Geography

Aichi is in the southwest part of the Chubu district. Eastern Aichi, Mikawa, occupies the southern tip of the Kiso mountain range, called the Mikawa Heights, with the Toyohashi Plain on the east and the Okazaki Plain on the west. Two peninsulas, Atsumi and Chita, extend from the coastline forming Mikawa bay. In the west the Owari district occupies the southern half of the Nobi Plain. Running through this plain are the Kiso, Nagara and Ibi Rivers, all eventually flow into the Bay of Ise, also forming borders with Gifu and Mie prefectures. The climate is generally mild with much rain. Winter brings very dry weather.

Industry & Economy

Aichi has the fourth largest population in the nation. With Nagoya midway between Tokyo and Osaka. it has become an economic and cultural force in Japan. Agriculture is a leading industry with a gross product that ranks sixth in the nation. Since the Edo era it has been called "The Vegetable Farming Kingdom," being the fourth highest vegetable producer in the nation. It ranks third in poultry and eggs. Next to Keihin and Hanshin, the Chukyo industrial district is the third largest of its kind and is the center of Aichi's manufacturing industry. This area is growing along the Bay of Ise toward Yokkaichi and also into the Chita Peninsula, expanding the chemical industry's national market share.

Cultural Background

Aichi's roots directly connect with the Tokugawa clan, with Mikawa noted as the clan's ancestral origin. One of the three Tokugawa brothers ruled from the Nagoya Castle on Owari, and it still bears a golden dolphin on the castle roof as a mark of that influence. Aichi was also a main juncture of the old Tokaido road. It now is marked by the Bullet Train tracks and the Tomei Express Highway. Despite the numerous historical events that make up Aichi's history, it is said that the people of Aichi feel alienated both socially and politically.

Religious Milieu

Many people of Aichi have feelings of uncertainty about life, possibly because of their bent towards realism. There are few traditional large-scale festivals in spite of the large number of Buddhists. The Toyokawa Inari Shrine is well known, and as a result of syncretism temple guardian gods have become objects of Shinto worship. The sword of the famous warrior, Yamatotakeru no Mikoto, called Kusanagi no Tsurugi, is kept in the Atsuta Shrine. During the War the popularity of the shrine was second only to the Ise Shrine. Many worshippers still gather here during New Year's.

The Mission

Even though the population is growing rapidly in the areas around Nagoya, the growth of churches is slow. These newly developed towns are relatively free from traditional religious and cultural restraints, and the residents tend to be spiritually thirsty. Several church and mission groups are targeting these areas, but there is a need for many more.