The Chubu Region lies in the central part of Honshu, Japan’s main island, serving as a transitional area between the eastern and western parts of the country. Known for its dramatic geography, from the towering Japanese Alps to Pacific coastal plains, Chubu is rich in cultural heritage, industry, and natural beauty. It features a unique mix of urban centers, traditional towns, and scenic rural areas.
Formation and Historical Background
- “Chubu” means “central region” in Japanese.
- Historically, it was a key route for trade and travel between Kyoto and Edo (now Tokyo).
- The region was home to powerful feudal domains and has a legacy of craftsmanship, agriculture, and trade.
- Modern Chubu includes key industrial and transportation hubs, especially around Nagoya.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Region Name | Chubu Region (中部地方) |
| Island | Honshu |
| Largest City | Nagoya (名古屋市), Aichi Prefecture |
| Total Area | Approx. 72,500 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 21.5 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| ISO Codes | JP-15 to JP-23 (Prefecture-specific) |
Administrative Divisions
Chubu is composed of 9 prefectures, further grouped into three subregions: Hokuriku, Koshinetsu, and Tokai.
Hokuriku Subregion
- Niigata Prefecture (新潟県) – Capital: Niigata (新潟市)
- Toyama Prefecture (富山県) – Capital: Toyama (富山市)
- Ishikawa Prefecture (石川県) – Capital: Kanazawa (金沢市)
- Fukui Prefecture (福井県) – Capital: Fukui (福井市)
Koshinetsu Subregion
- Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) – Capital: Kofu (甲府市)
- Nagano Prefecture (長野県) – Capital: Nagano (長野市)
Tokai Subregion
- Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県) – Capital: Gifu (岐阜市)
- Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県) – Capital: Shizuoka (静岡市)
- Aichi Prefecture (愛知県) – Capital: Nagoya (名古屋市)
These prefectures vary widely in climate, landscape, and economic focus, offering a diverse experience of Japan.
Local Government Structure
- Each prefecture has an elected Governor and Prefectural Assembly.
- Major cities like Nagoya, Niigata, and Kanazawa have strong municipal governance led by mayors and city councils.
- Inter-prefectural cooperation exists in transport planning, disaster response, and tourism promotion.
Leadership & Governance
Governors of Chubu Prefectures (as of 2024):
| Prefecture | Governor’s Name |
| Niigata | Hideyo Hanazumi (花角 英世) |
| Toyama | Hachiro Nitta (新田 八朗) |
| Ishikawa | Hiroshi Hase (馳 浩) |
| Fukui | Tatsuji Sugimoto (杉本 達治) |
| Yamanashi | Kotaro Nagasaki (長崎 幸太郎) |
| Nagano | Shuichi Abe (阿部 守一) |
| Gifu | Hajime Furuta (古田 肇) |
| Shizuoka | Heita Kawakatsu (川勝 平太) |
| Aichi | Hideaki Omura (大村 秀章) |
Mayors of Major Cities:
| City | Mayor’s Name |
| Nagoya | Takashi Kawamura (河村 たかし) |
| Niigata | Yaichi Nakahara (中原 八一) |
| Kanazawa | Yukiyoshi Yamano (山野 之義) |
| Toyama | Hirohisa Fujii (藤井 裕久) |
| Fukui | Hiroshi Takigawa (瀧川 浩) |
| Nagano | Kenji Ogiwara (荻原 健司) |
National Diet Representation
- Chubu sends numerous members to the House of Representatives and House of Councillors, many of whom are involved in national policy related to manufacturing, infrastructure, tourism, and energy.
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Each prefecture has a Prefectural Police Department.
- Focus on road safety (mountainous regions), earthquake preparedness, and coastal disaster prevention.
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire and Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Diverse economy:
- Tokai: automotive, aerospace, manufacturing (Toyota in Aichi)
- Hokuriku: textiles, chemicals, renewable energy
- Koshinetsu: precision machinery, fruit farming, sake
- Major ports: Nagoya, Niigata, Shimizu
- High-speed rail and expressway infrastructure supports trade
Education & Institutions
- Renowned universities:
- Nagoya University, University of Shizuoka, Shinshu University
- Kanazawa University, Niigata University, Gifu University
- Strong in engineering, medicine, and environmental science
Healthcare
- Regional medical centers in Nagoya, Niigata, Kanazawa
- Access to specialized hospitals for mountainous and coastal areas
- Disaster-resilient healthcare infrastructure
Transport & Connectivity
- Tokaido Shinkansen connects Nagoya to Tokyo and Osaka
- Hokuriku Shinkansen links Kanazawa and Nagano
- Major airports: Chubu Centrair Intl. (Nagoya), Shizuoka, Niigata
- Dense rail, highway, and ferry networks support local and international travel
Tourism & Attractions
- UNESCO sites: Shirakawa-go (Gifu), Mount Fuji foothills (Yamanashi/Shizuoka)
- Historic sites: Kanazawa Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Takayama
- Nature: Japanese Alps, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Lake Suwa
- Festivals: Nagoya Festival, Toyama Kaze no Bon, Niigata Fireworks
Culture & Lifestyle
- Traditional crafts: lacquerware, ceramics, silk, washi paper
- Cuisine: Hida beef, miso katsu, seafood, soba, sake
- Balance of rural traditions and advanced industry
- Strong local identity in each subregion, reflected in dialects and customs
Summary
The Chubu Region is the heart of Japan’s geographic and cultural diversity. From Japan’s tallest mountains to its most productive industrial centers, Chubu offers a remarkable variety of experiences. With rich history, thriving innovation, and breathtaking natural beauty, Chubu plays a vital role in Japan’s past, present, and future.