Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture is a significant administrative region located on Honshu, the largest island of Japan.

It sits within the Kansai region and forms the eastern portion of the Kii Peninsula. The prefecture is bordered by several other Japanese prefectures. Gifu lies to the north, while Aichi is to the east. Shiga and Kyoto are located to the northwest. Nara sits to the west, and Wakayama is to the southwest. Because of its location and cultural ties, Mie is often linked to both the Kansai and Tōkai regions.

The physical geography of Mie is highly varied. Approximately 64.8 percent of the land is covered by forests. Agriculture occupies 11.5 percent of the area. Residential areas make up 6 percent, while roads account for 3.8 percent. Rivers cover 3.6 percent of the landmass. The terrain is divided into five distinct geographical areas. The northwest contains the Suzuka Mountains along the coast of Ise Bay. The Ise Plain lies along the coast from the Aichi border to Ise City. This plain is where most of the population resides. South of the plain is the Shima Peninsula. The central-west features the Iga Basin. Finally, the southern part of the prefecture consists of the Nunobiki Mountainous Region.

Climate patterns change depending on the specific region within Mie. The Ise Plain experiences a relatively moderate climate throughout the year. In contrast, the Iga Basin shows more daily temperature variance. It is typically 1 to 2 degrees cooler than the Ise Plain. Southern Mie, located south of the Shima Peninsula, has a warmer Pacific marine climate. The Owase region is notable for having some of the heaviest rainfall figures in all of Japan.

Human history in this region spans many millennia. Evidence of human habitation dates back more than 10,000 years. During the Jōmon and Yayoi periods, agricultural communities formed near rivers and coasts. The Ise Shrine is believed to have been established during the Yayoi period. In the 7th century, the Saikū Imperial Residence was constructed in Meiwa Town. This served as a residence and administrative center for the Saiō. The Saiō was an Imperial Princess who acted as the High Priestess of Ise Shrine.

During the Edo period, the area consisted of feudal domains ruled by appointed lords. Transport networks like the Tokaido and Ise Roads were developed during this time.

The modern political structure of Mie was formed through several reorganizations. Following the Meiji Restoration, the former provinces were restructured. In 1871, the area was split into Anōtsu Prefecture and Watarai Prefecture. In 1872, the seat of Anōtsu moved to Yokkaichi, and the name changed to Mie. The prefectural seat returned to Tsu in 1873. Mie Prefecture finally took its current form in 1876 after merging with its southern neighbor. The name "Mie" is said to come from a comment made by Yamato Takeru.

Today, Mie is a major center for both tourism and industry. It is home to many holy Shinto sites, including the Ise Grand Shrine and the Tsubaki Grand Shrine.

The prefecture also contains many natural parks, which make up 36 percent of its total area. Notable parks include Ise-Shima National Park and Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Economically, the prefecture is diverse. Northern Mie supports heavy chemical industries and transport machinery manufacturing. In Suzuka, the Honda Motor Company operates a factory established in 1960.

The region also produces tea, beef, fruit, and cultured pearls.

Mie's connection to the wider world is seen in its modern infrastructure and global events. The prefecture hosts major transportation links, including various rail lines and expressways. In May 2016, the city of Shima hosted the 42nd G7 summit. This was the third such summit held without the presence of Russia. The prefecture's population is approximately 1,781,948 people. It remains a vital link between the eastern and western parts of Japan.