The Location of Gunma Prefecture

Gunma Prefecture is located near the center of Japan. It is an inland prefecture with mountains lining its western and northern borders and the Kanto Plain stretching across the southeastern region. Gunma is blessed with diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, including 2,000-meter-class mountains, the Oze wetlands, valleys, and clear streams.
The prefecture is known for its thriving upland agriculture, producing a variety of vegetables and konjac (konnyaku). Leveraging its clean water and dry climate, Gunma is also famous for its production of dried noodles (like udon) and a wide range of pickled vegetables.
In tourism, Gunma attracts visitors with its renowned hot springs, such as Kusatsu Onsen, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tomioka Silk Mill, and its many ancient burial mounds (kofun). These unique features make Gunma a fascinating destination for both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.

Oze, known for its beautiful wetlands and flowers.

Like other prefectures, Gunma is experiencing a declining birthrate and an aging population, leading to labor shortages. Currently, the number of foreign workers in the prefecture exceeds 40,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, Brazil, the Philippines, and China. Around 40% of these workers are employed in the service industry, while approximately 30% work in manufacturing.
In terms of residency status, over 40% hold visas based on familial or personal ties, making this the largest group. This is followed by technical interns, who account for about 20%, and those engaged in activities outside their designated visa status, which also comprise just under 20%. These foreign workers play an essential role in supporting Gunma's labor market across various industries.