The Location of Miyazaki Prefecture

Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the southeastern coast of Kyushu, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east and bordered by the Kyushu Mountains to the northwest. The area of Takachiho is known as the "Homeland of Myths" and is famous for being the setting of important Japanese legends, such as the Ame-no-nuhoko (Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild) and the Ame-no-iwato (Ame-no-Iwato Legend). Takachiho Gorge, with its towering 100-meter cliffs, is a popular scenic spot.
The climate in Miyazaki is warm, with long hours of sunlight, and it is known for its clear skies, even in winter, with very little snowfall. Due to this, it is a well-known location for winter training camps for professional sports teams.
Agriculture is a major industry in Miyazaki, with the prefecture leading the country in the production of cucumbers, Hyuganatsu oranges, and kumquats. Mangoes are also famous in the region. Livestock farming is also prominent, particularly broiler chicken production, which ranks first in Japan for output value.

Takachiho Gorge, a scenic canyon in Miyazaki, Japan.

Like other prefectures, Miyazaki is facing challenges related to a declining birthrate and an aging population, leading to anticipated labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in the prefecture is approximately 5,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam and China. About 40% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while over 10% work in agriculture and forestry. Others are employed in wholesale and retail, and various other industries.
In terms of residency status, more than 60% are technical interns, making this the largest group. Those with residency in specialized or technical fields, familial or personal ties, and those engaged in activities outside their designated visa status each account for around 10%. These foreign workers are playing an important role in supporting Miyazaki's labor force across a variety of sectors.