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1) Land
Kagoshima Prefecture is situated in the southwestern region of the
Japanese mainland. The total area of Kagoshima Prefecture ranks it 10th
place in Japan at 9,188 sq. kilometers. It is surrounded by the Pacific
Ocean and East China Sea with a shoreline extending 2, 643 kilometers
and a wide expanse of land stretching approximately 600km from north to
south.
The climate ranges from temperate to sub-tropical and is
characterized by higher than average temperatures for Japan and a
generally mild climate.
A large number of islands that include Tanegashima, Yakushima, and the
Amami Islands account for some 27% of the total land area of Kagoshima
Prefecture.
The Kirishima Volcano Chain crosses the central region from north to
south. There are 11 active volcanoes spread out from Kirishima in the
north to the Tokara Islands in the Southern Sea and a great number of
natural hot springs in between. Moreover, most regions throughout the
Prefecture are covered in a layer of volcanic ejecta that is known as
“shirasu”.
2) Kagoshima Life
Presently, “Healing”, “Slow Life”, “Slow Food”, “Safe and Secure”, and
“Health” are very important themes of daily life here.
Kagoshima has what it takes to be a leading Prefecture in terms of
“Quality of Life” with its characteristic islands that include the
World Natural Heritage Site at Yakushima Island and the Amami Islands,
the Sakurajima volcano, an abundance of hot springs, lush green
forests and nature, colorful festivals, folk arts, traditional culture
such as traditional crafts, and a wealth of food products that include
Berkshire pork, black cattle beef, fermented “kurozu” vinegar, brown
sugar, and shochu.
The following are introductions to some of the above.
World-class Natural Environment
A rich abundance of nature that includes “Yakushima”, the first World
Natural Heritage Site in Japan.
Mild and Temperate Climate <Yearly Average
Temperature 18.5°C (2nd place in Japan)>
The climate of Kagoshima Prefecture covers a wide spectrum from
temperate to sub-tropical, making it more climatically varied and
complex when compared to other regions. With a yearly average
temperature of 18.5°C, the climate is mild and comfortable throughout
the year.
Leading Hot Spring Prefecture
Most “sento” (public baths) within Kagoshima City are fed by natural
hot springs. The number of hot spring sources and public hot springs
both rank at 2nd place in Japan.
Traditional Arts/ Events and Local Practices
Traditional arts/events and local practices are passed down orally
throughout every region of the Prefecture. They are a part of everyday
life and serve as a foundation for the local culture.
Ruins, Modern Industrial Heritage, etc.
There are more than 30 known ruins that remain from the Incipient Jomon
Period to the Early Jomon Period. These include the Uenohara ruins, a
typical hamlet that represents the first stages of settlement (approx.
9500 years ago) in the southern region of Kyushu.
In addition, there are many modern industrial heritage sites that
played a vital role in the modernization of Japan. These include
constituent assets of the “Modern Industrial Heritage in Kyushu and
Yamaguchi” such as the “Kyu-shuseikan” and “Kagoshima bosekisho
gishikan (Ijinkan)” that are listed on the World Heritage Tentative
List.
Delicious Food
Kagoshima yields an abundance of high quality agricultural and marine
products. Food industries that utilize these products are clustered
here, making Kagoshima a “food supply base” for the rest of Japan.
A Rich Gastronomic Culture
Kagoshima is knows for its Berkshire pork, black cattle beef, fermented
“Kurozu” vinegar, brown sugar, shochu, ramen, tonkotsu, Satsuma-age,
sweet potatoes, Satsuma local chicken sashimi, kibinago sashimi, bonito
sashimi, chicken rice, karukan, Kagoshima Tea, and shirokuma.
Kagoshima Brand
There are 15 items in 21 production regions that are designated as
“Local Brand” (as of Dec. 2008).
Kagoshima Seasonal Fish
There are 18 species of fish from around Kagoshima Prefecture that have
been appointed as “Kagoshima Seasonal Fish” since they highlight the
particular taste of each season.
Thriving Volunteer Activities <Annual ratio of
people involved in volunteer activities: 38.8% (3rd place in Japan)>
The ratio of people involved in volunteer activities is comparatively
high in Kagoshima. There is a very strong spirit of volunteerism and
mutual assistance here.
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International Affairs Division, Kagoshima prefecture
Phone: 81-99-286-2111
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