The Location of Tottori Prefecture

Tottori Prefecture is located at the westernmost edge of Japan, in the northeastern part of the Chugoku region, facing the Sea of Japan to the north. The coastline stretches along the famous Tottori Sand Dunes, and to the south, the Chugoku Mountains extend across the region. The climate is relatively mild, with few natural disasters such as typhoons, offering favorable conditions for living.
Many important archaeological sites have been discovered in the area, indicating that Tottori has historically been a rich land with interactions with the Asian continent and the Korean Peninsula.
Agriculture in Tottori is well-balanced, with the production of rice, vegetables, fruits, and livestock, and agricultural products are distributed throughout Japan. Among these, the 20th Century Pear (Nijisseiki pear) is especially notable, as it is exported overseas.

Tottori Sand Dunes

Like other prefectures, Tottori 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 Tottori is approximately 3,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. Around 50% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in wholesale and retail industries.
In terms of residency status, about 50% are technical interns, making this the largest group. This is followed by those with residency based on familial or personal ties, who account for just over 20%, and those in specialized or technical fields, who make up about 10%. These foreign workers play a significant role in supporting Tottori’s labor market across various sectors.