The Location of Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture is located on the southern side of Shikoku, facing the Pacific Ocean, and has an elongated fan-shaped coastline that stretches 713 kilometers. The Shikoku Mountains to the north are home to peaks over 1,000 meters high, and the forested area covers 84% of the prefecture's total land. The rich natural environment, including the sea, mountains, and rivers, offers a wide range of outdoor activities.
Kochi enjoys a warm and humid climate, which is ideal for greenhouse vegetable cultivation, making it a hub for horticulture. The Yosakoi Festival, originally created after World War II to compete with the Awa Dance from Tokushima, has evolved to include modern music and dance arrangements in addition to traditional movements. The festival is held in many locations, and teams dedicated to Yosakoi dance are now common across Japan.
In terms of history, Kochi is famous for the activities of Sakamoto Ryoma, a key figure in Japan's Meiji Restoration, and his legacy is cherished by the people of Kochi, so much so that his name is used for the airport.

Sakamoto Ryoma, known for uniting feudal domains to modernize Japan.

Like other prefectures, Kochi 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 Kochi is approximately 3,000, with most coming from Vietnam, the Philippines, and China. Nearly 30% of these workers are employed in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, while around 20% work in manufacturing. Others are employed in wholesale and retail, and various other industries.
In terms of residency status, about 60% are technical interns, making this the largest group. Those with visas based on familial or personal ties and those in specialized or technical fields each account for just over 10%. These foreign workers play a crucial role in supporting Kochi’s labor market across several sectors.