Geography

Hyogo occupies the northeastern region of the Kinki district, facing both the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. The island of Awaji, Iocated across the Akashi Strait, belongs to Hyogo. On the east is Kyoto and Osaka, and the west Tottori and Okayama. The Chugoku mountain range extends to the Tamba Highland, forming the watershed which divides the prefecture into north and south. Although the northern half which faces the Sea of Japan has no flat areas, the southern half is blessed with the Harima Plain. The southeastern region is a complex land formation which caused the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake of 1995. The weather is fairly temperate, though the north experiences heavy rainfall and severe winter snows.

Industry & Economy

Due to the large population of Kobe, both the gross agricultural product and those involved in farming amount to only 3%. However, Hyogo's total agricultural income is still above the national average. Leading products include onions (the nation's second highest) and products such as sake, and the world famous Kobe beef. Hyogo also has thriving steel and shipbuilding industries. Thanks to the various high quality mines, the mining industry is also healthy.

Cultural Background

Kobe, along with Yokohama, has a long history as an international port, allowing many foreign influences to be assimilated into the culture. The Meiji government's push towards modernization, foreign ships frequently docking there, and the many foreigners living in the area greatly accelerated the area's internationalization. Despite this, rural Hyogo is filled with communities still bound by old traditions and folklore beliefs.

Religious Milieu

Despite the area's historical background, Hyogo does not possess many famous shrines and temples. The Minatogawa and Ikuta Shrines in Kobe are more noteworthy examples. More than organized religion it is the traditional folklore, mixed with Buddhism and Shintoism that are deeply rooted in the people's lives. As for Christianity, after the ban was lifted, many foreign missionaries came to Hyogo and began establishing churches and mission schools. This is evident in the numerous churches seen in Kobe. There are also several theological schools in the Hyogo prefecture.

The Mission

In January, 1995, a great earthquake hit Kobe and the southern part of Hyogo prefecture, bringing mammoth destruction to the prefecture. Kobe had one of the highest ratios of church to population in the nation, and a number of these church buildings were damaged or demolished. The earthquake has done much to create a more positive Christian image, because of the resulting Christian relief ministry that is still going on.