Geography

Oita is located in the northeast part of Kyushu. In the east the Bungo Channel separates it from Shikoku, and in the north is the Suo Sea and Yamaguchi Prefecture. Fukuoka is in the northwest, Kumamoto in the southwest, and Miyazaki in the south. In the south is part of the Kyushu Mountains. Ancient violent volcanic activity in the north created the scenic Yaba Kei Gorge and the Kunisaki Peninsula. In the tablelands of the south and east are the Kuju Mountains and Beppu Hot springs with scenic peaks in the background that still are active volcanos, Iike the Tsurumi Dake. The only real flat area is found at Oita and Nakatsu. Generally the weather is warm with much rain, but the Kunisaki Peninsula and the north receive little rain.

Industry & Economy

Industrial development has never taken off, so that even though the percentage of cultivated land is small, the prefecture remains agriculturally based. There are not really any special products, and neither livestock nor fishing is very productive. However, because of the large forest area centered in Hita in the west, Oita ranks first or second in lumber outside of Hokkaido and Tohoku. The prefecture is blessed with large mineral deposits. So even though industry has been slow to develop, manufacturing should have a bright future.

Cultural Background

Oita has a long history of tradition dating back into mythical times. Perhaps it is because of its location on the island that Oita has always tended to be different from the rest of Kyushu. The Kansai and Shikoku influence has been strong, giving the people a positive attitude, individualism and an emphasis on rationalism. Oita native, Yukichi Fukuzawa, the famous founder of Keio University, is a perfect example of the Oita spirit.

Religious Milieu

The Usa Shrine is one of the most famous ancient worship locations. Chusonji and Fukiji Temples along with many others mark the long religious background. Particularly from Usa through to the Kunisaki Peninsula magic and divination are evident. In the south around Usuki over 50 ancient stone statues of Buddha can be seen. Francis Xavier received the blessing of Lord Otomo in Oita in 1551 which led to many becoming Kirishitan. The oppressive anti-Christian policy of the Tokugawa government extended into the Meiji era, Ieaving prejudice and negativity, even after it was legal to become a Christian.

The Mission

Eager Protestant missionaries came to Oita in the early Meiji era as English teachers. They were able to establish the Oita Methodist church in 1888. It is recorded that the next year, at a New Year's Eve prayer meeting, the Holy Spirit brought a great revival to the church, and the young people went throughout the area evangelizing.