Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture
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Name	Fukushima Prefecture
Native name	福島県
Settlement type	Prefecture
Coordinates	37, 45, N, 140...
Region	Tōhoku region
Island	Honshu
Capital	Fukushima (city)
Governor	Masao Uchibori
Area total km2	13,783.90
Population total	1,833,152
Population as of	October 1, 2020
Population density km2	auto
Districts	13
Municipalities	59
Iso code	JP-07
Website	https://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/

Fukushima Prefecture is a prefecture located in the Tōhoku region of Honshu, Japan. It is the third-largest prefecture by area in the country and is known for its diverse geography, which ranges from coastal plains to mountainous highlands. The prefectural capital is the city of Fukushima, and it is historically part of the former provinces of Mutsu and Iwashiro. The region is internationally recognized for its agricultural products, scenic beauty, and its ongoing recovery from the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and subsequent Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

Geography

Fukushima Prefecture is topographically divided into three main regions by the Ōu Mountains and the Abukuma Highlands. The coastal area along the Pacific Ocean is known as the Hamadōri region, which features plains and the major port city of Iwaki. The central Nakadōri region is a fertile basin that serves as the economic and transportation heartland, containing the capital Fukushima and other key cities like Kōriyama and Sukagawa. The western Aizu region is a mountainous area bordering Niigata Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture, famous for Lake Inawashiro, the Bandai Plateau, and the ski resorts around Mount Bandai. Major rivers include the Abukuma River and the Agano River, and the climate varies significantly from the mild Pacific coast to the heavy snowfall areas of Aizu.

History

The area has been inhabited since the Jōmon period, with significant Kofun period burial mounds found in the Nakadōri region. It was part of the ancient Mutsu Province and later the Aizu Domain, a powerful domain during the Edo period ruled by the Matsudaira clan. The Boshin War saw the pivotal Battle of Aizu and the siege of Tsuruga Castle, leading to the domain's defeat. In 1876, the modern prefecture was formed from the merger of Iwashiro Province and Iwaki Province. The 20th century brought industrialization, particularly in the Nakadōri region. The prefecture's modern history is profoundly marked by the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which triggered the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, leading to widespread evacuation and an ongoing decommissioning effort led by the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

Economy

Traditionally reliant on agriculture, Fukushima is a leading producer of peaches, pears, apples, and rice, with brands like the Aizu rice and Fukushima beef being highly regarded. The Hamadōri coast has a significant fishing industry centered on ports like Onahama Port in Iwaki. Manufacturing is concentrated in the Nakadōri corridor, with Kōriyama and Fukushima cities hosting electronics, semiconductor, and food processing plants from companies like Taiyo Yuden and Sony. The Aizu region is known for lacquerware (Aizu lacquerware) and sake brewing. Since 2011, renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power projects, has become a major growth sector, supported by the Fukushima Prefectural Government and initiatives like the Fukushima Innovation Coast Framework.

Culture and attractions

The prefecture boasts a rich cultural heritage, with Aizu being known for its samurai tradition and the historic Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu. The region is famous for its festivals, including the Fukushima Waraji Festival and the Aizu Festival. Traditional crafts include Okiagari-koboshi dolls and Miharu-goma wooden horses from Miharu. Renowned hot spring resorts are found at Tsuchiyu Onsen, Higashiyama Onsen, and Iizaka Onsen. Natural attractions include Bandai-Asahi National Park, the scenic Goshiki-numa ponds, and the historic Ōuchi-juku post town. The prefecture is also home to the Spa Resort Hawaiians theme park and the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium, home of the Fukushima Red Hopes baseball team.

Administrative divisions

Fukushima Prefecture is subdivided into 13 districts and 59 municipalities, which include 14 cities, 31 towns, and 15 villages. The core cities are the designated city of Iwaki and the major cities of Fukushima (the capital) and Kōriyama. Other significant cities include Aizuwakamatsu, Sukagawa, Sōma, and Minamisōma. The districts are grouped into three geographical areas: the Hamadōri region contains districts like Futaba and Sōma; the Nakadōri region includes Date and Adachi; and the Aizu region encompasses Yama, Ōnuma, and Minamiaizu. The prefecture is part of the Tōhoku region's administrative framework and elects representatives to the National Diet.

Category:Fukushima Prefecture