Fukushima Prefecture

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Fukushima Prefecture

General Information
Name	Fukushima Prefecture
Native Name	福島県
Other Names
Settlement Type	Prefecture
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	37°45′N 140°28′E
Map
Population
Total	1,848,257
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	13,783.90 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC
DST	UTC

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

Geography

Fukushima Prefecture is the third largest prefecture in Japan, covering an area of 13,783.90 square kilometers. It is bordered by Miyagi Prefecture to the north, Yamagata Prefecture to the northwest, Niigata Prefecture to the west, Gunma Prefecture to the southwest, Tochigi Prefecture to the south, and Ibaraki Prefecture to the southeast. The eastern part of the prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean.

The prefecture is divided into three regions: Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri. Aizu is a mountainous area in the west, Nakadōri is a fertile valley in the center, and Hamadōri is a coastal region in the east.

History

Fukushima Prefecture was established in 1871 during the Meiji Restoration as part of the abolition of the han system. The area has a rich history, with the Aizu Domain being a significant power during the Edo period.

In March 2011, Fukushima Prefecture was severely affected by the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, which led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. This disaster had a profound impact on the region, leading to evacuations and long-term environmental and health concerns.

Economy

The economy of Fukushima Prefecture is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production being key sectors. The region is known for its production of rice, fruits, and sake. The manufacturing sector includes electronics, machinery, and textiles.

The nuclear disaster in 2011 had a significant impact on the local economy, particularly in the energy sector. Efforts have been made to decommission the damaged reactors and to promote renewable energy sources.

Culture

Fukushima Prefecture has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional crafts such as Aizu lacquerware and Okiagari-koboshi dolls. The region is also known for its festivals, such as the Aizu Tajima Gion Festival and the Soma Nomaoi, a traditional horse-riding event.

Education

Fukushima Prefecture is home to several higher education institutions, including Fukushima University and Fukushima Medical University. These institutions play a crucial role in research and education, particularly in fields related to disaster recovery and nuclear safety.

Transportation

The prefecture is served by several major transportation networks, including the Tōhoku Shinkansen and the Jōban Line. The Fukushima Airport provides domestic flights to major cities in Japan.

Also see

• Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster
• Tōhoku region
• Aizu Domain
• Fukushima (city)
• Fukushima University