Shikoku

Shikoku. It is the smallest and least populous of Japan's four main islands, located south of Honshu and east of Kyushu across the Seto Inland Sea. The island is administratively divided into four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kōchi, and Tokushima. Known for its rugged interior mountains, pristine coastlines, and profound spiritual heritage, it offers a distinct cultural and natural landscape within the Japanese archipelago.

Geography

Shikoku is characterized by a mountainous interior dominated by the Shikoku Mountains, which run east to west and include peaks such as Mount Ishizuchi, the highest on the island. The northern coast along the Seto Inland Sea is more developed and features a milder climate, while the southern coast facing the Pacific Ocean, particularly in Kōchi Prefecture, is exposed to typhoons and has a warmer, subtropical climate. Major rivers like the Yoshino River flow from the central highlands, creating deep gorges such as the Oboke Koboke Gorge, and the island's coastline features notable capes including Ashizuri Misaki and Muroto Misaki. The island is connected to Honshu via a series of modern bridges collectively known as the Seto-Ōhashi and the Great Seto Bridge, part of the Honshū–Shikoku Bridge Project.

History

In ancient times, Shikoku was part of the Nankaidō circuit under the Ritsuryō system and was a site of early political consolidation under the Yamato court. During the Sengoku period, powerful clans like the Chōsokabe, led by Chōsokabe Motochika, and the Miyoshi clan vied for control. The Edo period saw the island divided among several domains, including the Tosa Domain ruled by the Yamauchi clan from Kōchi Castle and the Tokushima Domain under the Hachisuka clan. The Meiji Restoration brought the abolition of the han system, and figures from Tosa, such as Sakamoto Ryōma and Itagaki Taisuke, played pivotal roles in modernizing Japan. The island also endured significant damage during the Pacific War, including air raids on cities like Tokushima.

Culture

Shikoku is most famous for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 1,200-kilometer circuit of 88 temples associated with the Buddhist monk Kūkai (Kōbō-Daishi). Traditional performing arts include the vibrant Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima and the sophisticated Yosakoi festival originating in Kōchi. The island is known for its distinct craft traditions, such as Tobe ware pottery in Ehime and Kagawa's renowned Sanuki udon noodles. Literary heritage is marked by the Matsuyama-based Shiki Masaoka, a master of haiku, and the classic novel Botchan by Natsume Sōseki is set in the city. Historical sites like Matsuyama Castle and Ritsurin Garden further exemplify its cultural richness.

Economy

The northern prefectures, particularly Kagawa, have economies bolstered by manufacturing, including major plants for companies like Kao Corporation and Toray Industries. Ehime is a national leader in citrus production, especially mikan (satsuma oranges), and is a major hub for shipbuilding, with yards in cities like Imabari. Kōchi's economy relies heavily on agriculture and fisheries, famous for katsuo (bonito) and innovative greenhouse vegetable farming, while Tokushima is known for its indigo dye production and advanced chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Tourism centered on the Shikoku Pilgrimage, natural attractions, and festivals like the Awa Odori also contributes significantly to the regional economy.

Transportation

Shikoku's connections to Honshu are primarily via three major bridge systems: the Seto-Ōhashi (Great Seto Bridge) linking Okayama to Kagawa, the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge via Awaji Island, and the Kurushima-Kaikyō and Ōnaruto bridges connecting Tokushima to Hyōgo. Major rail service is provided by Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku), with limited express trains like the Shiokaze and the Uzushio connecting key cities. Principal airports include Takamatsu Airport, Matsuyama Airport, Kōchi Airport (Kōchi Ryōma Airport), and Tokushima Airport, offering domestic flights and some international services. Key seaports such as the Port of Takamatsu and Port of Matsuyama facilitate maritime freight and passenger ferry services across the Seto Inland Sea.

Category:Islands of Japan Category:Regions of Japan