The Location of Ehime Prefecture

Ehime Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Shikoku. To the north, it faces the Seto Inland Sea, where plains stretch along the coastline, and to the south, it is home to Mount Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan. The Seto Inland Sea and Uwajima areas feature over 200 islands, offering an abundance of natural beauty from both the mountains and the sea.
The climate is warm and mild, with a coastline that ranks as the fifth longest in Japan due to its intricate inlets and bays. Ehime is famous for its specialty products, including citrus fruits like mikan, chestnuts, and farm-raised sea bream. The prefecture is also known for its towel production in the industrial sector.
Ehime is rich in history and traditional culture, boasting landmarks such as Oyamazumi Shrine, the heritage of the Murakami Navy, Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Castle, and the historic streets of Nanyo. These cultural treasures showcase the depth and diversity of Ehime’s legacy.

Dogo Onsen, a historic Japanese hot spring.

Like other prefectures, Ehime is experiencing a declining birthrate and an aging population, leading to anticipated labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in the prefecture is slightly under 10,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. Nearly 60% are employed in manufacturing, while others work in wholesale and retail, construction, and other industries.
In terms of residency status, approximately 60% are technical interns, making it the largest group. This is followed by those with residency based on specialized or technical skills and those with visas tied to personal or family ties, each accounting for just over 10%. These foreign workers are playing a vital role in supporting Ehime's labor force across various sectors.