Geography

Iwate Prefecture is second in size to Hokkaido, but is the least densely populated, a prime example of a declining population area. The middle of the prefecture is occupied by the Kitakami Plateau, called Japan' s Tibet, and the jagged coastline of the Pacific Ocean leaves little room for population concentration. On the west the Ou Mountain Range separates it from Akita. The Kitakami River runs through the middle north to south, creating a series of basins where the majority of the population resides. A single train line runs north and south, but the east and west transportation routes are not convenient.

Industry & Economy

Even though Iwate faces the Pacific Ocean, the fishing industry is not as successful as in Miyagi and Aomori Prefectures. The jagged coastline and the lack of good land transportation have been major hindrances. Most of the land is too high for regular agriculture, but over 50% of Japan's gentian crop is grown on Iwate' s hillsides. Iwate is also second only to Hokhaido in its lumber production. The completion of the Tohoku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Iine has revitalized Morioka City. However, when the line was extended to Aomori City, the Morioka station lost the advantage of being the final destination of the line. Nevertheless, travel time north and south has been greatly reduced, helping to open up the area.

Cultural Background

Life here has never been easy due to the severe cold weather and the poor economy. The average income is 11th from the bottom, and only Aomori and Akita have worse incomes in the Tohoku area. These difficult conditions have produced many renowned figures including scholars, politicians. novelists and artists.

Religious Milieu

Ruling from the present-day Hiraizumi City in Iwate, the powerful Fujiwara clan controlled the whole Tohoku area for a hundred years, making it a "Golden era." Buddhism was the official religion, but the people mixed it with folk religion. Toward the end of the Sengoku era many among the Date clan appear to have converted to Christianity. When the ban on Christianity was lifted during the Meiji era, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant missionaries began ministries here.

The Mission

At the beginning of the Tokugawa era a man by the name of Juan Goto was active in supporting the Christian work in the Tohoku area in spite of government oppression. He had some connection with the Mizusawa area in the south part of the prefecture until being banished by Masamune Date.
Rev. Tosaji Obara, who came from Towa located in the middle of the prefecture, is an example of the many fine Christian leaders from Iwate. He was part of the Holiness Church before the War, and after the War became a leader in the United Church of Christ's Holiness no Mure, and pastor of the Tokyo Yodobashi Church.
Although the rate of growth might not be especially high, it would be wise to concentrate on the evangelization of the more heavily populated area up and down the Kitakami River.