Yamaguchi Prefecture

Outline of Yamaguchi Prefecture

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Yamaguchi Prefecture is located in the westernmost part of the island of Honshu, and is surrounded on three sides by the sea. With the Chugoku mountain range running from East to West, Yamaguchi Prefecture can be broadly divided up into three regions: the Seto Inland Sea area, the
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inland mountain area, and the Japan Sea coast area. The population is approximately 1.5 million people, and the surface area of Yamaguchi Prefecture is approximately 6,100km . The prefectural government capital is in Yamaguchi City. Yamaguchi Prefecture boasts a mild climate, and is largely spared from earthquakes, and flood and storm damage. It enjoys the reputation of being a very comfortable place to live. Yamaguchi has approximately 1,500km of coastline, which includes the calm Seto Inland Sea National Park which is dotted with many islands, and the wild, rough coast of the Japan Sea at the Kita Nagato Kaigan National Park. There are around 240 islands scattered throughout the coastal and off-shore areas. The green, mountainous plateau situated at the western edge of the Chugoku mountain range comprises the largest karst plateau and limestone cave in Japan, which make up the Akiyoshidai National Park. Our prefecture receives many visitors who wish to see the changing seasons in the primeval forests, and beautiful gorges that make up the Western Chugoku Mountain Range National Park.
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Symbols of Yamaguchi Prefecture

Prefectural Emblem
The emblem for Yamaguchi Prefecture combines the characters for yama (mountain) and guchi (mouth) into the image of a bird soaring towards the sun.

Prefectural Flower (Citrus orange)

Citron Blossom is abundant in Nagato City. In May, the citrus smell of many white blossoms floats in the air.

Prefectural Tree (Japanese red pine)

Japanese Red Pine can be found all over the prefecture. It can grow almost anywhere and is resistant to drought.

Prefectural Animal (Honshu deer)

There are over 2600 Shika Deer currently residing in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Shika Deer was selected as prefectural animal in 1964 from suggestions solicited from the public.

Prefectural Bird (Hooded crane)

Yashiro, Shunan City, is the only migration ground for Hooded Cranes on the island of Honshu. The Hooded Crane was selected in 1964 from suggestions solicited from the public.

Prefectural Fish (Fugu:Globefish)

Yamaguchi Prefecture was the first prefecture in Japan to lift the ban on eating Fugu (Globefish). Fugu was selected as the prefectural fish in 1989.

The history of Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture has been influenced by the nearby Asian Continent since as early as the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, when wet land rice cultivation methods began. Between the 4th and 5th centuries AD, the Yamato Imperial Court unified Japan under a national government. Yamaguchi Prefecture was made up of seven counties, which were integrated into the two provinces of Suo and Nagato in the 7th century. From the Heian Period to the Kamakura Period (AD 794 1333), there was a rising of the samurai clans, and the Ouchi family of Suo Province, and the Koto family of Nagato Province gained influence as powerful warrior clans. In the Muromachi Period (1338 1573) the 24th ruler of the Ouchi family, Ouchi Hiroyo, conquered both areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture. The Ouchi clan imitated the city planning of Kyoto, and accumulated great financial power through importing culture from the continent, and trading with Korea and the Ming Dynasty in China. As a result, Yamaguchi came to be known as the Kyoto of the West, and the impressive Ouchi Culture flourished. However, the 31st ruler of the proud Ouchi clan was defeated by Sue Harutaka. The Sue clan was then defeated by Mori Motonari, and the Mori family gained control of the Chugoku region. However, Mori was defeated by Tokugawa Ieyasu in the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, and forced to give up all his land except for the Suo and Nagato areas, and he built his castle in Hagi City. Mori then began his attempt to strengthen the economic base of the region, and increase local production with his Three Whites campaign - (salt, rice, and paper). At the end of the Edo Period, a lot of energy was invested in education, producing successive men of talent such as Yoshida Shoin and Takasugi Shinsaku. They were a driving force in the Meiji Restoration and played a significant role in the formation of the modern Japanese nation. Four years after the Edo Shogunate was overthrown and the Meiji government formed in 1868, the present Yamaguchi Prefecture was established. The Meiji government brought in many new systems and modern policies, and promoted the introduction of modern industry. Cement production and silk thread production factories were set up in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and although this was the beginning of modern industry, Meiji Period Yamaguchi was generally centered round agriculture. In the Taisho period, shipbuilding, chemical, machinery, and metal working plants were built one after another in Yamaguchis harbors in the Seto Inland Sea area, which are blessed with abundant minerals and natural resources. In the Showa Period, when the Petroleum collective was formed after the war, Yamaguchi continued to develop, and became one of the most industrialized prefectures in the country. Five-storied Pagoda of Rurikoji Temple Akama Shrine

Sesshu Garden at Joeiji Temple

Shoka-son juku

Yamaguchi Prefectures Industry

Industry
Centered round the Seto Inland Sea coastal area, there is a collection of various corporate groups, and there are many efforts to improve skills at the arbitrary research centers, and the corporate research center which has a high potential to promote skills. On the other hand, the proportion of industries based on raw materials such as chemicals, petroleum and metals is high, and it is an industrial structure easily able to adapt to the needs of the economy. In order to accurately reflect the changing circumstances that encompass these issues and industries, we are advancing the creation of new industry and the development of new enterprises, and working to promote a stronghold of advanced skills to attract new businesses. Also, through the exchanges between private companies, universities, and state companies, we are helping the development of new skills, new products, and research. Industrial Estate

Agriculture, forestry and fisheries

Since the Mori familys Three Whites campaign, traditionally rice cultivation has thrived in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Agricultural land has increased through the basic overhaul of land reclamation and the construction of rice paddies. This has resulted in around 80% of agricultural land being used as rice paddies. Rice cultivation accounts for around 40% of the agriculture. However, the steadily decreasing number of people working in agriculture has resulted in an ageing population of people involved in agriculture. We are working towards increasing the number of young people whilst creating an efficient production system for localized agriculture. The warm climate of Yamaguchi Prefecture is especially well-suited for forestry. Around 70% of the total area of the prefecture is wooded. Around 60% of the growth is evergreen, including red pine, cedar, and cypress trees. In recent years, many people have been working towards creating much fuller forests in an overhaul aimed at protecting the land and environment in our prefecture. The marine products industry thrives in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is surrounded on three sides by the sea. Due to an international system limiting

fishing grounds to 200 nautical miles, there has been a decrease in marine resources. In an effort to restore these marine resources, we are actively promoting resource management of the marine industry, through the nursery stocks of tiger blowfish, plaice, and shrimps.

Pastoral Landscape

Wooded Landscape

Shimonoseki Fishing Port

Yamaguchi Prefectures International Exchanges

Outline of Alliances and Sister-city ties
Our prefecture made alliances and sister-city ties with Chinas Shandong Province in 1982, Koreas Gyeongsangnam-Do in 1987, and Spains Navarra Province in November 2003. In recent years we have been working to create more practical exchanges with regards to economic, tourism, environmental protection, and forestry areas with Shandong Province (population of roughly 90 million), which is famous for being the birthplace of Confucius and Mencius and the Yellow River Civilization. We have also been working to deepen exchanges, particularly those between youngsters, and with regards to skills in the environmental field, education, and communication with Gyeongsangnam-Do in Korea (population of roughly 3 million) which faces the Tsu-shima Straights and has many tourism areas including cultural relics, and natural beauty spots. Navarra Province (population of roughly 600 thousand), with whom we have a close relationship full of history and culture from St. Francis Xavier, is located in the northern part of Spain, separated from France by the Pyrenees mountain range. In the past it had a thriving agricultural sector, but it also has a representative tourism industry. We are continuing with our cultural, educational, and economic based exchanges. Volunteers from Yamaguchi Prefecture planting trees in Shandong Province, China

Celebrating 15 years of Sister-city ties with Gyeongsangnam-Do in Korea, a group visits the Government Office

The Signing of Sister-city ties with Navarra Province in Spain

Exchanges with Overseas Yamaguchi Kenjinkai

There are 16 Overseas Yamaguchi Kenjinkai associations, which were set up by migrants of Yamaguchi Prefecture, in 9 countries around the world. In order to construct the Yamaguchi Kenjin Network, which aims to traverse regional boundaries and generations, we held the First Yamaguchi Kenjinkai World Grand Meeting in Yamaguchi city in October 2004. With the momentum from this, we are building a private network aimed at promoting overseas internationalization with the Overseas Kenjinkai, which are important partners for international exchanges.

The First Yamaguchi Kenjinkai World Grand Meeting, held on the 18th October, 2004

Yamaguchis Principal Sightseeing Areas

Akiyoshidai: With a surface area of 130km2, Akiyoshidai is the largest karst plateau in Japan. Limestone rocks with white surfaces are exposed on the plateau, and look like flocking sheep on the grassy plains. This great spectacle of plenteous undulating land stretches out before visitors. Hagis Old Castle Town: In the 260 years between the construction of Hagi Castle on Shizukiyama hill by Mori Terumoto and the creation of the Old Castle Town in the delta area between the two rivers, Matsumotogawa and Hashimotogawa, in 1604, and the ruling clans movement to Yamaguchi City in 1863, Hagi flourished as the capital of the two areas that compose the present Yamaguchi Prefecture. Kintaikyo Bridge: Kintaikyo Bridge is a five-arched wooden bridge that stretches over the Nishikigawa River. It was constructed using a wooden lattice technique, with metal coils and clamps used in place of nails. The beautiful shape of the bridge creates a stunning picture as it is reflected in the clear flowing water of the Nishikigawa River, and the greenery of Shiroyama (castle hill). Akiyoshidai

Hagis Old Castle Town Kintaikyo Bridge

Yamaguchis Principal Hot Springs

Yuda Onsen: It is said that Yuda Onsen was discovered when a white fox was seen bathing its wounds here during the Muromachi Period. This simple alkaline hot spring is said to help ease such ailments as rheumatism, neuralgia and dermatitis. Yumoto Onsen: This traditional hot spring lies on the banks of the Otozuregawa River. In the summertime the shining dance of the Genji Fireflies is popular. Visitors can also enjoy the true flavor of the ocean at the nearby Senzaki fishing port. The simple alkaline properties of this hot spring are said to help ease such ailments as neuralgia.

Yuda Onsen

Yumoto Onsen

Yamaguchis Principal Specialities

Fuku (Blowfish) Cuisine: In Shimonoseki, Japans principal fishing ground for blowfish, this fish is known as fuku (good luck) rather than fugu (blowfish). Visitors never tire of the various tastes of blowfish in such foods as sashimi, fuku nabe (cooked in a pot), fuku in rice porridge, and hire-zake (blowfish fin braised in Japanese sake). Fuku (Blowfish) Cuisine

Ouchi Lacquer Ware Ouchi Lacquer Ware: This lacquer ware, which is the best representation of the brilliant Ouchi culture, was once exported to China and Korea. Decorated with the Ouchi diamond motif, it is famous for trays, bowls, and vases, as well as Ouchi dolls.

Design 21, the future of Yamaguchi

How to continue making a prefecture
With the aim lets make Yamaguchi Prefecture strong and independent in the 21st century, citizens and cities, towns and villages are working together voluntarily to create a prefecture with close relationships.

Exchange/Participation
-- promote active participation and promote active participation and exchanges between many people. exchanges between many people.

The Major Role of the citizens, cooperation between cities, towns and villages, as a prefecture
reflect the opinions of the public to the prefectural reflect the opinions of the public to the prefectural government, and cooperate with cities, towns and government, and cooperate with cities, towns and villages. villages.

The Importance of Strategic Policies

independence cooperation,
Promotion Devices
Financial Efficiency
work towards simple work towards simple administration, and a sound, administration, and a sound, efficient economy. efficient economy.

The Promotion of Ideas,

firmly execute the creation of firmly execute the creation of strategic policies. strategic policies.

Reinforcing soft policies

actively promote our soft policies, actively promote our soft policies, such as educating talent, and such as educating talent, and human and mental resources. human and mental resources.

The Exchange of Information in Japan and around the world

whilst actively contributing to and cooperating with whilst actively contributing to and cooperating with the global society, pass on exciting information within the global society, pass on exciting information within the country, and abroad. the country, and abroad.

The Structure and Hierarchy of the Prefectural Policies

1 put forth the citizens energy 2 realization of a society where the youth, who carry the burden of the future, flourish 3 realization of a society where men and women are equal 4 construction of a career learning society to parallel many peoples lifestyles 5 promotion of school education that teaches the power to live a full life 6 promotion of fun sports that bring happiness 7 promotion of citizens with personality and appeal 1 creation of an area that has individuality and vitality 2 formation of the shape of overseas communities 3 creation of exciting cities 4 promotion of sightseeing and resorts with individuality in the area 5 maintenance of the transport network, which broadens exchanges 6 promote the information to create a new age

People Living

Area

1 the realization of a moral, healthy welfare society 2 maintaining lifestyles where people can live securely and comfortably 3 advancement of working peoples lifestyles with leisure time 4 advancement and upkeep of an environment of health 5 creation of a prefecture that is safe and high quality

1 make regional industry that will open the future 2 promote agriculture and forestries business that is full of vitality 3 promote fisheries business that is full of vitality 4 promote industry that has vitality 5 promote attractive commerce 6 promote many service industries 7 promote strong small and medium sized enterprises

Industry

Yamaguchi Prefectural Government International Division 1-1 Takimachi,Yamaguchi City,Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan 753-8501 TEL81-83-933-2340 FAX81-83-933-2358 URLhttp://www.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp e-maila12900@pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp