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History of Fukushima
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Michinoku: The Yamato Court and The Deep North The Yamato Court, Japan's first imperial government, was established in western Japan around the 4th century A. D. Prior to emergence of the Yamato Court, many powerful clans each controlled separate territories. For several hundred years, while the Yamato Court slowly extended its power over these provincial clans, northeastern Japan remained out of reach. It was therefore given the name Michi-no-ku, meaning "a land far removed from the road" and reflects the fact that it was a virtually unknown region. By the mid-7th century, a new political system was established, putting all of Japan under direct control of the national government. From around this time, northeastern Japan was formally named Mutsu-no-Kuni.

Introduction of BuddhIst Culture

In the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced into Japan from Asian mainland. At first, this religion was followed mainly by influencial nobles in the capital. Later, it won the patronage of the Imperial family itself, which helped spread the religion nationwide while encouraging the construction of Buddhist temples throughout Japan. The area of what is now called Fukushima Prefecture came under the influence of the Yamato Court ahead of the rest of Michinoku; Buddhism is said to have been transmitted to the area in the 7th century. During the golden age of Buddhist culture, from the 9th to l2th centuries, the Fukushima area flourished as one of the centers of Buddhist culture in northeastern Japan. Many important temples, such as E'nichi-ji Temple in Aizu and Shiramizu Amidado Pavilion in Iwaki, date from this era.

The Birth of the Military Government

By the 12th century, the Fujiwara clan based in Hiraizumi in what is now Iwate Prefecture had become the dominant power in northeastern Japan, while the Taira clan, relatives of the Imperial family by marriage, held the reins of the central government.
However, in 1184 and 1185, the Minamoto clan, rivals of the Taira, defeated the Taira in a series of battles. Four years later, the Minamoto clan attacked the Fujiwara clan and destroyed it. This enabled the Minamoto to establish Japan's first military government, with Kamakura, near present-day Tokyo, as the seat of power in 1192. Soon afterward, the government rewarded three of its brave warrior leaders with the fiefs of Aizu, Date and Soma, respectively. As time passed, the leaders' families came to identify themselves, respectively, as the Ashina (Aizu area), Date (Date area) and Soma (Soma area) clans.

Tsurugajo Castle and the Rise of the Aizu Clan

In the 14th century, the Ashina clan erected Kurokawa Castle in Aizu. During the Warring States Period (1467-1568), when the central military government collapsed, the Date clan based in the Fukushima Basin and the Ashina clan based in the Aizu Basin emerged as strong powers in northeastern Japan. Lord Masamune Date, full of ambition to reunite the country, defeated the Ashina clan in battle and took Kurokawa Castle in 1589. However, when the nation was reunified the following year by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, a more powerful warrior leader based in southwestern Japan, the Date clan was removed from its fief in Aizu, and Kurokawa Castle was occupied by Ujisato Gamo, a Hideyoshi retainer. At about this time, the castle came to be called Tsurugajo Castle. Hideyoshi's eventual successor, Ieyasu Tokugawa established the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. The shogunate, ruling the country from Edo (now Tokyo), placed two Tokugawa related clans, the Aizu and Shirakawa, in the Fukushima area, from where they were to oversee northern Japan. The Aizu clan's founder was Masayuki Hoshina, a younger half brother of the third Tokugawa shogun. Thence, throughout the centuries of the Edo Period (1643-1871) , the nine generations of the Aizu clan were firm supporters of the Tokugawa Shogunate.

The Fall of the Tokugawa and the Imperial Restoration By the mid-19th century, the Tokugawa Shogunate's power was in decline, and Japan faced an economic and political crisis. Clans from southern and western Japan sought to overthrow the shogunate and re-establish a national government centered on the Emperor. The collision between these clans and the pro-shogunate forces is known as the Boshin Civil War.

As the backbone of the shogunate, the Aizu family, allied with other clans in northeastern Japan, fought desperately until the end in 1868, even after Edo Castle had surrendered. In the Fukushima area, Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu fell only after six months of fierce fighting. Among its loyal defenders were the Boy's Corps of Nihonmatsu and the Byakko-tai (White Tiger Corp) , each consisting of boy soldiers no older than 17, who died heroically and whose tragic story is remembered by Japanese to this day.

The restoration of the Emperor to power marked the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912) . In 1871, the Meiji government abolished the former clan system and established a prefectural system in its place. As a result, the 11 clan territories in the Fukushima area were replaced by three prefectures Fukushima, Wakamatsu and Iwamae. Five years later, these were merged to form the Fukushima Prefecture of today, and the buildings of the prefectural government were erected on the site of the Fukushima Castle in Fukushima City.

Some years afterward, in 1888, a natural catastrophe stunned the people of Fukushima. Mt. Bandai, a volcano, suddenly erupted, destroying three villages and killing some 500 people. Rocks and muddy debris from the explosions and landslides blocked the Hibara and Nagase rivers, creating the Bandai Plateau with over 100 lakes, ponds and marshes of various size.

Fukushima Prefecture's Place in Japan's Modernization

As Japan industrialized during the Meiji Period, Fukushima Prefecture flourished. After the Tokyo-Sendai section of the Tohoku Honsen railway line opened in 1887, the Date area of Fukushima Prefecture, which had thrived as a major center of sericulture since the late Edo Period, used the railway to transport large amounts of raw silk to coastal areas, from where they were exported. Construction of the Joban railway line was begun in 1894, and in 1898 the Mito-Iwanuma section of the line was opened, spurring industrial activity in the Hamadori district. In particular, the Joban coalfield in Iwaki City, in operation since the late Edo Period, greatly enhanced its productivity with the introduction of highly efficient modern equipment; at its peak, the coalfield supplied most of the coal consumed by the Tokyo area. The pace of prefectural development was so rapid that in 1899 the Bank of Japan selected the prefecture as the location for its first branch in the Tohoku region.

The building of hydroelectric power stations was also energetically pursued to help meet the increasing energy requirements of industrial development. One example, the Tagokura Power Station, Japan's largest reservoir-type power station, was constructed in 1959 in Tadami Town, an area blessed with rich water resources. The power station has served as a vital component of the industrial infrastructure up to the present, helping speed the prefecture's economic recovery after World War II, and the region remains a major center of hydroelectric power generation. The mid-20th century saw the start of construction of nuclear power stations in the central part of the Hamadori region, and today, in terms of electric power generated, nuclear power generation is the foremost energy source.

......................................................................................................................................   Seasons in Fukushima ......................................................................................................................................

Spring

Scenery In mid-February, when the cold winds blowing from Siberia die down, a strong southwest wind called Haru-ichiban ,or the first spring wind, breezes over the Fukushima landscape, announcing the end of winter. Thereafter, with the blooming of the plum and cherry blossoms, people sense the real beginning of spring. The cherry blossom season is especially cherished and the many famous viewing spots in the prefecture are packed with people who come to see the blossoms.

Life Styles
March, the first month of spring, also marks the end of the school year and the end of the fiscal year for government offices. Schools throughout the prefecture hold graduation ceremonies. Before they can attend these ceremonies, however, third-year students at junior and senior high schools must face examinations to enter high schools and universities. Thus, for them, March is a trying month. For many, April is a month for taking on new responsibilities and formally entering society's ranks, as entrance ceremonies at schools and companies,as well as personnel changes, are made at this time. Like spring flowers, the new pupils and employees start afresh, under the warm guidance of their seniors. In April and May, farming and other cultivation activities pick up. Orchards hosting peach, pear and apple trees are in full bloom and, in rural districts, people go into the fields to start rice planting. Throughout the prefecture people can be seen working the land.

Annual Events Doll Festival and Children's Day March 3 is the festival day for girls, and May 5 is the festival day for children, with a special emphasis on boys, These days are celebrated through out Japan to wish for the physical health and spiritual well-being of children. Dolls are displayed in homes on March 3, and streamers of giant paper carp are flown from atop homes on May 5. Vernal Equinox day (March 20 or 21) On this Buddhist festival day,people visit the graves of their departed family members to pay their respects, honor the regenerative power of nature and renew their love of living things. Golden Week (April 29 to May 5) This period is called Golden Week because of its series of national holidays as well as May Day, a commemorative day for workers. Many companies give their employees a full week off at this time, and vacation spots around the nation throng with holiday makers.

Summer

Scenery In early summer, nature's greens become more evident, and trees begin to bud even deep in the mountains. Many sightseers visit the Oze Wetland in south-western Fukushima to witness the mizubasho plant in bloom. Although this plant's name translates rather unattractively into English as skunk cabbage, for people in Fukushima it is a plant that announces the arrival of summer. During this season, people flock to the shores of Lake Inawashiro in central Fukushima and the beaches of the Hamadori region. In recent times, other attractions, such as those featuring the characteristics of various cities, townships and villages, have also become popular. Among these are observing the heavens at Jododaira on Mt.Azuma near Fukushina City or the planetarium at the "Village of Stars" in Takine-machi.

Life Styles Beginning in May, the days grow ever hotter. In mid-June, however, the rainy season sets in, and chilly weather returns for about one month. Thus, owing to the rainy season, genuine summer weather does not last very long. In mid-July, when the rainy season ends and schools close for summer vacation, people make trips to the beaches and mountains to enjoy the brief summer. Many people take their summer vacation during Obon in mid-August, which is the time when memorial services are held for ancestors. During Obon , most companies and many shops close and everyone makes an effort to return to his or her hometown to spend an enjoyable time with parents and relatives. For orchard farmers in Fukushima, summer is the season for harvesting peaches. At this time, roadsides around the orchards abound with peach vendors doing business.

Annual Events Summer Festivals (Late Jun to Mid-August) Throughout the prefecture, various festivals celebrating summer are held. These celebrations, often taking place in the evening, include the Fukushima Waraji (Straw Sandal) Festival,the Koriyama Uneme Festival, the Aizu Summer Festival and Iwaki Odori, as well as the nationally celebrated Tanabata (Star) Festival. Firework displays are also held throughout Fukushima. Obon (August 13 to 16) It is a traditional Japanese belief that the spirits of departed ancestors return to earth during this time. At home, family members set up altars, welcome the spirits' return and make offerings of the season's fruit. People join in a lively festival to entertain the spirits and spend an enjoyable time with family members.

Autumn

Scenery With the comming of autumn, a variety of fruits are are harvested and farmers begin their reaping of golden rice plants. In various localities, harvest festivals and autumn festivals are held to express gratitude for the blessings of nature. Numerous fruits and mountain vegetables are put on display in front of grocery stores, and at this time one feels clearly the richness of nature in Fukushima. When the reaping of rice has almost finished, autumn colors begin to appear on mountainsides and gradually descend. Visitors flock to mountain areas to enjoy the beautiful tinted foliage.

Life Styles In August and September, numerous typhoons blast Japan from the south. Although Fukushima Prefecture's location ensures that it suffers relatively little damage from these storms, farmers preparing their harvest nevertheless carefully follow the path of each newborn typhoon. When the typhoon season ends, the climate stabilizes, and localities throughout Fukushima hold various festivals and sports events. At one such festival, imonikai (potato-cooking), families and other groups gather on riversides to cook and taste samples of the autumn harvest and enjoy the autumn colors of nearby mountains. As autumn advances and the temperature falls, the people of the Aizu region begin preparing for the heavy winter by nailing wooden panels on windowpanes to protect their homes from snow.

Annual Events Autumnal Equinox Day (September 23) As with Vernal Equinox Day, this is a time for visiting the graves of departed family members to pay respects. Autumn Festivals (Around October) During this time, shrines throughout the prefecture hold festivals to celebrate the successful harvest and express gratitude for the blessing of nature. Sports Day (October 10)/Culture Day (November 3) Sports Day, a national holiday,commemorates the inauguration of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Likewise a national holiday, Culture Day celebrates the promulgation of Japan's constitution in 1946. At these times, athletic meets and culture festivals are held at work places and schools in many communities.

Winter

Scenery Around late autumn, as swans begin flying into Japan to escape the severe cold of Siberia, people realize anew that winter is approaching. In Fukushima Prefecture, the sighting of swans is common along the shores of Lake Inawashiro and the Abukuma River in Fukushima City, and locals warmly welcome the birds' arrival.

With the coming of December, snow blankets the Aizu region. Aizu, which features many good ski grounds, attracts skiers from all over the nation. Because of the abundance of snow, snow festivals are also held here. In February,the coldest month, anglers can be seen fishing for wakasagi (river smelt) through holes in the ice covering Lake Hibara in northern central Fukushima.

Life Styles As winter approaches, throughout the prefecture people prepare such traditional winter foods as dried radishes and dried persimmons. In late December, as snowfalls increase in frequency,people in such areas as Aizu stay busy clearing snow. In Japanese, December is known as Shiwasu, which can be interpreted to mean the month when work will be finished. To bring the year to a proper close and to usher in the new year with peace of mind, people do their best to consolidate relationships with friends and colleagues. One way they accomplish this is through the practice of Oseibo , the presenting of gifts to express gratitude for kindness. On Omisoka (New Year's Eve), family members gather at home to await the New Year's arrival at midnignt. Then, after wishing each other a happy new year,they step out to visit shrines and temples to pray for prosperity during the year. During the year-end and New Year's holiday week, as during the Obon holiday, most companies and offices are closed.

Annual Events New Year's Holidays (January 1 to 3) Japanese customarily welcome the New Year by setting up an altar in their home for the New year's deity and by praying for a successful harvest and good luck during the coming year. On January 1, people receive New Year's greeting cards from their friends and relatives. Coming of Age Day (January 15) In Japan, a person is considered an adult upon turning twenty years of age and Coming of Age Day is celebrated to symbolize the transition from childhood into adulthood. Many communities throughout Fukushima Prefecture hold ceremonies in honor of the young men and women who turned twenty the previous year to encourage them and help increase their awareness of what it means to be an adult. Setsubun (February 3) According to the lunar calender, this is the last day of winter, with spring to set in one day later.(For the people of Fukushima,however,the coldest season is yet to come.) During Setsubun , to drive away evil, people scatter roasted beans in and around their homes, while shouting, "In with good fortune! Out with devils!"

......................................................................................................................................   Symbols of Fukushima ......................................................................................................................................

The Flower of Fukushima

The flower of Fukushima is the Rhododendron Brachycarpum ( NEMOTO SHAKUNAGE ). It is an evergreen species, mainly found in subalpine to alpine zones around Hokkaido and the northern part of Honshu in Japan. It is notable for its pretty, delicate-looking and frilly flowers, yet it is a hardy and robust plant. Rhododendron brachycarpum can reduce water loss from its leaves in the dry winter season by changing the shape of its leaves, curling them up in to small cylinder-shapes.

The Tree of Fukushima

The tree of Fukushima is the Zelkova Serrata ( KEYAKI ). I t's a large deciduous tree, growing to about 35 meters in height, and producing fabulous coloured leaves in Autum. It grows all over Japan and in other parts of Asia (though the type of Zelkova is slightly different outside of Japan). It is often used as an ornamental tree such as for making wonderful bonsai creations, or as a great focal point to someone's garden.

The Bird of Fukushima

The bird of Fukushima is the Narcissus Flycatcher ( KIBITAKI ). They are notable for the male's beautiful melodious whistling, and his colourful plumage of yellow, white and black. The female, in comparison, is a subtle brown colour, and does not whistle. They are migratory birds, and like to live in deciduous woodlands (Fukushima makes a perfect haven for them!), and feed on insects. They enjoy spending the winter in southeast Asia, including places such as the Philippines and Borneo.

The Symbol Marks of Fukushima

The symbol mark of Fukushima is pictured below (left). It is called the "FU" because the symbol originated from the hiragana script ふ (FU), which is the first sound in the word Fukushima. The flag of Fukushima is pictured below (center). It contains the symbol mark "FU" and the background of deep orange represents "AIJO" affection and "KIBO" hope . The coloured symbol of Fukushima is pictured below (right). The colours represent the sky, ocean, lake, ponds, rivers, nature, towns, and sun. The shape represents a flower. The design as a whole aims to show a land with a big possibility, bursting with nature and affection, all communicating with eachother as one harmonious entity - like a flower, made up of many different parts, but existing together as a beautiful whole.

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