Tochigi
(2002 est. pop. 2 million). Tochigi Prefecture is situated in the central region of Japan's island of Honshu, where it occupies an area of 6,414 square kilometers. Tochigi's primary geographical features are the Yamizo, Taishaku, and Ashio mountains which fringe a central plain irrigated by the Nakagawa and other rivers. It is bordered by Gumma, Fukushima, Ibaraki, and Saitama prefectures. Once known as Shimotsuke Province, it assumed its present name and borders in 1873.
The prefecture's capital city is Utsunomiya, base during the Kamakura (1185–1333) and Muromachi (1333–1573) periods to the Utsunomiya family, the region's military governors. In the Edo period (1600/1603–1868), it was a castle town and post station. In the early 2000s, it manufactures aircraft, farm machinery, and television sets. The prefecture's other important cities are Ashikaga, Tochigi, Sano, Kanuma, and Oyama.
Tochigi's main economic activity is agriculture: It grows rice, grains, and vegetables. Also productive are the forestry and woodworking industries, and at one time copper mining was important. Current industries include textiles, metals processing, and machine fabrication. The former post-station town of Tochigi is noted for its traditional sake brewing, wooden clogs, and lime production.
Visitors and pilgrims are drawn to Nikko National Park, site of the Tokugawa family tomb. The famed pottery town of Mashiko features the studio of Hamada Shoji (1894–1978), a leader of the folk art revival movement. Other scenic destinations are the Nasu Highland, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji.
Further Reading
"Tochigi Prefecture." Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha.
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