The Chugoku Region is located in the westernmost part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Known for its coastal beauty, historical importance, and industrial centers, Chugoku balances tradition and modernization. The region includes rural mountain areas, urban port cities, and culturally significant towns.
Formation and Historical Background
- The name “Chugoku” means “middle country” — historically, the region served as a connection between the Kinai (Osaka-Kyoto) area and western Japan.
- It was part of early imperial expansion and later a center of maritime trade and military defense.
- Hiroshima’s tragic role in WWII and subsequent recovery became central to the global peace movement.
Administrative Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Region Name | Chugoku Region (中国地方) |
| Island | Honshu |
| Largest City | Hiroshima (広島市) |
| Total Area | Approx. 31,900 sq. km |
| Population | Approx. 7.4 million (2024 est.) |
| Time Zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| ISO Codes | JP-31 to JP-35 |
Administrative Divisions
Chugoku consists of 5 prefectures, often divided into San’in (northern) and San’yo (southern) subregions:
San’in Subregion (North Coast)
- Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県) – Capital: Tottori (鳥取市)
- Shimane Prefecture (島根県) – Capital: Matsue (松江市)
San’yo Subregion (South Coast)
- Okayama Prefecture (岡山県) – Capital: Okayama (岡山市)
- Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県) – Capital: Hiroshima (広島市)
- Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県) – Capital: Yamaguchi (山口市)
Local Government Structure
- Each prefecture is led by an elected Governor and has its own Prefectural Assembly.
- Major cities like Hiroshima and Okayama have mayors and municipal assemblies.
- Regional cooperation occurs in transportation, disaster prevention, and tourism promotion.
Leadership & Governance
Governors of Chugoku Prefectures (as of 2024):
| Prefecture | Governor’s Name |
| Tottori | Shinji Hirai (平井 伸治) |
| Shimane | Tatsuya Maruyama (丸山 達也) |
| Okayama | Ryuta Ibaragi (伊原木 隆太) |
| Hiroshima | Hidehiko Yuzaki (湯崎 英彦) |
| Yamaguchi | Tsugumasa Muraoka (村岡 嗣政) |
Mayors of Major Cities:
| City | Mayor’s Name |
| Hiroshima | Kazumi Matsui (松井 一實) |
| Okayama | Masao Omori (大森 雅夫) |
| Matsue | Masataka Matsuura (松浦 正敬) |
| Tottori | Hiroki Nakayama (中山 貴雄) |
| Yamaguchi | Kazuki Ito (伊藤 和貴) |
National Diet Representation
- Chugoku sends delegates to both houses of the National Diet, influencing policies on regional revitalization, infrastructure, defense, and environmental conservation.
Law Enforcement & Safety
- Each prefecture has a dedicated Prefectural Police Department.
- Focus on coastal safety, seismic preparedness, and nuclear safety (e.g., nearby Shimane and Yamaguchi).
- Emergency Numbers:
- 110 – Police
- 119 – Fire and Ambulance
Economy & Industry
- Hiroshima: automotive (Mazda HQ), shipbuilding, precision machinery
- Okayama & Yamaguchi: heavy industries, steel, chemical plants
- Tottori & Shimane: agriculture, seafood, traditional crafts
- Strong trade links through Seto Inland Sea ports
Education & Institutions
- Leading universities:
- Hiroshima University, Okayama University, Tottori University
- Shimane University, Yamaguchi University
- Focus on peace studies, marine biology, agriculture, and medicine
Healthcare
- Regional hospitals in Hiroshima, Okayama, and Yamaguchi
- Disaster medical systems support rural areas
- Specialized care in peace medicine and public health
Transport & Connectivity
- Shinkansen access in Hiroshima, Okayama, and Shin-Yamaguchi
- Hiroshima Airport, Yonago Airport, and Ube Airport
- Extensive road and ferry network along Inland Sea and Japan Sea
Tourism & Attractions
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial (UNESCO), Miyajima (Itsukushima Shrine)
- Adachi Museum of Art, Matsue Castle, Tottori Sand Dunes
- Korakuen Garden (Okayama), Hagi Castle Town (Yamaguchi)
- Historic and spiritual pilgrimage routes and countryside
Culture & Lifestyle
- Deep samurai history, folklore, and traditional performing arts
- Local crafts: pottery, washi paper, swords, lacquerware
- Cuisine: okonomiyaki (Hiroshima-style), Matsuba crab, pears, sake
- Slower-paced rural lifestyle with strong community ties
Summary
The Chugoku Region offers a diverse tapestry of Japan’s coastlines, cultural heritage, and industrial progress. From Hiroshima’s call for peace to the artistic and historical depth of Shimane and Tottori, the region bridges the past and future of western Japan with beauty, strength, and meaning.