Geography

The eastern section of Toyama meets Niigata and Nagano prefectures at the Hida Mountains, called the Japanese Alps. Relatively low hills border Ishikawa on the west. The southern part meets Gifu at the northern and highest tip of the Hida Highland. On the north is Toyama Bay. The Jinzu and Sho Rivers form the Toyama Plain which occupies the middle of the prefecture. The rough terrain of the Tateyama Mountains in the east has made outside access next to impossible. Heavy snowfalls in the mountains provide vital water reservoirs. The water seldom causes floods in the flat lands below. In fact, unusual dryness and gusty winds can create dangerous fire conditions.

Industry & Economy

Most of the cultivated land in the prefecture is wet rice fields, and it is well known for its shipments of early rice crops. The wide mountainous areas are not suitable for forestry industry. However, the fishing industry is booming. The harvesting of hotaru squid in Toyama Bay, deep sea and inshore fishing are all profitable. Seafbod processing is also a very stable industry. The backbone of the economy, however, has been shifting to heavy and chemical industries. This shift can be attributed to Toyama's ample supply of water and electricity, the economic strength of factory sites, and a solid supply of laborers. Traditional enterprises of the prefecture include pharrnaceuticals, apparel, and the manufacture of furniture.

Cultural Background

Toyama was once the center of Koshi Country. It was then divided into three countries: The first called Echizen Gshikawa and Fukui prefectures), the second, Echigo (Nii-gata prefecture), and the third, Etchu, which later became Toyama. People of the prefecture have gone through different governing powers since the Nara era, and have learned to bond together despite the unstable political climate. They still lead a life of unselfishness, diligence, and self-denial, and are known as down-to-earth people who do not revolt against power.

Religious Milieu

As in all of the Hokuriku area , Buddhism and Shintoism are deeply rooted here. The ratio of Buddhist followers to the population is the highest in the nation. Referred to as "Kingdom of Jodo Shinshu Buddnism," huge numbers of people believe and follow Shinran's teachings. In contrast to other places, they do not practice Buddhism for material gain, but for deeper spiritual reasons, seeking to escape the corruption of this world. Buddhism's influence can be seen in every facet of their lives.

The Mission

Looking back on history, Buddhism is as forceful now in people's lives as it was in the past. They have endured resistance and persecution by followers of old Buddnism. History states that Buddhist missionaries enthusiastically propagated their faith even in the mountainous areas in back of Gokayama and successfully converted the people. Christian missionary work now faces the same hurdle that those missionaries had to overcome. In recent times a foreign missionary learned that Toyama was one of the least evangelized areas in Japan, and was led to establish the first church in Himi City. It is hard to break down the defenses, but when they do receive the faith, they often are solid committed believers.