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Tokushima Prefecture

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Tokushima Prefecture is a distinct administrative region located on the island of Shikoku in Japan.

Map of Tokushima Prefecture Ja
Map of Tokushima Prefecture Ja

It occupies a total geographic area of 4,146 square kilometers. The prefecture is situated along the Kii Channel. This waterway serves as a vital connection between the Pacific Ocean and the Seto Inland Sea. To the north, Tokushima shares a border with Kagawa Prefecture. To its west lies Ehime Prefecture, while Kochi Prefecture borders it to the southwest.

Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja
Tokushima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja

The region is positioned across from Wakayama Prefecture on the Kii Peninsula of Honshu.

The borders of Tokushima have undergone significant changes through various government consolidations. Before the Meiji Restoration, the area was known as Awa Province. In 1871, the government abolished the fiefdom system and created Myodo Prefecture. At that time, Myodo Prefecture was much larger than the current borders. It included the Awa region and parts of Awaji Island. In 1873, it also included the land now known as Kagawa Prefecture. The borders shifted again during the second wave of consolidation. The Sanuki Region separated to form Kagawa Prefecture in 1875. In 1876, Awaji Island joined Hyōgo Prefecture, and the Awa region became Kochi Prefecture. Finally, on March 2, 1880, Myodo Prefecture separated from Kochi to become Tokushima Prefecture.

Urban life in the prefecture is centered around several key cities. Tokushima City serves as the capital and is the largest urban center. It has a population of 258,554 people.

Tokushima prefectural office building01n3872
Tokushima prefectural office building01n3872

Other major cities include Anan, Naruto, and Yoshinogawa. The prefecture as a whole has a population of 682,439 as of February 2025.

Anan in Tokushima Prefecture Ja
Anan in Tokushima Prefecture Ja

The administrative landscape is divided into eight cities and many smaller towns and villages. For example, Anan City has a population of 70,405, while Naruto City has 56,222 residents. These urban areas are connected by various infrastructure projects, such as the Ōnaruto Bridge. This bridge links Tokushima to Awaji Island and the city of Kobe via the Kobe-Awaji-Naruto Expressway.

The economy of Tokushima is heavily dependent on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The prefecture is a major producer of various crops. It is the national leader in supplying cauliflower and lotus roots. It also ranks as the fourth largest producer of carrots in Japan.

Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture Ja
Naruto in Tokushima Prefecture Ja

The fertile plains north of the Yoshino River are essential for rice cultivation. These lowlands and narrow coastal plains support large-scale farming. Many products from Tokushima are shipped to the Kansai region, including Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto. The local government uses a mobile kitchen called "Fresh! Tokushima" to promote local brands across the country.

Agricultural diversity is a defining feature of the Tokushima landscape. Different areas are famous for specific crops. Naruto City is known for its sweet potatoes and lotus roots.

Anan in Tokushima Prefecture Ja
Anan in Tokushima Prefecture Ja

Kamiyama-cho is a primary source for the citrus fruit known as sudachi. In Aizumi-cho, the prefecture produces much of its carrots. Other notable products include bamboo shoots from Anan City and spring onions from Tokushima City. The prefecture is also unique because it is the only place where Japanese indigo is produced. This specialized agriculture helps maintain the region's economic identity.

Industrial and educational development has shaped the modern prefecture. In 1949, Tokushima University was established. The prefecture has seen the growth of thermal electric power plants, such as the one created in Anan in 1963. Recent years have seen a shift toward technology and entrepreneurship. In April 2023, a unique school for tech entrepreneurship opened in Kamiyama. This school teaches students aged 15 to 20 about engineering, programming, and design. It also teaches business skills like marketing and pitching to investors. This initiative was led by Chikahiro Terada of the company Sansan.

Natural features and infrastructure continue to influence how people live in Tokushima. Approximately 9% of the land is designated as Natural Parks. These include the Setonaikai National Park and the Muroto-Anan Kaigan and Tsurugisan Quasi-National Parks.

Tokushima prefectural office building02s3200
Tokushima prefectural office building02s3200

Large dams, such as the Ikeda Dam on the Yoshino River, manage the water resources. Transportation has also improved through major projects. The completion of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in 1998 connected mainland Japan more closely to the region. These connections between natural beauty and modern engineering define the character of Tokushima today.

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🖼️ Images & Media (57)
File:Tokushima prefectural office building02s3200.jpg
Tokushima prefectural office building02s3200.jpg
File:Tokushima prefectural office building01n3872.jpg
Tokushima prefectural office building01n3872.jpg
File:Map of Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
Map of Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Anan, Tokushima.svg
Flag of Anan, Tokushima.svg
File:Anan in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
Anan in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Awa, Tokushima.svg
Flag of Awa, Tokushima.svg
File:Awa in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
Awa in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Komatsushima, Tokushima.svg
Flag of Komatsushima, Tokushima.svg
File:Komatsushima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
Komatsushima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Mima, Tokushima (no text).svg
Flag of Mima, Tokushima (no text).svg
File:Mima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
Mima in Tokushima Prefecture Ja.svg
File:Flag of Miyoshi, Tokushima (no text).svg
Flag of Miyoshi, Tokushima (no text).svg

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