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{{Short description|Prefecture of Japan}}{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2019}}

factoids

Prefectures of Japan>Prefecture| translit_lang1 = JapaneseJapanese language>JapaneseRomanization of Japanese>RōmajiJapan}}List of regions of Japan>RegionTōhoku region>TōhokuList of islands of Japan>Island| subdivision_name2 = HonshuList of capitals in Japan>CapitalFukushima (city)>Fukushima| seat1_type = Largest cityIwaki, Fukushima>Iwaki| parts_type = Subdivisions| parts_style = paraDistricts of Japan>Districts: 13Municipalities of Japan>Municipalities: 59List of prefectural governors in Japan>Governor| leader_name = Masao Uchibori| area_total_km2 = 13783.90| area_water_percent = 0.9List of Japanese prefectures by area>3rd| population_footnotes = | population_total = 1771100| population_as_of = July 1, 2023List of Japanese prefectures by population>20th| population_density_km2 = 128| demographics_type2 = GDP ACCESS-DATE=2023-05-18 LANGUAGE=JA, | demographics2_title1 = Total| demographics2_info1 = JP¥ 7,987 billionUS$ 73.3 billion (2019)| iso_code = JP-07www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/}}



factoids



Fukushima-ken kenmin no uta)}}Fukushima Prefecture ({{IPAc-en|ËŒ|f|uː|k|uː|ˈ|ʃ|iː|m|É™}}; , {{IPA-ja|ɸɯ̥kɯɕimaꜜkeÉ´|pron}}) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region of Honshu.Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). “Fukushima-ken” in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|Japan Encyclopedia, p. 218|page=218}}; “Tōhoku” in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|p. 970|page=970}} Fukushima Prefecture has a population of 1,771,100 ({{as of|2023|07|01|lc=y}}) and has a geographic area of {{convert|13783.90|km2|sqmi|lk=on}}. Fukushima Prefecture borders Miyagi Prefecture and Yamagata Prefecture to the north, Niigata Prefecture to the west, Gunma Prefecture to the southwest, and Tochigi Prefecture and Ibaraki Prefecture to the south.Fukushima is the capital and Iwaki is the largest city of Fukushima Prefecture, with other major cities including Kōriyama, Aizuwakamatsu, and Sukagawa.Nussbaum, “Fukushima” in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|p. 218|page=218}} Fukushima Prefecture is located on Japan’s eastern Pacific coast at the southernmost part of the Tōhoku region, and is home to Lake Inawashiro, the fourth-largest lake in Japan. Fukushima Prefecture is the third-largest prefecture of Japan (after Hokkaido and Iwate Prefecture) and divided by mountain ranges into the three regions of Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri.

History

{{See also|Historic Sites of Fukushima Prefecture}}

Prehistory

File:20091231大安場古墳群1号墳.jpg|thumb|The Ōyasuba Kofun in the Tohoku regionTohoku regionThe keyhole-shaped Ōyasuba Kofun is the largest kofun in the Tohoku region. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 2000.WEB,bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/218189, 大安場古墳群, ja, Agency for Cultural Affairs,

Classical and feudal period

File:Shiramizu_amidadou.jpg|thumb|Buddhist chapel Shiramizu AmidadōShiramizu AmidadōUntil the Meiji Restoration, the area of Fukushima prefecture was part of what was known as Mutsu Province.Nussbaum, “Provinces and prefectures” in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|p. 780|page=780}}The Shirakawa Barrier and the Nakoso Barrier were built around the 5th century to protect ‘the heathens’ from the ‘barbarians’ to the north. Fukushima became a Province of Mutsu after the Taika Reforms were established in 646.Takeda, Toru et al. (2001). Fukushima – Today & Tomorrow, p. 10.In 718, the provinces of Iwase and Iwaki were created, but these areas reverted to Mutsu some time between 722 and 724.Meyners d’Estrey, Guillaume Henry Jean (1884). {{Google books|gzEwAAAAYAAJ|Annales de l’Extrême Orient et de l’Afrique, Vol. 6, p. 172|page=172}}; Nussbaum, “Iwaki” in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|p. 408|page=408}}The Shiramizu Amidadō is a chapel within the Buddhist temple Ganjō-ji in Iwaki. It was built in 1160 and it is a National Treasure. The temple, including the paradise garden is an Historic Site.WEB,kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/401/382,web.archive.org/web/20191223161141/https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/401/382, dead, 23 December 2019, Database of Registered National Cultural Properties, Agency for Cultural Affairs, 4 May 2011,

Contemporary period

This region of Japan is also known as Michinoku and Ōshū.The Fukushima Incident, a political tumult, took place in the prefecture after Mishima Michitsune was appointed governor in 1882.

2011 earthquake and subsequent disasters

On Friday, March 11, 2011, 14:46 JST, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture. Shindo measurements throughout the prefecture reached as high as 6-upper in isolated regions of Hama-dōri on the eastern coast and as low as a 2 in portions of the Aizu region in the western part of the prefecture. Fukushima City, located in Naka-dōri and the capital of Fukushima Prefecture, measured 6-lower.WEB,www.jma.go.jp/jma/press/1106/23b/201106231400.pdf, Felt earthquakes, Japan Meteorological Agency, August 23, 2011, Following the earthquake there were isolated reports of major damage to structures, including the failure of Fujinuma DamWEB,sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110610/dst11061001310002-n1.htm, 東北・関東７県で貯水池、農業用ダムの損傷８６カ所 補修予算わずか１億、不安募る梅雨, msn産経ニュース, June 29, 2011, dead,sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110610/dst11061001310002-n1.htm," title="web.archive.org/web/20110826124020sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110610/dst11061001310002-n1.htm,">web.archive.org/web/20110826124020sankei.jp.msn.com/affairs/news/110610/dst11061001310002-n1.htm, August 26, 2011, mdy-all, as well as damage from landslides.WEB,www.47news.jp/localnews/hukushima/2011/03/post_20110315094606.html, 新たに女性遺体を発見 白河の土砂崩れ, 47NEWS, June 29, 2011, dead,www.47news.jp/localnews/hukushima/2011/03/post_20110315094606.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20111125094652www.47news.jp/localnews/hukushima/2011/03/post_20110315094606.html,">web.archive.org/web/20111125094652www.47news.jp/localnews/hukushima/2011/03/post_20110315094606.html, November 25, 2011, mdy-all, The earthquake also triggered a massive tsunami that hit the eastern coast of the prefecture and caused widespread destruction and loss of life. In the two years following the earthquake, 1,817 residents of Fukushima Prefecture had either been confirmed dead or were missing as a result of the earthquake and tsunami.“Damage Situation and Police Countermeasures... March 11, 2013” {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208082408www.npa.go.jp/archive/keibi/biki/higaijokyo_e.pdf |date=February 8, 2012 }} National Police Agency of Japan. Retrieved March 18, 2013.File:Fukushima_I_by_Digital_Globe.jpg|thumb|Three of the reactors at Fukushima Daiichi overheated, causing meltdowns that led to explosions, which released large amounts of radioactive material into the air.NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/world/asia/02japan.html?_r=1&ref=world, Report Finds Japan Underestimated Tsunami Danger, Martin Fackler, June 1, 2011, The New York TimesThe New York TimesIn the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that followed, the outer housings of two of the six reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in ÅŒkuma exploded followed by a partial meltdown and fires at three of the other units. Many residents were evacuated to nearby localities due to the development of a large evacuation zone around the plant. Radiation levels near the plant peaked at 400 mSv/h (millisieverts per hour) after the earthquake and tsunami, due to damage sustained. This resulted in increased recorded radiation levels across Japan.NEWS,www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-12740843, BBC News, Japan quake: Radiation rises at Fukushima nuclear plant, March 15, 2011, On April 11, 2011, officials upgraded the disaster to a level 7 out of a possible 7, a rare occurrence not seen since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.NEWS,www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/04/fukushima-crisis-raised-to-lev.html, New Scientist, Fukushima crisis raised to level 7, still no Chernobyl, April 12, 2011, Several months later, officials announced that although the area nearest the melt down were still off limits, areas near the twenty kilometer radial safe zone could start seeing a return of the close to 47,000 residents that had been evacuated.WEB,www.britannica.com/event/Fukushima-accident, Fukushima accident, Encyclopædia Britannica, February 17, 2019,

Geography

File:福島・地形.png|thumb|220px|Topographic mapTopographic map(File:Map of Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|thumb|right|Map of Fukushima Prefecture{{legend0|#EAB|City}} {{legend0|#ED9|Town}} {{legend0|#BFE|Village}})File:Fukushima_Basin_Relief_Map,_SRTM-1.jpg|thumb|Topographic map of Fukushima Basin. The lower left is Mount Azuma-kofuji, and Mount ShinobuMount ShinobuFukushima is both the southernmost prefecture of Tōhoku region and the prefecture of Tōhoku region that is closest to Tokyo. With an area size of {{convert|13784|km2|abbr=on}} it is the third-largest prefecture of Japan, behind Hokkaido and Iwate Prefecture. It is divided by mountain ranges into three regions called (from west to east) Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri.Fukushima city is located in the Fukushima Basin’s southwest area and nearby mountains. Located on the central eastern seaboard a part of the Pacifim rim. A region with high tectonic activity given its location where the Pacific and Eurasian continental plates collide - a part the Ring of Fire. ” Aizuwakamatsu is located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, in the southeast part of Aizu basin. Mount Bandai is the highest mountain in the prefecture with an elevation of {{convert|1819|m|abbr=on}}.GVP, 0803-16=, Bandai, 3 March 2010, Mount Azuma-kofuji is an active stratovolcano that is {{convert|1,705|m|abbr=on}} tall with many onsen nearby. Lake Inawashiro is the 4th largest lake of Japan ({{convert|103.3|km2|abbr=on}}) in the center of the prefecture.BOOK, Campbell, Allen, Nobel, David S, Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, Kodansha, 1993, 598, 406205938X, 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.As of April 1, 2012, 13% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely Bandai-Asahi, Nikkō, and Oze National Parks; Echigo Sanzan-Tadami Quasi-National Park; and eleven Prefectural Natural Parks.WEB,www.env.go.jp/en/nature/nps/park/doc/files/np_6.pdf, General overview of area figures for Natural Parks by prefecture, Ministry of the Environment (Japan), Ministry of the Environment, August 26, 2012, {{Gallery height=170|align=centerView of Fukushima Basin from Hanamiyama ParkAizu basinMount Bandai and Lake InawashiroLake Inawashiro viewed from Mount BandaiTadami River and Tadami Line in winter}}

Cities

{{See also|List of cities in Fukushima Prefecture by population}}Thirteen cities are located in Fukushima Prefecture:{| class=“wikitable sortable“! rowspan=“2” |Flag!! colspan=“2” |Name!! rowspan=“2” |Area (km2)!! rowspan=“2” |Population!! rowspan=“2” |Map!Rōmaji!!Kanji100px)Aizuwakamatsu会津若松市382.97117,376(File:Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Date, Fukushima>100px)100px)Fukushima (city) (capital)>100px)100px)Iwaki, Fukushima>100px)100px)Kitakata, Fukushima>100px)100px)Kōriyama郡山市757.2327,692(File:Koriyama in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Minamisōma南相馬市398.5859,005(File:Minamisoma in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Motomiya, Fukushima>100px)100px)Nihonmatsu, Fukushima>100px)100px)Shirakawa, Fukushima>100px)100px)Sōma, Fukushima>100px)100px)Sukagawa, Fukushima>100px)100px)Tamura, Fukushima>100px)

Cityscape

{{Gallery height=170|align=centerFukushima City (May 2011)Iwaki (August 2012)Kōriyama (May 2015)Aizuwakamatsu (November 2020)}}

Towns and villages

These are the towns and villages in each district:{| class=“wikitable sortable“! rowspan=“2“|Flag!!colspan=“2“|Name!!rowspan=“2“|Area (km2)!!rowspan=“2“|Population!!rowspan=“2“|District!! rowspan=“2“|Type!! rowspan=“2“|Map!Rōmaji !!Kanji100px)Aizubange会津坂下町91.5915,068Kawanuma District, Fukushima>100px)100px)Aizumisato会津美里町276.3319,014ÅŒnuma District, Fukushima>100px)100px)Asakawa, Fukushima>Ishikawa District, Fukushima>Ishikawa DistrictTown(File:Asakawa in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Bandai, Fukushima>Yama District, Fukushima>Yama DistrictTown(File:Bandai in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Furudono, Fukushima>Ishikawa District, Fukushima>Ishikawa DistrictTown(File:Furudono in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Futaba, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictTown(File:Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Hanawa, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa District, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa DistrictTown100px)100px)Hinoemata, Fukushima>Minamiaizu District, Fukushima>Minamiaizu DistrictVillage100px)100px)Hirata, Fukushima>Ishikawa District, Fukushima>Ishikawa DistrictVillage100px)100px)Hirono, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictTown(File:Hirono in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Iitate, Fukushima>Sōma District, Fukushima>Sōma DistrictVillage(File:Iitate in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Inawashiro猪苗代町394.8513,552Yama District, Fukushima>100px)100px)Ishikawa, Fukushima>Ishikawa District, Fukushima>Ishikawa DistrictTown(File:Ishikawa in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Izumizaki, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa District, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa DistrictVillage(File:Izumizaki in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Kagamiishi, Fukushima>Iwase District, Fukushima>Iwase DistrictTown(File:Kagamiishi in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Kaneyama, Fukushima>ÅŒnuma District, Fukushima>ÅŒnuma DistrictTown(File:Kaneyama in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Katsurao, Fukushima>|4201,387 (recorded)Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictVillage(File:Katsurao in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Kawamata, Fukushima>Date District, Fukushima>Date DistrictTown(File:Kawamata in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Kawauchi, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictVillage(File:Kawauchi in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Kitashiobara, Fukushima>Yama District, Fukushima>Yama DistrictVillage(File:Kitashiobara in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Koori, Fukushima>Date District, Fukushima>Date DistrictTown(File:Kori in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Kunimi, Fukushima>Date District, Fukushima>Date DistrictTown(File:Kunimi in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Miharu, Fukushima>Tamura District, Fukushima>Tamura DistrictTown(File:Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Minamiaizu南会津町886.4714,451Minamiaizu District, Fukushima>100px)100px)Mishima, Fukushima>ÅŒnuma District, Fukushima>ÅŒnuma DistrictTown(File:Mishima in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Nakajima, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa District, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa DistrictVillage(File:Nakajima in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Namie, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictTown(File:Namie in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Naraha, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictTown(File:Naraha in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Nishiaizu, Fukushima>Yama District, Fukushima>Yama DistrictTown(File:Nishiaizu in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Nishigō, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa District, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa DistrictVillage(File:Nishigo in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)ÅŒkuma, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictTown(File:Okuma in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Ono, Fukushima>Tamura District, Fukushima>Tamura DistrictTown(File:Ono in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)ÅŒtama, Fukushima>Adachi District, Fukushima>Adachi DistrictVillage(File:Otama in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Samegawa, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa District, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa DistrictVillage(File:Samegawa in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Shimogō, Fukushima>Minamiaizu District, Fukushima>Minamiaizu DistrictTown(File:Shimogo in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Shinchi, Fukushima>Sōma District, Fukushima>Sōma DistrictTown(File:Shinchi in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Shōwa, Fukushima>ÅŒnuma District, Fukushima>ÅŒnuma DistrictVillage(File:Showa in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Tadami, Fukushima>Minamiaizu District, Fukushima>Minamiaizu DistrictTown(File:Tadami in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Tamakawa, Fukushima>Ishikawa District, Fukushima>Ishikawa DistrictVillage(File:Tamakawa in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Tanagura, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa District, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa DistrictTown(File:Tanagura in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Ten-ei, Fukushima>Iwase District, Fukushima>Iwase DistrictVillage(File:Ten’ei in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Tomioka, Fukushima>Futaba District, Fukushima>Futaba DistrictTown(File:Tomioka in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Yabuki, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa District, Fukushima>Nishishirakawa DistrictTown(File:Yabuki in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Yamatsuri, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa District, Fukushima>Higashishirakawa DistrictTown(File:Yamatsuri in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Yanaizu, Fukushima>Kawanuma District, Fukushima>Kawanuma DistrictTown(File:Yanaizu in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)100px)Yugawa, Fukushima>Kawanuma District, Fukushima>Kawanuma DistrictVillage(File:Yugawa in Fukushima Prefecture Ja.svg|100px)

Mergers

List of governors of Fukushima Prefecture (from 1947)

{{col-begin}}{{col-2}}

• Kanichiro Ishihara (石原幹市郎) – April 12, 1947 to November 30, 1949
• Sakuma Otake (大竹作摩) – January 28, 1950 to July 25, 1957
• Zenichiro Sato (佐藤善一郎) – August 25, 1957 to March 23, 1964
• Morie Kimura (木村守江) – May 16, 1964 to August 11, 1976

{{col-2}}

• Isao Matsudaira (松平勇雄) – September 19, 1976 to September 18, 1988
• Eisaku Satō (佐藤栄佐久) – September 19, 1988 to September 28, 2006
• YÅ«hei Satō (佐藤 雄平) – November 12, 2006 to November 11, 2014
• Masao Uchibori (内堀 雅雄) – November 12, 2014 to present

{{col-end}}

Demographics

{{historical populations|13=1890|14=952,489|15=1903|16=1,175,224|17=1913|18=1,303,501|19=1920|20=1,362,750|21=1925|22=1,437,596|23=1930|24=1,508,150|25=1935|26=1,581,563|27=1940|28=1,625,521|29=1945|30=1,957,356|31=1950|32=2,062,394|33=1955|34=2,095,237|35=1960|36=2,051,137|37=1965|38=1,983,754|percentages=pagr|footnote=source:Statistics Bureau of Japan|39=1970|40=1,946,077|41=1975|42=1,970,616|43=1980|44=2,035,272|45=1985|46=2,080,304|47=1990|48=2,104,058|49=1995|50=2,133,592|51=2000|52=2,126,935|53=2005|54=2,091,319|55=2010|56=2,029,064|57=2015|58=1,914,039|11=1880|12=808,937|59=2020|60=1,833,152}}(File:Fukushima prefecture population pyramid in 2020.svg|thumb|262x262px|Fukushima prefecture population pyramid in 2020)A total of 1,833,152 people live in the Fukushima Prefecture.

Economy

File:喜多方市山都町宮古の蕎麦畑 - panoramio.jpg|thumb|BuckwheatBuckwheatThe 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. Thanks to Fukushima’s climate, various fruits are grown throughout the year. These include pears, peaches, cherries, grapes, and apples.WEB,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/fukushima_city.html, Fukushima City, Japan National Tourism Organization,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/fukushima_city.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170925190812www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/fukushima_city.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170925190812www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/fukushima_city.html, September 25, 2017, {{as of|2011|03|post=,}} the prefecture produced 20.6% of Japan’s peaches and 8.7% of cucumbers.Schreiber, Mark, “Japan’s food crisis goes beyond recent panic buying {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420001603search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110417bj.html |date=April 20, 2011 }}”, The Japan Times, April 17, 2011, p. 9.Hongo, Jun, “Fukushima not just about nuke crisis {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101153611www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120320i1.html |date=November 1, 2012 }}”, The Japan Times, March 20, 2012, p. 3.Fukushima also produces rice, that combined with pure water from mountain run-offs, is used to make sake.WEB,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/aizuwakamatu.html, Aizuwakamatsu Area, Japan National Tourism Organization,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/aizuwakamatu.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170714214909www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/aizuwakamatu.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170714214909www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/aizuwakamatu.html, July 14, 2017, Some sakes from the region are considered so tasteful that they are served to visiting royalty and world leaders by hosts.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}Lacquerware is another popular product from Fukushima. Dating back over four hundred years, the process of making lacquerware involves carving an object out of wood, then putting a lacquer on it and decorating it. Objects made are usually dishes, vases and writing materials.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/sightseeing/detail.php?id=60&category=7, Aizu lacquerware, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019, WEB,rediscoverfukushima.com/2018/06/20/aizu-urushi-chopstick-making-experience/, Make Your Own Aizu Lacquerware Chopsticks, Rediscover Fukushima, June 20, 2018, February 17, 2019, January 11, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200111081909/https://rediscoverfukushima.com/2018/06/20/aizu-urushi-chopstick-making-experience/, dead,

Culture

File:Akabeko0926.jpg|thumb|AkabekoAkabekoLegend 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.Other stories, such as that of a large, strong, red cow that carried wood, influenced toys and superstitions. The Akabeko cow is a small, red papier-mâché cow on a bamboo or wooden frame, and is believed to ease child birth, bring good health, and help children grow up as strong as the cow.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/sightseeing/detail.php?id=58&category=7, Akabeko Red Cows, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019, Another superstitious talisman of the region is the Okiagari-koboshi, or self-righting dharma doll. These dolls are seen as bringers of good luck and prosperity because they stand right back up when knocked down.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/sightseeing/detail.php?id=56&category=7, Okiagari Ko-boshi (self-righting dharma doll), Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019, Miharu-goma are small, wooden, black or white toy horses painted with colorful designs. Depending upon their design, they may be believed to bring things like long life to the owner.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/sightseeing/detail.php?id=59&category=7, Miharu Koma, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019, Kokeshi dolls, while less symbolic, are also a popular traditional craft. They are carved wooden dolls, with large round heads and hand painted bodies. Kokeshi dolls are popular throughout many regions of Japan, but Fukushima is credited as their birthplace.

Notable festivals and events

(File:Soma Nomaoi 2017 35477409983.jpg|thumb|right|Sōma Nomaoi in July)(File:Fukushima - chochin matsuri - oct 2017.jpg|thumb|right|Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival in October)(File:郡山うねめまつり2015.JPG|thumb|right|Uneme Festival of Koriyama in August)

• Sōma’s {{nihongo|Nomaoi Festival|相馬野馬追|Sōma Nomaoi}} is held every summer.WEB,soma-nomaoi.jp/en/top-page/, Soma Nomaoi Executive Committee Official Site, Soma Nomaoi Executive Committee, October 1, 2017, January 9, 2020,soma-nomaoi.jp/en/top-page/," title="web.archive.org/web/20200109040356soma-nomaoi.jp/en/top-page/,">web.archive.org/web/20200109040356soma-nomaoi.jp/en/top-page/, dead,

The Nomaoi Festival horse riders dressed in complete samurai attire can be seen racing, chasing wild horses, or having contests that imitate a battle. The history behind the festival and events is over one thousand years old.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/festivals/detail.php?id=1&category=3, The Soma Nomaoi, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019,

• Fukushima’s {{nihongo|Waraji Festival|わらじまつり|Waraji Matsuri}} is held on the first weekend of AugustWEB,www.fmcnet.co.jp/waraji/yurai.html, ja:わらじまつり, ja, 福島わらじまつり実行委員会事務局, June 30, 2011,www.fmcnet.co.jp/waraji/yurai.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20111204170307www.fmcnet.co.jp/waraji/yurai.html,">web.archive.org/web/20111204170307www.fmcnet.co.jp/waraji/yurai.html, December 4, 2011, dead,

During the Waraji Festival, a large (12-meter, 38-ft) straw sandal built by locals is dedicated to a shrine. There is also a traditional Taiwanese dragon dance, or Ryumai, performed by Taiwanese visitors.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/festivals/detail.php?id=5&category=3, Fukushima Waraji Festival, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019,

• Aizuwakamatsu’s {{nihongo|Aizu Festival|会津まつり|Aizu Matsuri}} is held in late SeptemberWEB,www.aizukanko.com/event/95/, ja:会津まつり 先人感謝祭・会津藩公行列, ja, 会津若松観光物産協会, March 20, 2012,

The Aizu festival is a celebration of the time of the samurai. It begins with a display of sword dancing and fighting, and is followed by a procession of around five hundred people. The people in the procession carry flags and tools representing well-known feudal lords of long ago, and some are actually dressed like the lords themselves.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/festivals/detail.php?id=13&category=3, Aizu Festival, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019,

• Taimatsu Akashi Fire Festival

A reflection of a long ago time of war, the Taimatsu Akashi Festival consists of men and women carrying large symbolic torches lit with a sacred fire to the top of Mt. Gorozan. Accompanied by drummers, the torchbearers reach the top and light a wooden frame representing an old local castle and the samurai that lived there. In more recent years the festival has been opened up so that anyone wanting to participate may carry a small symbolic torch along with the procession.WEB,www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/festivals/detail.php?id=21&category=4, Taimatsu Akashi, Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products Association, February 17, 2019,

• Iizaka’s {{nihongo|Fighting Festival|けんか祭り|Kenka Matsuri}} is held in OctoberWEB,hachimanjinja.info, ja:けんか祭りの飯坂八幡神社, ja, June 30, 2011,
• Nihonmatsu’s {{nihongo|Lantern Festival|提灯祭り|Chōchin Matsuri}} is held from October 4 to 6WEB,www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/site/kankou/458.html, ja:二本松の提灯祭り, ja, October 8, 2017,www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/site/kankou/458.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20171008232220www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/site/kankou/458.html,">web.archive.org/web/20171008232220www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/site/kankou/458.html, October 8, 2017, dead,
• Nihonmatsu’s {{nihongo|Chrysanthemum doll exhibition|二本松の菊人形|Nihonmatsu no Kiku Ningyō}} is held from October 1 to November 23WEB,www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/kanko/kiku/kiku.html, ja:二本松の菊人形, ja, 二本松菊栄会, June 30, 2011, dead,www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/kanko/kiku/kiku.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20110723064541www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/kanko/kiku/kiku.html,">web.archive.org/web/20110723064541www.city.nihonmatsu.lg.jp/kanko/kiku/kiku.html, July 23, 2011,
• Kōriyama City’s Uneme Festival (うねめ祭り) is held early August in honor of the legend of Princess Uneme. The festival features a large parade through the city center with thousands of contestants annually, with several festival floats and a giant taiko-drum.WEB,www.ko-cci.or.jp/event/maturi/uneme.html, 第53回郡山うねめまつり2017, www.ko-cci.or.jp, 2018-01-25,
• Date City’s Ryozen Taiko Festival (霊山太鼓祭り) is held in August and features multiple troupes of taiko drum players as well as other musical and comedic performances.WEB,www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/~shinji/event.html, ja:太鼓まつり｜霊山太鼓, 霊山太鼓保存会, www5e.biglobe.ne.jp, ja, 2018-11-13,

Education

Universities

• Aizuwakamatsu
  • Aizu University
• Fukushima
  • Fukushima Gakuin University
  • Fukushima Medical University
  • Fukushima University
• Iwaki
  • Higashi Nippon International University
  • Iwaki Meisei University
• Koriyama
  • Koriyama Women’s University
  • Nihon University – Koriyama campus
  • Ohu University

Tourism

File:Aizuwakamatsu Castle 05.jpg|thumb|right|Aizuwakamatsu CastleAizuwakamatsu CastleFile:Ouchijuku 1.JPG|thumb|right|ÅŒuchi-jukuÅŒuchi-juku(File:Miharu_Miharu-Takizakura_Front_1.jpg|thumb|Miharu Takizakura is an ancient cherry tree in Miharu, Fukushima.)Tsuruga castle, a samurai castle originally built in the late 14th century, was occupied by the region’s governor in the mid-19th century, during a time of war and governmental instability. Because of this, 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.Kitakata is well known for its distinctive Kitakata ramen noodles and well-preserved traditional storehouse buildings, while ÅŒuchi-juku in the town of Shimogo retains numerous thatched buildings from the Edo period.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). Bird watching crowds are not uncommon during migration season here. The area is popular with hikers and skiers. Guided snowshoe tours are also offered in the winter.WEB,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/urabandai.html, Ura-bandai Area, Japan National Tourism Organization,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/urabandai.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20170815095034www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/urabandai.html,">web.archive.org/web/20170815095034www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/urabandai.html, August 15, 2017, The Inawashiro Lake area of Bandai-Asahi National Park is Inawashiro-ko, where the parental home of Hideyo Noguchi (1876–1928) can still be found. It was preserved along with some of Noguchi’s belongings and letters as part of a memorial. Noguchi is famous not only for his research on yellow fever, but also for having his face on the 1,000 yen note.WEB,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/inawasiroko.html, Lake Inawashiro Area, Japan National Tourism Organization,www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/inawasiroko.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20171110232732www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/inawasiroko.html,">web.archive.org/web/20171110232732www.jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/fukushima/inawasiroko.html, November 10, 2017, The Miharu Takizakura is an ancient weeping higan cherry tree in Miharu, Fukushima. It is over 1,000 years old.

Food

(File:Sampling Aizu sake.jpg|thumb|A sample set of Aizu sake)Fruits. Fukushima is known as a “Fruit Kingdom“WEB,www.city.fukushima.fukushima.jp/soshiki/22/fruit.html, フルーツを食す – 福島市ホームページ, www.city.fukushima.fukushima.jp, October 24, 2016,www.city.fukushima.fukushima.jp/soshiki/22/fruit.html," title="web.archive.org/web/20161024152211www.city.fukushima.fukushima.jp/soshiki/22/fruit.html,">web.archive.org/web/20161024152211www.city.fukushima.fukushima.jp/soshiki/22/fruit.html, October 24, 2016, dead, because of its many seasonal fruits, and the fact that there is fruit being harvested every month of the year. While peaches are the most famous, the prefecture also produces large quantities of cherries, nashi (Japanese pears), grapes, persimmons, and apples.Fukushima-Gyu is the prefecture’s signature beef. The Japanese Black type cattle used to make Fukushima-Gyu are fed, raised, and processed within the prefecture. Only beef with a grade of 2 or 3 can be labeled as “Fukushima-Gyu” (福島牛)WEB,www.fukushima-gyu.com/introduce/, 福島牛販売促進協議会, www.fukushima-gyu.com, October 24, 2016, January 16, 2020,web.archive.org/web/20200116002747/https://www.fukushima-gyu.com/introduce/, dead, Ikaninjin is shredded carrot and dried squid seasoned with soy sauce, cooking sake, mirin, etc. It is a local cuisine from the northern parts of Fukushima Prefecture. It is primarily made from the late autumn to winter in the household.羽雁渉「イカと日本人」Chunichi Newspaper, Sunday edition.世界と日本 大図解シリーズ No.1272. October 9, 2016 、pages 1, 8 (in Japanese).Kitakata Ramen is one of the Top 3 Ramen of Japan, along with Sapporo and Hakata.NEWS,www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/food/articles/2.html, Kitakata ramen, June 20, 2016, NHK WORLD, October 24, 2016, The base is a soy-sauce soup, as historically soy sauce was readily available from the many storehouses around the town. Niboshi (sardines), tonkotsu (pig bones) and sometimes chicken and vegetables are boiled to make the stock. This is then topped with chashu (thinly sliced barbeque pork), spring onions, fermented bamboo shoots, and sometimes narutomaki, a pink and white swirl of cured fish cake.Mamador is the prefecture’s most famous confection.NEWS,kaumo.jp/topic/47178, 福島の人気お土産50選｜ままどおるだけじゃない！福島のおすすめお菓子-カウモ, カウモ, October 24, 2016, September 20, 2018,web.archive.org/web/20180920234623/https://kaumo.jp/topic/47178, dead, The baked good has a milky red bean flavor center wrapped in a buttery dough. The name means “People who drink mothers’ milk” in Spanish.WEB,www.sanmangoku.co.jp/Goods/mamadoru.html, ままどおる｜三万石, www.sanmangoku.co.jp, October 24, 2016, It is produced by the Sanmangoku Company.Creambox is prefecture’s second famous confection. It is a sweet bread with a thick milk bread and white milk-flavored cream. It is sold in Koriyama City at many bakery and school purchases . The selling price is usually around 100 yen, and in some rare cases, the dough is round.Since it looks simple and does not change much from normal bread when viewed from above, some processing may be performed on the cream, there are things that put almonds or draw the character’s face with chocolateWEB,creamboxbu.wordpress.com, クリームボックス｜クリームボックス部, creamboxbu.wordpress.com, October 15, 2019, Sake. The Fukushima Prefecture Sake Brewers Cooperative is made up of nearly 60 sake breweries.WEB,sake-fukushima.jp/wp/?page_id=196, 蔵元検索 {{!, 福島県酒造協同組合|website=sake-fukushima.jp|access-date=October 24, 2016}} Additionally, the Annual Japan Sake Awards has awarded the prefecture the most gold prizes of all of Japan for four years running as of 2016.WEB,sake-fukushima.jp/?p=886, 祝！！４連覇 平成２７酒造年度全国新酒鑑評会金賞受賞蔵数 日本一！！ {{!, 福島県酒造協同組合|website=sake-fukushima.jp|date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=October 24, 2016}}

Transportation

Rail

File:Tadami-Line-First-Bridge-Summer.jpg|thumb|JR Tadami LineTadami Line

• AbukumaExpress
  • Abukuma Express Line
• Aizu Railway
  • Aizu Line
• Fukushima Transportation
  • Iizaka Line
• JR East
  • Ban’etsu East Line
  • Ban’etsu West Line
  • Jōban Line
  • Suigun Line
  • Tadami Line
  • Tōhoku Line
  • Tōhoku Shinkansen
  • Yamagata Line
  • Yamagata Shinkansen
• Yagan Railway
  • Kinugawa Line

Road

Expressways

• (File:JP Expressway E49.svg|20px|link=|alt=) Ban-etsu Expressway
• (File:JP Expressway E6.svg|20px|link=|alt=) Jōban Expressway
• (File:JP Expressway E4.svg|20px|link=|alt=) Tōhoku Expressway

National highways

• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|4}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|6}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|13}} (Fukushima-Yamagata-Shinjo-Yokote-Akita)
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|49}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|113}} (Niigata-Murakami-Nagai-Nanyo-Shiroishi-Soma)
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|114}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|115}} (Soma-Fukushima-Inawashiro)
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|118}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|121}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|252}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|288}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|289}} (Niigata-Tsubame-Uonuma-Tadami-Shirakawa-Iwaki)
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|294}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|349}} (Mito-Hitachiota-Iwaki-Tamura-Nihonmatsu-Date-Shibata)
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|352}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|399}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|400}}
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|401}} (Niigata-Agano-Kitakata-Fukushima-Namie)
• {{jct|country=JPN|Route|459}}

Ports

• Onahama Port – International and domestic goods, container hub port in Iwaki

Airports

• Fukushima Airport

Notable people

File:Series E 1K Yen bank of Japan note - front.jpg|thumb|Hideyo NoguchiHideyo Noguchi

• Junko Tabei, the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, and the first woman to ascend all Seven Summits by climbing the highest peak on every continent
• Takeshi Suzuki, an alpine skier and Paralympic athlete.
• Yoshihide Muroya, an aerobatics pilot and race pilot
• Toshiyuki Nishida, an actor best known for his fishing comedy series, Tsuribaka Nisshi (“The Fishing Maniac’s Diary“)
• Wakatakakage Atsushi, a professional sumo wrestler competing in sumo’s top makuuchi division beginning in 2019.
• Wakamotoharu Minato, Wakatakakage’s brother and also top division rikishi.
• Mazie K. Hirono, US Senator and former Lieutenant Governor for Hawaii, was born in Fukushima Prefecture in 1947, and moved to Hawaii in 1955{{Citation needed|date=April 2014}}
• 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 honor. This was first awarded in May 2008WEB,www.cao.go.jp/noguchisho/english/award/01/index-e.html, Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize, Cabinet Office, Government of Japan, August 4, 2011,
• Seishiro Okazaki (January 28, 1890 – July 12, 1951) was a Japanese American healer, martial artist, and founder of Danzan-ryÅ« jujitsu. Born in Kakeda, Date County in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, he immigrated to Hawaii in 1906[Immigration records show he arrived at the port of Honolulu T.H. on October 9, 1906 aboard the Steamer “China” of the Pacific Mail S.S. Co. “Hawaii, Honolulu Index to passengers, Not Including Filipinos, 1900–1952”. FamilySearch www.familysearch.org: accessed June 25, 2011). entry for Akaraki Seisiro, age 16; citing Passenger Records, Aada, Matsusuke – Arisuye, Tomoyashe, Image 2150; National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C., United States.]

See also

• 2006 Fukushima gubernatorial election

Notes

{{Reflist|30em}}

References

• Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric and Käthe Roth. (2005). Japan encyclopedia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|978-0-674-01753-5}}; OCLC 58053128
• BOOK, Takeda, Toru, Hishinuma, Tomio, Oguma, Takiguchi, R., July 7, 2001, Fukushima – Today & Tomorrow, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Rekishi Shunju Publishing Co., 4-89757-432-3, Chiyoichi,

External links

{{Commons category|Fukushima prefecture}}{{Wikivoyage|Fukushima (prefecture)}}{{Wikinews category|Fukushima Prefecture}}

• Fukushima Prefecture Official Website {{in lang|ja}}
• Fukushima Travel - Official Tourism Information {{in lang|en}}

{{Fukushima}}{{Governors of Fukushima Prefecture}}{{Regions and administrative divisions of Japan}}{{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}{{Authority control}}{{Coord|37|24|N|140|28|E|scale:500000|display=title}}