The Location of Toyama Prefecture

Toyama Prefecture is located in the central northern part of Honshu, surrounded by rugged mountains on three sides and bordered by Toyama Bay, with expansive plains. Among these, the Tateyama Mountain Range, which includes peaks over 3,000 meters high, is famous worldwide for its stunning mountain scenery.
The mountains provide clean water throughout the year, which is used for hydroelectric power and various water needs, making it an important resource for the region. Agriculture in Toyama benefits from the abundant water and flatlands, with rice cultivation being prominent. The region also boasts rich seafood from Toyama Bay.
The climate is classified as a Sea of Japan climate, with snowy winters due to seasonal winds, and the mountainous areas experience some of the heaviest snowfall in the world. However, the temperatures are relatively mild due to the influence of the Tsushima Warm Current.

Toyama Plain and Tateyama Mountain Range, showcasing Japan's natural beauty.

Like other prefectures, Toyama 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 Toyama is approximately 10,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. About 50% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in service industries, wholesale and retail, and construction.
In terms of residency status, nearly 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 30%, and those in specialized or technical fields, who make up about 10%. These foreign workers play an important role in supporting Toyama’s labor market across various sectors.