Fukushima Prefecture Information & Fukushima Prefecture Links at HealthHaven.com

Fukushima Prefecture
	Fukushima Prefecture
Japanese:	福島県
	Fukushima-ken
Capital	Fukushima (city)
Region	Tōhoku
Island	Honshū
Governor	Yūhei Sato
Area (rank)	13,782.54 km² (3rd)
- % water	0.9%
	Population (January 1, 2003)
- Population	2,119,218 (17th)
- Density	154 /km²
Districts	13
Municipalities	61
ISO 3166-2	JP-07
Website	www.pref.fukushima.jp/; index_e.html
	Prefectural Symbols
- Flower	Nemotoshakunage (Rhododendron brachycarpum)
- Tree	Japanese zelkova (Zelkova serrata)
- Bird	Narcissus Flycatcher (Ficedula narcissina)
- Fish	{{{Fish}}}
	; Symbol of Fukushima Prefecture
	Template ■ Discussion ■ WikiProject Japan

Map of Fukushima Prefecture.

Fukushima Prefecture (福島県, Fukushima-ken^?) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshū. The capital is the city of Fukushima.

[edit] History

In the 4th century, Fukushima was incorporated into the Yamato Province, Japan's first unified nation.

The Shirakawa Barrier and the Nakoso Barrier were built around the 5th century to protect 'civilized Japan' from the 'barbarians' to the north. Fukushima became a Province of Mutsu after the Taika Reforms were established in 646.^[1]

The province of Fukushima was conquered by Prince Subaru in 1293. This region of Japan is also known as Michinoku and Ōshū.

The Fukushima Incident took place in the prefecture after Mishima Michitsune was appointed governor in 1882.

[edit] Geography

Fukushima is the southernmost prefecture of Tōhoku region, and the closest to Tokyo. It is divided by mountain ranges into three regions called (from west to east) Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri.

The coastal Hamadōri region lies on the Pacific Ocean and is the flattest and most temperate region, while the Nakadōri region is the agricultural heart of the prefecture and contains the capital, Fukushima City. The mountainous Aizu region has scenic lakes, lush forests, and snowy winters.

[edit] Cities

Thirteen cities are located in Fukushima Prefecture:

[edit] Towns and villages

Towns and villages in each district:

[edit] Mergers

Main article: List of mergers in Fukushima Prefecture

[edit] Future mergers

The towns of Kawamata and Iino from the Date District are scheduled to be annexed by the city of Fukushima on July 1, 2008. However, the assembly of Kawamata voted to object to the merger on September 15, 2006, which may lead to the cancellation of this merger.

[edit] Economy

The coastal region traditionally specializes in fishing and seafood industries, and is notable for its electric and particularly nuclear power-generating industry, while the upland regions are more focused on agriculture.

The capital region has a strong industry in software and electronics.

[edit] Demographics

[edit] Culture

Legend has it that an ogress, Adachigahara, once roamed the plain after whom it was named. The Adachigahara plain lies close to the city of Fukushima.

[edit] Tourism

Aizuwakamatsu Castle

Aizuwakamatsu was the site of an important battle in the Boshin war, during which 19 teenage members of the Byakkotai committed ritual seppuku suicide. Their graves on Mt. Iimori are a popular tourist attraction.

Mount Bandai, in the Bandai-Asahi National Park, erupted in 1888, creating a large crater and numerous lakes, including the picturesque 'Five Coloured Lakes' (Goshiki-numa). The area is popular with hikers and skiers.

[edit] Famous people

Hideyo Noguchi, the doctor who contributed to knowledge in the fight against syphilis and yellow fever. The Japanese government created the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in his honour. This was first awarded in May 2008.^[2]

Kitakata is well known for its distinctive Kitakata ramen (Chinese noodles) and well-preserved traditional storehouse buildings, while Ouchijuku in the town of Shimogo retains numerous thatched buildings from the Edo Period.

[edit] References

Takeda, Toru; Hishinuma, Tomio; Oguma; Takiguchi, R. (July 7, 2001), Fukushima - Today & Tomorrow, Aizu-Wakamatsu City: Rekishi Shunju Publishing Co., ISBN 4-89757-432-3