The Location of Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the central part of Japan and faces the Pacific Ocean. To the south, it has a coastline stretching 500 kilometers along the Enshu-nada, Suruga Bay, and Sagami Bay, while to the north, it is bordered by the 3000-meter-class mountains, including Mount Fuji, creating a mountainous region. Rivers flowing from the mountains run through the prefecture, forming fertile land at their mouths.
The climate is generally warm with a maritime influence, except in the northern mountainous areas. Winters are dry with many clear days, and snow is rarely seen in the plains. Shizuoka is famous for being Japan's top producer of tea and mandarins. Due to its mild climate, a wide variety of agricultural products are cultivated in the region. In fishing, shirasu (young sardines) and sakura ebi (cherry shrimp) are famous in Suruga Bay and Enshu-nada, while the prefecture is also a major base for offshore fishing, particularly for bonito and tuna.
In addition, Shizuoka is known for its production of musical instruments, automobiles, and paper and pulp products.

Scenic tea fields with Mount Fuji in the background.

Like other prefectures, Shizuoka is facing challenges related to a declining birthrate and an aging population, which is expected to lead to labor shortages. The number of foreign workers in Shizuoka is just under 70,000, with the majority coming from Brazil, the Philippines, and Vietnam. About 40% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in service industries, wholesale and retail, hospitality, and food services.
In terms of residency status, nearly 60% hold visas based on familial or personal ties, making this the largest group. This is followed by technical interns, who make up just under 20%, and those in specialized or technical fields and activities outside their designated visa status, each accounting for around 10%. These foreign workers are playing an important role in supporting Shizuoka’s labor market across a range of industries.