The Location of Ishikawa Prefecture

Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the center of the Hokuriku region, with the Noto Peninsula extending into the Sea of Japan to the north. The prefectural capital, Kanazawa, is one of Japan’s most renowned castle towns, preserving its historical charm while embracing modern urban development.
The primary agricultural product is rice, particularly the Koshihikari variety. With 70% of its land covered by forests, Ishikawa has a thriving forestry industry and also produces various mushrooms. The long coastline and the influence of the Tsushima Current provide abundant fishing grounds, yielding seafood such as squid, yellowtail, and crab from its many ports.
Ishikawa is also famous for its traditional crafts, including Wajima lacquerware, Kaga Yuzen dyed textiles, and Kutani porcelain, showcasing the prefecture’s rich cultural heritage.

Higashi Chaya District

Like other prefectures, Ishikawa is experiencing a declining birthrate and an aging population, leading to labor shortages. Currently, the number of foreign workers in the prefecture is around 10,000, with most coming from Vietnam, China, and Brazil. Nearly half of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in service industries and education or learning support.
In terms of residency status, over 40% are technical interns, making this the largest group. Those with residency based on familial or personal ties account for about 20%, and those in specialized or technical fields make up just over 10%. These foreign workers are becoming an essential part of Ishikawa’s labor force across various sectors.