The Location of Yamaguchi Prefecture

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located at the western tip of Honshu, Japan, bordered by the sea on three sides and with the Chugoku Mountains running east to west. The coastline stretches for about 1,580 kilometers and is divided between the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan, with over 240 islands scattered along the coast.
The prefecture is known for its many large fishing ports and mild climate, which allow for the abundant production of both agricultural and marine products. Yamaguchi is famous for having the highest catch of sea bream in Japan, and fugu (pufferfish) from Shimonoseki Port is also renowned. To the west of the prefecture, the largest karst landscape in Japan, Akiyoshidai, spreads out, and beneath the surface, you can find the Akiyoshido Cave, one of Japan's largest limestone caves.

Akiyoshido Cave, Japan's largest limestone cave.

Like other prefectures, Yamaguchi 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 Yamaguchi is approximately 9,000, with the majority coming from Vietnam, China, and the Philippines. About 20% of these workers are employed in manufacturing, while others work in construction, wholesale and retail, hospitality, and food service industries.
In terms of residency status, nearly 40% are technical interns, making this the largest group. This is followed by those with residency based on familial or personal ties, accounting for around 20%, and those engaged in activities outside their designated visa status, making up just under 20%. These foreign workers are an essential part of supporting Yamaguchi’s labor market across various sectors.