Geography

Ishikawa is in the middle of Honshu Island facing the Sea of Japan. The Noto Peninsula occupies the north half, and the south half meets Toyama and Gifu prefectures at the Hodatsu Hills and the Ryohaku Mountain region. The Hakusan mountains extend toward the ocean and become a hilly area, where they meet Fukui prefecture. Weather is typical for the west coast. There is much rain in winter and summer, and excluding the shoreline, the area experiences heavy snowfall. Natural disasters including typhoons are infrequent, making it a pleasant place to live. Hakusan Volcano Chain runs through the prefecture and provides many hot springs along its ranges.

Industry & Economy

The Kaga Plain in the center of the southern part is the home of Kaga rice. It is an early rice crop which is shipped to other areas of the country. Noto Peninsula produces dry field crops and fruits, but it is hilly with its cultivated acreage very limited. The agricultural produce ranks below Toyama and barely above Fukui. But its fishing industry is successful because of good seaports on the Noto Peninsula. Seafood production is ranked I 9th in the nation, and 3rd among the west coast prefectures. The traditional industries include lacquer ware, ranked first in the nation, and ceramics such as Kutaniyaki.

Cultural Background

Ever since the Sengoku era, when Ishikawa prefecture was under control of the Maeda family, people's lives in this prefecture have been very stable. "Kaga Hyakuman-goku (million rice bags)" Iiterally tells the healthy economic condition of the prefecture. People are conservative and somewhat negative, partly due to the climate; wintry cold, heavy snow, and a lack of sunshine. They demonstrate great patience. An awareness survey indicates that these people are more satisfied with their present way of life than any other place in Japan.

Religious Milieu

Jodo Shinshu Buddhism was the main spiritual energy for people during the Kamakura era, before the Maeda rule began. Riots led by Jodo Shinshu believers spread throughout Hokuriku. Even after they lost control over their lands, Jodo Shinshu ruled their faith. Ishikawa is called "Kingdom of Buddhism", and it is very common to see people attending weekly Buddhist sermons and Sunday schools. As is typical of Buddhist development, their belief is blended with ancient Shintoist and primitive folklore beliefs, with the various regional religious festivities reflecting this syncretism. There are hardly any Christian educational or medical facilities in the whole area. Kanazawa Holy Spirit General Hospital (Catholic) is the only Christian medical facility in Ishikawa.

The Mission

In the 16th century when Christianity began to be suppressed, Ukon Takayama was placed under house arrest at the residence of the Maedas. Against all odds, he continued on with his mission, starting a church and a theological school. Over 1,OOO people were converted during 25 years of ministry until his exile to Manila. In the early years of the Meiji era, many missionary efforts were undertaken. During the mid-Meiji period, Methodist churches were actively engaging in mission work throughout the Hokuriku district. Their activities continued after the War and are still extremely strong, giving encouraging signs of hope.