Geography

Yamanashi, an inland prefecture, straddles the fosse magna (great earth ditch) which divides Honshu Island into its eastern and westerm halves. On the east is the Kanto district and the west is the Southern Alps (the Akaishi Mountain Range). The central area, Kofu Basin, is sandwiched by Mount Yatsugatake to the north and Mount Fuji to the south. The east is isolated by the Misaka mountain terrain and the culture can be distinguished from that of the middle basin area. Weather in the basin area is very cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Snowfall is light and typhoon damage is infrequent.

Industry & Economy

Although rice production is relatively high, considering Yamanashi's land and weather conditions, its overall agricultural revenue is ranked low nationally due to the small cultivated acreage of rice fields and the low yield. Raising silk worms was once a thriving industry, but now Yamanashi ranks first in production of fruits, such as grapes and peaches. Yamanashi is not suitable for heavy industries, so light industries, such as textile and food processing, have taken the place of more traditional industries. In recent years, the resort industry has developed with the surrounding areas of Mounts Yatsugatake and Fuji becoming ideal vacation spots.

Cultural Background

After the Takeda family was defeated, no feudal lord resided in Yamanashi, and it was put under direct control of the Shogunate govemment. This historical background has created a unique culture. Also, mountains which surround most of the prefecture have forced people to have a strong sense of community. This sense of intimacy between family and friends is the strongest in the nation. On the other hand, as the expression "Merchants of Koshu" suggests, they are known for their attachment to their money.

Religious Milieu

The people of Yamanashi are neither particularly religious nor nonreligious. A well-loved quote by Shingen Takeda says, "People are the castle and the stone wall." In other words people are a better defense than a castle or stone wall. People here are more realistic, and visible factors are more important than the unseen. While completing his Buddhist training, Nichiren himself remained secluded in Minobu in the south. The Nichiren Buddhist headquarters were later established there. Even though the Aum Supreme Truth group had some of their facilities in Yamanashi while carrying out illegal activities, the people in the area were not involved in any way.

The Mission

The first outreach was undertaken by Methodist missionaries in 1877. Their activities included the starting of an English school (Yamanashi Eiwa Cakuin) and establishing lecture halls throughout Yamanashi. A number of denominations have churches in Kofu City, but rural villages have a very limited number of church facilities. With the modernizing of the railroad and highway connecting to Tokyo, people's attitudes are gradually changing. With the change we pray that this regional solidarity, describcd by Shingen as "stone walls" will soon open wider for the gospel.