Tokushima
(2002 est. pop. 823,000). Tokushima Prefecture is situated in the eastern region of Japan's island of Shikoku, where it occupies an area of 4,146 square kilometers. Tokushima's primary geographic character is a generally mountainous terrain intersected by plains along the rivers Yoshinogawa and Nakagawa. The prefecture is bordered by the Inland Sea, the Kii Channel and the Pacific Ocean, and by Kawaga, Kochi, and Ehime prefectures. Once known as Awa Province, Tokushima assumed its present name and borders in 1880.
The prefecture's capital is Tokushima city, situated along the island's longest river, Yoshinogawa. During the Edo period (1600/1603–1868), it was the castle town of the Hachisuka family, who completed their fortress in 1586. Under their rule, the town flourished as a port for the export of indigo dye. Following legislation enacted to promote industry in remote regions, Tokushima was declared a New Industrial City in 1964. In the early 2000s, it is the site of chemical, textile, lumber, furniture, paper, and foodstuff processing industries. The prefecture's other important cities are Naruto and Anan.
Tokushima Prefecture remains primarily a rural region. Indigo plants are still grown, and tobacco and salt are produced. The leading crops are rice, fruits, vegetables, and mulberry trees. Fishing and forestry remain important activities in the south. Visitors are drawn to Tokushima city's August dance festival (Awa Odori) and to the Naruto whirlpools and coastal scenery in the Inland Sea National Park.
Further Reading
"Tokushima Prefecture." (1993) Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Tokyo: Kodansha.
This is the complete article, containing 242 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
