Tōhoku region facts for kids

The Tōhoku region (東北地方, Tōhoku-chihō) is one of Japan's traditional areas. Japan is divided into eight main regions for geography and history. These regions have been used since 1905 to describe and compare different parts of the country. They also help show Japan's different cultures.

The regions of Japan combine old historical divisions with modern government needs. Tōhoku is important for its land, its culture, and how it is governed.

History of Tōhoku

In the late 600s, the Tōsandō region was one of the eight largest administrative areas in Japan's old Imperial system.

Gokishichidō was an ancient way to name parts of the country. Tōhoku covers the northern part of Honshū, which is Japan's largest island. This area is roughly the same as the traditional Tōsandō region.

During the Meiji period, a new system for regions was created by the emperor. Japan was divided into regions called chihō, including Tōhoku. Each region had a council. This council was led by the governor of the strongest prefecture in that region. Other leaders from central government ministries were also part of the council.

Over time, Tōhoku has developed its own special ways of speaking (dialects), customs, and unique traditional culture. Tōhoku is well-known for farming. Many different kinds of vegetables are grown there today.

Tohoku University was built in 1907.

In 2011, Tōhoku was hit by a very strong earthquake and a tsunami. This caused a lot of damage. People in Japan are still working hard to help Tōhoku fully recover.

Geography of Tōhoku

The Tōhoku region and Hokkaido seen from space

The Tōhoku region is located in the northeastern part of Honshū. Honshū is the biggest island in Japan.

Tōhoku Prefectures

The Tōhoku region has six prefectures. From north to south, they are:

• Aomori Prefecture
• Iwate Prefecture
• Akita Prefecture
• Miyagi Prefecture
• Yamagata Prefecture
• Fukushima Prefecture

Related pages

• Provinces of Japan
• Prefectures of Japan
• List of regions of Japan
• List of islands of Japan
• 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami
• Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles

Images for kids

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  Quirinal Palace, Rome. A group from Tōhoku visited here. Luis Sotelo is speaking with Hasekura Tsunenaga.

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  Cast iron teapots like this one are used on stoves during the long winters in Tōhoku.

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  Mount Iwate stands tall over the city of Morioka.

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  Rice paddies in the Aizu region, west of Fukushima Prefecture.

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  A night view of Sendai.

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  Iwaki city.

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  Kōriyama city center.

See also

In Spanish: Región de Tōhoku para niños