About shizuoka
Profile of Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan’s main island, and has been a crossroads for various cultures and traditions due to its position along the Tōkaidō route, which connects Tokyo and Kyoto. lessed with a warm climate and rich natural Additionally, Shizuoka is blessed with a warm climate and rich natural environment, which has helped agriculture, forestry, and fishing thrive. Despite being one single prefecture, each region within Shizuoka has its own distinct lifestyle. In commerce and industry, Shizuoka developed around a tradition of craftsmanship, which dates back to when Tokugawa Ieyasu gathered artisans from across the country to build the Sengen Shrine. This “monozukuri” (craftsmanship) spirit continues today in the production of automobiles, plastic models, hina dolls, and other products, maintaining a strong manufacturing culture.
| Population | Approximately 3.6 million people |
|---|---|
| Prefectural capital | Shizuoka City |
| Local specialties | Tea, mandarin oranges, wasabi, whitebait, cherry shrimp, etc. |
| Shinkansen Stations | Atami Station, Mishima Station, Shin-Fuji Station, Shizuoka Station, Kakegawa Station, Hamamatsu Station |
Access to Shizuoka Prefecture
Industries in Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka Prefecture is divided into four main areas: the central, western, eastern, and Izu regions. The central region is known for commerce, the western region for industry, the eastern region for manufacturing, and the Izu region for tourism. Historically, Shizuoka has been known for its strong craft culture, starting when Tokugawa Ieyasu invited artisans from Edo period to build the Sengen Shrine. Because of this tradition, Shizuoka is still famous today as a “craftsmanship” region.
In the central area, one of the most famous products is the “plastic model”, which is said to have evolved from traditional crafts. Shizuoka is home to many plastic model manufacturers, including well-known companies such as Bandai, Tamiya, and Hasegawa. In fact, Shizuoka leads Japan in plastic model shipments. Additionally, hina doll makers, another traditional craft also have their roots in the region’s craftsmanship.
The western area is home to major companies like Suzuki and Yamaha Motor, which are internationally recognized. The founders of Toyota and Honda, Sakichi Toyoda, and Soichiro Honda, were both born in Shizuoka. Yamaha, KAWAI, Roland, and other leading music instrument manufacturers are also located in this region. The city of Hamamatsu in western Shizuoka is famous as a “city of music.”
In agriculture, Shizuoka is number one in Japan for tea, wasabi, mandarin oranges, and greenhouse melons. The method of wasabi cultivation is even registered as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.” In fishing, Shizuoka ranks first in Japan for the catch volume of tuna, bonito, and sakura shrimp.