Geography

Gumma is an inland prefecture in the northwestern part of the Kanto district. The northern area meets Fukushima and Niigata at the Mikuni Mountains, many of which are 2,000 meters or taller. Tochigi is east at Oku Nikko and the Ashio Mountain area; the western border is Nagano prefecture at the Joshin'etsu Highland and the Kanto Mounain district. The Tone River begins there, flowing southward to merge with the Kanna River, forming the prefectural line between Gumma and Saitama. Mt. Akagi, Haruna and Myogi are just a few of Gumma' s many mountains. Typical of mountainous inland areas, temperatures are extreme both summer and winter. A northerly wind called "Joshu's Dry Wind" blows from winter through early spring.

Industry & Economy

Agriculture used to dominant Gumma, but now industrial development is growing rapidly. As a result, there are fewer people in farming than in the other two northern Kanto prefectures. The many mountains limit rice production, but it is ideal for raising silk-worms, making Gumma the nation's highest producer of silk thread. Other important crops include cabbage and Chinese cabbage, both grown in the cool high mountain areas. Also, the Shimonita district is well-known for its konnyaku (vegetable), producing 80% of the nation's supply. Many towns stretching along the southern section of the prefecture once thrived on the textile industry, but are now becoming centers for electronic and chemical industries.

Cultural Background

There is some truth in what someone once described as the traits of the three prefectures: Gumma is "offense," Tochigi "defense," and Ibaraki "in-between." A recent excavation indicates that there was a highly advanced civilization here in the Jomon era. Pray that the wisdom they acquired to develop this high civilization be the light of their modem society. According to a survey Gumma's people are less serious about money matters, yet very practical in their outlook.

Religious Milieu

Japanese tend to carry a feeling of the uncertainty of life, but this sense is weakest among people from Gumma. Consequently, their religious sense seems to be weak also. There are no well-known temples or shrines here, but as throughout Japan, the traditional values and culture are deep-rooted. Overall, the prefecture is open to foreign culture. Foreigners make up lO% of the town of Oizumi, Iocated in the south, making it the highest ratio of foreign population in the nation. The majority are from Brazil, many of them Catholics.

The Mission

Many Christian leaders were born in Gumma, such as Kanzo Uchimura who founded the Mu/yokni (Non-Church) movement, and Jo Niishima who founded Doshisha University. Niishima's evangelistic efforts, centering in Annaka his birth place, also played a key role in the industrial revolution during the early years of the Meiji era. His work was partly responsible for developing small-business owners throughout towns and cities of the northern Kanto district. Japanese and foreigners moving into the area to work in these businesses are important targets for the gospel.