Fukui Prefecture Hometown Day

What Is Fukui Prefecture Hometown Day?

February 7th is "Fukui Prefecture Hometown Day" in Japan, commemorating the day in 1881 when the regions of Echizen and Wakasa were separated from Ishikawa and Shiga Prefectures respectively to establish present-day Fukui Prefecture. The day was established by Fukui Prefecture in 1982 through its "Hometown Day" ordinance, to deepen residents' understanding of and interest in their home region.

The Winding Path to Becoming "Fukui Prefecture"

Fukui Prefecture's current form was shaped by a complex series of administrative changes in the early Meiji era.

• The region's origins: Fukui Prefecture was formed by uniting two former provinces, Echizen and Wakasa
• How it came to be: after the abolition of the domains, the area passed through the first Fukui Prefecture and Tsuruga Prefecture; in 1876 Tsuruga Prefecture was split at the Kinome Pass, with the area to the north (today's Minamiechizen and northward) going to Ishikawa and the area from Tsuruga westward to Shiga, before the two areas were separated and unified as present-day Fukui Prefecture on February 7, 1881
• The purpose of this anniversary: to help residents learn about the origins of Fukui Prefecture and deepen their attachment to their hometown

A Prefecture Where Two Distinct Regional Identities Live On

Within Fukui Prefecture today, differences in climate, culture, and dialect still remain between the Echizen region, facing the Sea of Japan, and the Wakasa region, facing Wakasa Bay. This anniversary offers a chance to rediscover the distinct character of each area.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Learn about the history and origins of Fukui Prefecture
• Explore the distinct characteristics and specialty products of the Echizen and Wakasa regions
• Learn about historic sites and tourist destinations connected to Fukui Prefecture
• Check for any related events being held around the prefecture

A Hometown's Story, Shaped by Many Twists and Turns

The history of Fukui Prefecture, formed by uniting the two former provinces of Echizen and Wakasa, offers a chance to think about how the place you call home came to be. Let February 7th be a moment to reflect on the story behind the place where you live.