The Location of Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture is located in western Japan, near the center of the country. It comprises a diverse range of areas, from major urban centers to rural farming and mountain villages, as well as remote islands. The prefecture can be broadly divided into three regions: the warm Seto Inland Sea coast, the mountainous central area, and the snowy coast along the Sea of Japan.
Since the opening of Kobe Port, Hyogo has developed as Japan's gateway, with well-established land, sea, and air transportation networks. The prefecture’s industries include agriculture and fisheries, as well as steelmaking, shipbuilding, and machinery manufacturing. It is also the birthplace of globally recognized companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Kobe Steel.
Additionally, many of Japan’s major corporations, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Toshiba, Fujitsu, and Mitsubishi Electric, have research facilities or factories in Hyogo, contributing to its status as a hub of industrial innovation.

Kobe City, a scenic city located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan.

Like other prefectures, Hyogo is facing challenges related to a declining birthrate and an aging population, leading to expected labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in the prefecture is slightly under 50,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam and China. Around 20% are employed in manufacturing, and another 20% in wholesale and retail trade. Others work in hospitality and food services, construction, and various service industries.
In terms of residency status, nearly 30% hold visas based on familial or personal ties, making this the largest group. This is followed by technical interns, those engaged in activities outside their designated visa status, and those in specialized or technical fields, each accounting for around 20%. Foreign workers are playing a vital role in addressing labor needs across Hyogo's diverse industries.