The Location of Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture is located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, Japan’s main island. Blessed with diverse and rich natural environments and abundant water resources, the prefecture thrives in agriculture and fisheries. Positioned at the northernmost point of Honshu, it shares nearly the same latitude as cities like New York, Beijing, and Rome.
Although the climate is generally cold, it is well-suited for cultivating crops such as apples and garlic, which are major agricultural products. Aomori is also Japan’s leading producer of squid, with the highest catch volume in the country.
Along its border with Akita Prefecture lies **Shirakami Sanchi**, one of the world’s largest virgin beech forests, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with the famous **Oirase Gorge**, these natural landmarks attract numerous visitors, showcasing the prefecture's stunning landscapes and ecological importance.

Shirakami Sanchi, a scenic mountain area in northern Japan.

In Aomori Prefecture, population decline is accelerating, and the number of foreign residents per 100,000 people is the lowest in Japan. Labor shortages are a serious issue, prompting the consideration of utilizing foreign talent as a potential solution.
Currently, the number of foreign workers in Aomori is relatively low, with most coming from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. The majority of them are employed in manufacturing, agriculture and forestry, or construction industries. A significant proportion of these workers are technical interns, contributing to the local workforce under Japan’s Technical Intern Training Program.