Kumamoto Prefecture

Main City: Kumamoto

Population: 1,787,000 people, ranking 23/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 7,404 km² [2]

Geographical / Landscape description

Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the centre of Kyushu, the southernmost of the four major Japanese islands. Mt. Aso (1592m), an extensive active volcano, is in the east of Kumamoto Prefecture, and is a main spot for tourism. [2]

Climate

A mild climate with significant temperature differences between winter (cool) and summer (hot). There is a significant rainy season in June-July that accounts for 40% of the annual precipitations. [2]

Recent history, culture

Kumamoto Prefecture was an important battlefield during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877 that opposed tradition-driven samurai against the new imperial government. This rebellion was seen as a confrontation between the old traditions and the winds of modernity that had been blowing throughout Japan since 1868 when the last Shogun was overthrown and full political/economic powers were restored to the Emperor. Finally defeated, the spirit and honour showed by these samurai are still highly considered today providing many examples of heroism to follow and refer to. [3][4]

More chapters:

• Economic overview
• Infrastructure
• Living environment
• Major types of economic activities
• Opportunities for EU Investors / Exporters / Importers
• Setting up a business in the prefecture
• Other contacts