Geography

Shimane sits on the Sea of Japan side of the Chugoku mountain ranges. It has a length (northeast - southwest) of 180 kilometers and a width of only 20 - 50 kilometers. Its narrow shape squeezed by the mountain ranges and the shoreline creates many steep hills leaving little room for agriculture. On the east side of the Shimane Peninsula lie the Yasuki and Izumo Plains, the only real fanning land in the prefecture. The Oki Islands, four small islands located approximately 40 kilometers away, are part of Shimane. While the eastern region, especially the Izumo area, has heavy rainfalls and occasional hard snowfalls, the Iwami district in the west enjoys relatively warm temperatures and rainy summers.

Industry & Economy

Although Shimane is the 19th largest prefecture, it is one of the least populated. The cultivated land area is very limited with the third lowest agricultural production in the nation. In spite of this, poople are very dependent on their agriculture. The fishery industry is declining. This coupled with the suffering mining industry leaves Shimane with only one industry of note, Iivestock. Beef is a successful business including the prefectural specialty of Shimane Beef. While the average number of cattle per farmer is half that of other prefectures, the total number of cattle is more than double the average, and is the largest in the Chugoku district.

Cultural Background

Izumo was one of the leading cities of ancient times. It was highly advanced even before the Edo era when ocean transportation was the lifeline of culture and industry. Many industries, including steel, were introduced from China via the ocean. Silver mines in Iwami (Omori, present Oda) were directly managed by the Tokugawa administration. At one point their productivity was the highest in Japan. The people are generally conservative. Ishimi residents are more open minded than those of Izumo.

Religious Milieu

The Izumo Shrine has a powerful influence on Shimane's religious climate. Second only to Tottori, the poople of Shimane have stronger feelings toward ancestors than any other prefecture. They also have a strong sense of obligation toward family and neighbors, which coupled with traditional beliefs, has hampered people's responsiveness to the more individualistic Christian faith. When they do make a decision, their cultural background can help to develop solid disciples.

The Mission

It appears that during the Edo era there were many silver miners who were secret Kirishitan believers. Thirty-six Kirishitan exiled from Uragami died as martyrs in Tsuwano. The Catholics returned here in l 868 to reestablish their ministry, and later they were able to build a beautiful church. It became a tourist site over the years, but then was destroyed by arson. Protestant work began with Episcopal missionaries during the early years of Meiji. Their ministry was strengthened by the arrival of B.F. Buxton in 1891. He and other outstanding missionaries of that time have influenced people throughout Japan.