Geography

Niigata is the fifth largest prefecture in the nation. It is approximately 250 kilometers from the northern to the southern border. It stretches along the Japan Sea with its back border the Echigo Mountain Range. From east to west at its widest place it measures 150 kilometers. On the north tip is the Asahi Highland and the southwest tip is Hida Mountain Range, both extending into the ocean. Niigata borders five other prefectures: Yamagata, Fukushima, Gumma, Nagano and Toyama. Thirty kilometers into the Japan Sea sits Sado Island, the 8th largest island in Japan.

Industry & Economy

Niigata is second only to Hokkaido in the amount of rice it produces. Along the ocean in the sandy dune area watermelons are grown as well as tulips, a regional specialty. The Echigo Plains contain a rich reservoir of natural gas. The prefecture also is blessed with an abundance of water, generating the third highest amount of hydroelectricity in the nation. These natural resources support the shoreline industries located in Niigata City and Naoetsu. Traditional industries include western-style Tsubame tableware and Sanjo cutlery.

Cultural Background

Heavy snowfall limits the possibility of outdoor work, so many people seek work in big cities like Tokyo during winter. They are known to be hard-working. Many public bathhouses and tofu stores in Tokyo are owned by people from Niigata. Perhaps this is because Niigata people, with their strong sense of commitment to work, are willing to take on the not-so-easy jobs. Nationally, people from Niigata people are ranked highest by people around them for being reliable and trustworthy.

Religious Milieu

Extremely severe winters forced people to be resigned to their conditions, but several new Buddhist religions which came to Japan over 700 years ago provided the needed spiritual support. One of them was taught by Nichiren who was once exiled to Sado Island. The other was introduced by Shinran and called Jodo Shinshu. It taught that man cannot be saved by his works or prayers, but only by the mercy of Amida. More traditional beliefs can be seen at Yahikosan Shrine, where many gather for New Year's worship. An awareness survey indicates that people do not especially hold strong religious beliefs. It also suggests that they feel secure in their community life.

The Mission

Completion of the Joctsu Bullet Train Line and Kanetsu Express Way has shortened the travel time to Tokyo metropolitan areas. Niigata is also providing an open door to Russia and North Korea through ocean freighting and trading. This places new opportunities for evangelism in Niigata. The door is wide open. We also need to make a special effort to reach the mountain communities with their decreasing population.