, is enshrined there. The capital city Matsue is known for Matsue Castle, a national treasure with architecture dating back 400 years. In the same city, Adachi Museum of Art is renowned for its outstanding garden. The historic Iwami Ginzan silver mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lake Shinji in the northeast of Shimane Prefecture is associated with shijimi clams, for which the prefecture is the nation’s top producer. It is also notable for sea fishing and leads Japan in catches of conger eels. In traditional crafts, the prefecture is known for its Unshū abacuses; Unshū is another name for the province of Izumo. Shimanekko, the character for Shimane Prefecture, melds the prefecture’s name with neko, or “cat.” In a reference to the area’s importance in Shintō, the mascot’s hat evokes shrine architecture, and it wears a shimenawa, or sacred rope, around its neck. Famous Figures Mori Ōgai (1862–1922): Writer known for works including “Maihime” (trans. by Richard Bowring as “The Dancing Girl”), who was also an army surgeon and bureaucrat. Mori Hanae (1926–2022): Fashion pioneer, who was the first Asian to become an official member of the prestigious La Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in Paris in 1977. Takeuchi Mariya (1955–): Best-selling city pop singer known for her song “Plastic Love,” which became a global hit via YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tp25gweMJo

Okayama Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Okayama Prefecture’s claims to fame include the venerated garden Kōrakuen, the well-preserved Bitchū Matsuyama Castle, and the popular folktale Momotarō. Okayama Prefecture is in the Chūgoku region in western Japan. It borders the Seto Inland Sea to the south and has numerous offshore islands. The inland is mostly mountainous, dominated by the Chūgoku range along the northern border with Tottori Prefecture, with large tracts of forested land. Okayama Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Mimasaka, Bizen, and Bitchū provinces) Capital: Okayama Population: 1,888,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 7,115 km2 Okayama is home to Kōrakuen, considered among Japan’s three most famous gardens, and Bitchū Matsuyama Castle, finished in 1683 and one of only a handful of fortresses retaining its original keep. Kurashiki in the south boasts a well-preserved historic district with elegant buildings and tree-lined canals. Large swaths of the prefecture fall within the borders of the sprawling Daisen-Oki and Setonaikai National Parks in the north and south, respectively. Okayama is home to one of Japan’s best-known folktales, the story of Momotarō, about a boy born from a peach who along with his animal companions defeats a group of menacing ogres. The prefecture has a robust agriculture sector, with farmers producing staple goods like rice and vegetables along with high-end items such as peaches, grapes, and wagyū-branded beef. Manufacturing is concentrated on the coast in cities like Okayama and Kurashiki, which have a number of large companies in core industries like petroleum, steel, and automobile production. The city of Kojima supports a thriving denim industry. Bizen ware pottery, lacquerware, and weaving remain important traditional industries in many areas. Okayama’s official mascots Momocchi and Uracchi are based on characters from the folktale Momotarō. Famous Figures Takehisa Yumeji (1884–1934): Painter and illustrator who was a leading member of the “Taishō Romanticism” art movement. Known particularly for his bijinga, depictions of beautiful women. Ōshima Nagisa (1932–2013): Film director and screenwriter known internationally for works like In the Realm of the Senses and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence. Arimori Yūko (1966–): Marathoner and two-time Olympic medalist. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZnqFEYdvVA

Hiroshima Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Hiroshima Prefecture is famed for its oysters, mikan, and sake, and is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Itsukushima Shintō Shrine. Hiroshima Prefecture is located at the southwestern end of the island of Honshū, in the Chūgoku region. It is largely mountainous, dominated by the Chūgoku range that runs along the northern border. The Seto Inland Sea forms the southern boundary of the prefecture and boasts numerous picturesque islands. Hiroshima Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Bingo and Aki provinces) Capital: Hiroshima Population: 2,800,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 8,479 km2 Hiroshima is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial commemorating the August 1945 atomic bombing of the city and Itsukushima Shintō Shrine, traditionally held to be one of the three most beautiful spots in Japan. The mountains to the north offer abundant hiking and other outdoor activities, and in the south scenic spots dot the coastline and islands of the Inland Sea. Manufacturing is a pillar of Hiroshima’s economy, including heavy industries like shipbuilding and automotives, along with pioneering sectors such as electronics. Hiroshima’s central location also makes it a domestic and international transportation hub. The prefecture is a major producer of mikan mandarins and other citrus fruits, as well as wagyū beef, and its succulent oysters feature on menus at restaurants around Japan. A major rice grower, Hiroshima is also famous for its sake. Hiroshima Kiyomori is the prefecture’s official tourism PR character. He is based on the military leader Taira no Kiyomori, who had deep connections with Itsukushima and other sites around Hiroshima. Famous Figures Ibuse Masuji (1898–1993): Novelist, poet, and essayist. Author of the short story “Sanshōuo” (tr. by John Bester as “Salamander”) and the novel Kuroi ame (tr. by Bester as Black Rain) recounting the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Maruki Iri (1901–1995): Artist and hibakusha who with his wife Toshi (1912–2000) created “The Hiroshima Panels.” Oda Mikio (1905–1998): Athlete and the first Japanese Olympic gold medalist. Won the triple jump event at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E

Tokushima Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Tokushima Prefecture, on the eastern end of Shikoku, is a center of traditional indigo dying and is home to historic temples, steep gorges, and the lively Awa Odori festival. Tokushima Prefecture is located at the eastern end of Shikoku and shares borders with the island’s three other prefectures, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kōchi. It has an extensive coastline, extending from the Seto Inland Sea in the north and along the Kii Channel and Pacific Ocean to the east. The mountainous inland is dominated by the low peaks of the Sanuki Mountains in the north and the taller Shikoku range in the south, which includes 1,955-meter Mount Tsurugi, Shikoku’s highest summit. The Yoshino River, the prefecture’s main artery, passes through steeps gorges and then meanders across the flat, arable land in the central part of the prefecture while making its way to the coast. Tokushima Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Awa province) Capital: Tokushima Population: 720,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 4,147 km2 The prefecture’s long coastline, densely forested mountains, and rich culture and history make it a popular destination for travelers. The Naruto Strait is famed for its massive whirlpools, while the Pacific coastline to the south attracts surfers and other beachgoers. The Ōboke and Koboke gorges in the Iya valley near the headwaters of the Yoshino River offer outdoor activities like hiking and rafting. The henro, an ancient 88-temple walking route that snakes around Shikoku, starts in Tokushima. The Awa Odori, held in mid-August, is one of Japan’s most famous festivals. Tokushima has a robust economy supported by industries like LEDs, pharmaceuticals, and machinery manufacturing. Paper and lumber are core sectors that rely on the prefecture’s abundant forests. Farmers produce staples like rice and vegetables along with specialties like the citrus fruit sudachi and the Naruto Kintoki variety of sweet potato. Naruto wakame is farmed in the nutrient-rich coastal waters. Since the Edo period (1603–1868), Tokushima has been a traditional center for the production of wasanbon sugar used to make Japanese confections and indigo. Tokushima’s official mascot Sudachi-kun is based on the small sudachi citrus fruit grown in the prefecture. Famous Figures Miki Takeo (1907–88): Liberal Democratic Party politician who served as prime minister of Japan from 1974 to 1976. Setouchi Jakuchō (1922–2021): Author and Buddhist nun known for her biographical novels and modern Japanese translations of classical works like The Tale of Genji. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKIMrnBIybI

Kagawa Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Japan’s smallest prefecture by area, Kagawa in Shikoku is bursting with natural attractions, boasts one of Japan’s most famous gardens, and is home to savory Sanuki udon. Kagawa is Japan’s smallest prefecture by size. Set on the northeastern end of Shikoku, it borders the Seto Inland Sea and includes many offshore islands. The inland is dominated by the Sanuki Mountains along the southern border with Tokushima Prefecture, with flat, arid land toward the coast. The Seto Ōhashi bridge connects Kagawa to the main island of Honshū. Kagawa Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1888 (formerly Sanuki province) Capital: Takamatsu Population: 950,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 1,877 km2 Large portions of Kagawa fall within the borders of the sprawling Setonaikai National Park, including popular sightseeing spots like the islands of Shōdoshima and Naoshima and the rugged Goshikidai Plateau. Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu is one of Japan’s most famous landscape gardens. The prefecture is renowned among foodies as the home of Sanuki udon. A number of leading firms in sectors like automotive parts, electrical and construction machinery, and shipbuilding are located in Kagawa. Advanced fields such as metal processing and molds, as well as chemicals and other primary industrial materials, account for a sizable portion of the prefecture’s economic output. Kagawa is Japan’s top producer of olives. Nori and Japanese amberjack are farmed in the nutrient-rich waters of the Inland Sea. Famous Figures Kūkai (774–835): Buddhist priest, also known as Kōbō Daishi. Founded the Shingon sect of Buddhism. Kikuchi Kan (1888–1948): Novelist, playwright, and founder of major publisher Bungei Shunjū. Established the Akutagawa Prize and Naoki Prize, two of Japan’s most prestigious literary awards. Miyatake Tōyō (1895–1979): Japanese-American photographer known for documenting the internment of Japanese Americans at Manzanar in California during World War II. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhmzK2ChNEo

Kōchi Prefecture Banzai Japan Idol Group Visit there Website Kōchi, the largest of the four prefectures on the island of Shikoku, is famed for its natural splendor, including the pristine Shimanto River. Kōchi is the largest of Shikoku’s four prefectures. Its arching southern coastline borders Tosa Bay and the Pacific Ocean, while the inland is largely mountainous and densely forested. Much of the population resides in the centrally situated Tosa plain, where the prefectural capital of Kōchi is situated. Kōchi Prefecture at a Glance Established in 1871 (formerly Tosa province) Capital: Kōchi Population: 692,000 (as of Oct. 2020) Area: 7,103 km2 Kōchi offers visitors many tourist attractions. Its long coastline is marked by picturesque headlands, beaches, and other natural features. In the mountains, the sprawling Tengunomori plateau along the border with Ehime Prefecture is dominated by the Shikoku Karst, and the Shimanto River, considered Japan’s last pristine waterway, flows in the southwest of the prefecture. Kōchi is home to several temples on the henro pilgrimage route around Shikoku, and Kōchi Castle and Hirome Market, with its shops offering katsuo tataki (seared bonito) and other local delicacies, are popular stops in the capital. Kōchi’s agricultural, forestry, and fishing industries account for a large portion of its economic output. It is a major producer of yuzu, or Japanese citron, the scent of which is used to enhance the aroma of an array of items from bathwater to foods. The prefecture is also known for its abundant hauls of bonito, traditionally caught with just a pole and line in a style called ipponzuri, along with a range of other marine products brought by the Kuroshio (Japan Current) that flows along its coast. Other important sectors include the manufacturing of industrial machinery, paper, and lumber. Traditional manufacturing includes washi (Japanese paper), forged blades called Tosa uchihamono, and ceramics. Kuroshio-kun, Kōchi’s official mascot, brings to mind the waves of the Japan Current (Kuroshio), which flows off the prefecture’s Pacific coastline. Famous Figures Nakahama Manjirō (1827–98): Also known as John Manjirō, he was rescued by an American whaling ship when his fishing boat went adrift and ended up travelling to the United States, where he studied English and other subjects. Served as a translator and interpreter for the Japanese government. Sakamoto Ryōma (1836–67): Imperial loyalist known for brokering an alliance between the Satsuma and Chōshū domains (now Kagoshima and Yamaguchi Prefectures, respectively) that brought an end to the Tokugawa shogunate. He was famously assassinated by unknown figures while in Kyoto. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3d0HbNAB5w