Geography

Nagano prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese Islands. It is an inland prefecture 1OO kilometers east to west and 200 kilometers north to south. It borders eight different prefectures and is the fourth largest prefecture. In the west are three mountain ranges running south to north, Hida, Kiso, and Akaishi, called the Japanese Alps. In the areas between these mountains are two valleys, Kiso with the Kiso River and Ina with the Tenryu river. The northeast area has many volcanoes. Here the Chikuma and Saikawa Rivers join and flow on to the Japan Sea as the Shinano River, creating the Saku and Nagano basins. In the center of the prefecture lie the Matsumoto and Suwa basins. Winters are rather cold, but precipitation is not that great and in the flat areas there is little snow damage.

Industry & Economy

Nagano prefecture is centered around agriculture with the highest percent of the population engaged in agriculture in the Kanto and Kinki areas. Because of the scarcity of flat land, production is small and barely ranks 1Oth in the nation. Production of rice and barley is limited, but lettuce and celery rank highest in the nation, with apples and grapes ranked second. Although it is not as thriving as it was in the past, the silk industry is still one of the main industries of the prefecture. The precision machinery industry in Suwa is a very promising industry which meets the challenging needs of a modern society.

Cultural Background

In ancient days Nagano was known as the Country of Shinano, where it was reported to have a large population and a high level of civilization. From the Sengoku era into the Edo era it was divided into smaller governmental divisions. Although it was finally reunified after many centuries, the Nagano prefecture is still characterized by many different local distinctives. Nagano is known as a prefecture of education, as demonstrated by the concern that parents have for their children's study.

Religious Milieu

Despite the fact that Zenkoji Temple is seen as the symbol of Nagano, it is surprising that more people do not believe in life after death than any other prefecture. Nevertheless, many people do rely on Buddhism and Shintoism to deal with their everyday lives. Their philosophy focuses on utilitarianism and secularism, yet an ancestry worship originating in animism is incorporated in their beliefs as well. Popular folklore beliefs, which trace back to the ancient Mountain religion, originated here in Takayama. These beliefs are still strong as seen in the Mount Fuji and Mount Ontake pilgrim associations. Although there are several Christian medical facilities, there is only one Christian school, the Catholic Seisen Girls' High School and Jr College at Nagano City.

The Mission

In the early years of the Meiji era, missionaries and the returning residents who accepted Christianity started churches; first in Ueda in 1868, then in Nagano City, and major cities such as Matsumoto and Ina. Although the people of this prefecture are known to be very conservative, their steadfastness has and will become a vital key to the success of spreading the gospel. Karuizawa and Lake Nojiri have important summer resorts for missionaries. They have become excellent locations for the local residents to learn about Christianity.