The Location of Shimane Prefecture

Shimane Prefecture is located in the western part of Japan, in the northern area of the Chugoku region, bordered by the Chugoku Mountains to the south and the Sea of Japan to the north. To the north of the Shimane Peninsula, there are the Oki Islands. Known as the "Land of the Gods," Shimane is famous for being home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's most important and ancient Shinto shrines.
Thanks to its rich natural environment, the prefecture thrives in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Notable local products include shijimi clams, rock oysters, Shimane Wagyu beef, Shimane grapes, and Saijo persimmons.
The climate in Shimane is a mix between the Hokuriku climate and the Northern Kyushu climate. From April to September, there is little regional variation in temperature, but from October to March, the eastern part of the prefecture tends to be colder.

Seto Ohashi Bridge, a large bridge connecting Honshu and Shikoku.

Like other prefectures, Shimane is experiencing challenges related to a declining birthrate and an aging population, which is expected to lead to labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in Shimane is just under 5,000, with most coming from Brazil, Vietnam, and China. Approximately 30% of these workers are employed in manufacturing and service industries, while others work in wholesale and retail, construction, and hospitality and food services.
In terms of residency status, nearly 40% are technical interns and those with visas based on familial or personal ties, making these the largest groups. Around 10% work in specialized or technical fields. These foreign workers are playing a crucial role in supporting Shimane’s labor market across various sectors.