The Location of Fukui Prefecture

Fukui Prefecture is located near the center of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan. It is renowned for Tojinbo, a striking 20-meter-high cliff sculpted by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan, which has been designated as a National Natural Monument.
Approximately 75% of the prefecture is covered by forests, offering a diverse and stunning natural landscape. Fukui is also home to significant dinosaur fossil excavation sites, where numerous fossils have been discovered, earning it recognition as a hub of paleontology.
The prefecture has a long history as a textile production area and dominates Japan’s eyewear industry, accounting for 90% of the nation’s production. In agriculture, Fukui is known for its rice cultivation, particularly the "Koshihikari" variety, which is highly regarded nationwide.

Tojinbo, famous cliffs in Fukui Prefecture, Japan.

Like other prefectures, Fukui is experiencing a declining birthrate and an aging population, which is leading to emerging labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in the prefecture is approximately 10,000, with most coming from Brazil, Vietnam, and China. Nearly 40% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in the service industry.
In terms of residency status, nearly half hold visas based on familial or personal ties, making it the largest group. This is followed by technical interns, who make up slightly less than 40%, and those in specialized or technical fields, accounting for about 10%. These foreign workers play an important role in addressing the labor demands across various sectors in Fukui.