Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the western end of Honshu, the largest of the islands in the Japanese archipelago. The prefecture is part of the quasi-national park Nishi-chugoku Santi. The prefecture is surrounded by the sea on three sides, these are the calm Inland Sea (Setonaikai) and the Sea of Japan with its raging waves and the beauty of the water-carved rocks. A wide variety of nature and its beauties are represented here, for example, one of the local attractions is the largest karst plateau in Japan, Akiyoshidai. 70% of the territory of Yamaguchi is occupied by forests.
The prefecture can be conditionally divided into 3 parts, this is the coast area of the Inland Sea, the mountainous region in the center and the coast of the Sea of Japan.
The warm climate and comparatively rare typhoons and earthquakes have earned Yamaguchi a reputation as a liveable prefecture.
The area is 6100 km2, the population is 1.35 million people. In total, there are 19 cities in the territory, the prefectural administration is located in the central part in the city of Yamaguchi.
On the side of the Inland Sea, there are a number of cities with a population of 100-200 thousand people, while the rest of the population is evenly distributed throughout the prefecture.
History of Yamaguchi
Yamaguchi Prefecture traditionally pays great attention to creating conditions for the development of human resources. In the mid-19th century, the Choshu domain (now Yamaguchi Prefecture) gave birth to such historical figures as Yoshida Shoin and Takasugi Shinsaku. It was they who became the central figures of the Meiji Restoration and played an important role in the formation of modern Japan. From Yamaguchi comes 8 prime ministers of the country, including the very first – Ito Hirobumi.
Industry in Yamaguchi
In the 1910s, along the coast of the Inland Sea, enterprises of the chemical industry, mechanical engineering and metallurgy were actively developing, which made the prefecture a leader in the country in these areas.
At present, the share of secondary industry in the prefecture’s gross product exceeds the national average by 10%. In the area of the Inland Sea, world-class enterprises are concentrated, including large enterprises in the chemical industry and the metallurgical sector.
Currently, this region is the leader in the shipment of the manufacturing industry in the country per 1 enterprise. Raw materials and goods with high added value are produced and supplied to the domestic and foreign markets.
It also stimulates the development of high-value-added industries that are experiencing a period of growth, in particular areas related to the provision of medical services.
Agricultural, forestry and fishing industry
In addition to the traditional cultivation of rice, thanks to various natural conditions from coastal areas to hills and mountainous areas, Yamaguchi produces a variety of agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, beef, flowers, shiitake mushrooms and more.
The prefecture is surrounded by the sea on three sides, thanks to which fishing flourishes here, amadai, pike eels, sea snails are caught in large volumes.
Local sake and processed seafood are very popular both inside and outside the prefecture.
In addition to the traditional cultivation of rice, thanks to various natural conditions from coastal areas to hills and mountainous areas, Yamaguchi produces a variety of agricultural products such as vegetables, fruits, beef, flowers, shiitake mushrooms and more.
The prefecture is surrounded by the sea on three sides, thanks to which it flourishes here.
