Profile of Aichi – Heartland of Japan
Aichi Prefecture is located in the very heartland of Japan and has long prospered as a crossroads between the cultures of eastern and western Japan.
Its capital city, Nagoya, forms the centre of one of Japan’s three major metropolitan areas, alongside Tokyo and Osaka. Aichi has developed into a region of industry and technology, as represented by the world-famous Toyota Motor Corporation, whose corporate headquarters are located in Aichi. Taken together, the economy, culture, and wide range of industries found in Aichi Prefecture serve as a major driving force behind the economic might of Japan.
Industries – Japan’s manufacturing capital
Aichi’s total production accounts for approximately 7% of the national share and ranks third in Japan after Tokyo and Osaka. Since 1977, the value of its manufactured goods shipments has been the highest among all of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Aichi has long been known as a manufacturing base, and its industrial efforts range from high-tech industries such as automobiles, machine tools, and aerospace, all the way to more traditional areas such as the textile and ceramic industries.
The industrial tourism these centres attract is one of the defining features of tourism in Aichi.
Sightseeing – Birth place of three great samurai
Aichi not only has natural riches, such as the sea, mountains, and parks that allow you to enjoy the scenery of each season, but also abounds in historical sites related to samurai culture.
Aichi is the birthplace of the three military leaders who shaped Japan’s pre-modern history: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Long a crossing point for the eastern and western cultures of Japan, the Aichi area prospered as one of Japan’s leading castle towns during the Edo period and today boasts many historical relics.
Fine food
Aichi’s rich culinary delights from both land and sea offer a wide range of local dishes such as Nagoya meshi as represented by Misokatsu, Tebasaki, and Miso nikomi udon. You can enjoy a wide variety of dishes, from creative to traditional, everywhere in Aichi.
Sister state in Australia
Aichi Prefecture established a sister-state relationship with the Australian State of Victoria in 1980. This year, in commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the relationship, Aichi and Victoria will mutually send delegations and celebrate this milestone of the successful history of friendship.
In the future, public and private cooperation will be further deepened, helping this friendship endure for many years to come.
