Arab News Japan

TOKYO: With a population of 35 million, it’s no surprise that many people have a Tokyo centric view of Japan, but much of the country’s character and even industry takes place far away in places that have no less charm and history than the capital. Tokushima is just such a place.

Foreign Minister KAMIKAWA Yoko lent her status to Tokushima Prefecture by co-hosting an event to promote the attractions and achievements of the prefecture, which is on Shikoku Island, the lesser known of Japan’s four main islands (the others are Hokkaido in the north, Kyushu in the south and the main island of Honshu).

Tokushima Governor GOTODA Masazumi wanted to highlight the progressive nature of this relatively unknown Japanese area. He described his prefecture as “wonderful” and highlighted its food, nature, sustainability, history, culture, and food including Halal products by local makers.

Japan is famous for its cleanliness and separation of trash and the town of Kamikatsu has taken this to another level; it separates its trash into 40 different items and has achieved zero waste.

In terms of gender equality, Tokushima is leading the race in Japan. When it comes to the ratio of female members of the Prefectural Councils and the percentage of female company presidents and those in managerial positions, Tokushima is at the top. Also, there are more girls who continue to a four-year university than boys.

It’s also a leader in industry, Nichia Corporation was recently ranked among the top 100 global innovators for its work with LEDs and lithium-ion batteries, while the prefecture has ties to one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. There’s even an Otsuka Museum.

Start-up company WOTA Corporation was recently in the news after helping the people of Ishikawa Prefecture with the supply of water following a massive earthquake on New Year’s Day.

And anyone who’s seen “Japanese dancing” will know Awa Odori, the traditional dance that is synonymous with Tokushima. The Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima Prefecture attracts 1.3 million tourists every year during the O-bon Festival of the Dead. More than a thousand dance groups take part each year.

Tokushima Prefecture is located on the eastern side of the island of Shikoku and is connected to mainland Japan by the Akashi-Kaikyo and Naruto Bridges.