Hiroshima Prefecture is located in the central part of the Chugoku and Sanyo regions of Japan. It is a multifaceted area where history, industry, culture, and nature coexist in a well-balanced way. Its capital, Hiroshima City, is a government-designated city and the largest urban center in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, serving as a hub for the region’s economy, politics, and culture.
Geography and Urban Structure
Facing the calm Seto Inland Sea to the south and stretching into the Chugoku Mountains to the north, Hiroshima Prefecture showcases a diverse landscape and climate between its coastal and inland areas. The prefecture is broadly divided into the following regions:
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Aki Region (Western Hiroshima): Centered on Hiroshima City, this area is highly urbanized and functions as the administrative and economic heart of the prefecture.
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Bingo Region (Eastern Hiroshima): Anchored by Fukuyama City, this region has a well-developed industrial base and strong ties with neighboring Okayama Prefecture.
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Bihoku Region (Northern Hiroshima): Characterized by mountainous terrain, it focuses on agriculture and forestry. Some areas are known for heavy snowfall in winter.
Historical and Cultural Background
Hiroshima is globally known as a symbol of war and peace. In 1945, Hiroshima City suffered devastating damage as the first city in human history to be struck by an atomic bomb. However, its post-war recovery and its ongoing dedication to peace have continued to draw attention worldwide. Today, countless domestic and international visitors come to see the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Memorial Museum.
The Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic floating torii gate, is considered one of Japan's Three Scenic Views and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Economy and Industry
Hiroshima Prefecture is one of the most industrially developed areas in the Chugoku region.
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Automobile Industry: Centered around Mazda, which is headquartered in Hiroshima City, the region is home to many automobile-related companies.
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Steel and Shipbuilding: The coastal industrial zones along the Seto Inland Sea are home to a thriving heavy industry sector.
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Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries: The northern region is known for rice and fruit cultivation, while the southern coastal region is rich in marine products and oyster farming.
Hiroshima oysters are especially renowned across Japan and are one of the prefecture’s signature products.
Climate Characteristics
Due to its vast area and complex topography, Hiroshima Prefecture has a wide range of climatic conditions:
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Coastal areas (e.g., Hiroshima City, Fukuyama City): Enjoy a Seto Inland Sea climate that is relatively mild throughout the year, with low rainfall and many sunny winter days.
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Inland and northern areas (e.g., Shobara City, Miyoshi City, Kitahiroshima Town): Affected by the Japan Sea climate, these areas experience colder winters and significant snowfall. In fact, Kitahiroshima's Higashiyahatahara area once recorded a temperature as low as -28.0°C, marking it as a heavy snowfall zone.
People and Culture
Hiroshima also has a notable history of emigration. From the Meiji era to the early Showa period, many residents migrated to Hawaii, mainland United States, Manchuria, and Hokkaido, seeking new opportunities. As a result, Hiroshima dialect became a linguistic base in some overseas Japanese communities.
Culturally, the prefecture is known for its passionate support of the Hiroshima Toyo Carp baseball team and its distinctive Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, both of which reflect the region’s strong sense of identity.
Conclusion
Hiroshima Prefecture is a unique region where the global symbol of peace, strong industrial capacity, and rich natural and cultural heritage harmoniously coexist. The “strength” and “kindness” of Hiroshima may stem from its ability to embrace history while looking toward the future.
As a tourist destination, a place to live, and a center for learning and industry, Hiroshima offers diverse and profound appeal—truly a place that becomes deeper and more fascinating the more you get to know it.