Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Ehime Prefecture
Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県; Ehime-ken) is a prefecture in northwestern Shikoku, Japan. The capital is Matsuyama.
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History
Until the Meiji reformation, Ehime prefecture was known as Iyo province. Since before the Heian period, the area was dominated by fishermen and sailors who played an important role in defending Japan against pirates and Mongol invasions.
After the Battle of Sekigahara, the Tokugawa shogun gave the area to his allies, including Kato Yoshiakira who built Matsuyama Castle , forming the basis for the modern city of Matsuyama.
Geography
Located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, Ehime faces the Seto inland sea to the north and is bordered by Kagawa and Tokushima in the east and Kochi in the south.
The prefecture includes both high mountains in the inland region and a long coastline, with many islands in the Seto inland Sea.
Cities
Districts
Mergers
Imabari expansion
On January 16, 2005 11 towns and villages from Ochi District merged into the (expanded) city of Imabari. Towns and villages involved in this merger were Asakura, Hakata, Kamiura, Kikuma, Miyakubo, Namikata, Omishima, Onishi, Sekizen, Tamagawa, and Yoshiumi.
Matsuyama expansion
On January 1, 2005 the former city of Hojo and town of Nakajima from the former Onsen District (dissolved by this merger) merged into the (expanded) city of Matsuyama.
Saijo expansion
On November 1, 2004 the former city of Toyo and the towns of Komatsu and Tanbara from the former Shusou District (dissolved by this merger) merged into the (expanded) city of Saijo.
Kamijima merger
On October 1, 2004 Ikina, Iwagi, Uoshima, and Yuge (all from Ochi District) merged, forming the new town of Kamijima.
Seiyo merger
On April 1, 2004 all towns and villages in the former Higashiuwa District (dissolved by this merger) and Mikame from Nishiuwa District merged, forming the new city of Seiyo.
Economy
The area around Matsuyama has a number of industries, including shipbuilding, chemicals, oil refining, and paper and textile products. The rural areas of the prefecture mostly engage in agricultural and fishing industires, and are particularly known for oranges and cultured pearls.
Demographics
Culture
Tourism
Prefectural symbols
Miscellaneous topics
The meaning of Ehime is "beautiful maiden". Its name comes from Kojiki, referring this place as Ehime (愛比売).
External links
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