Kochi prefecture occupies the southern part of Shikoku region, facing Pacific Ocean. Its surface is 7,107 km2 and the population 0.8 million. The prefectural office is at Kochi City. Thanks to a mild climate, the people were cultivating rice twice each year but its practice has ceased and prefer to cultivate vegetables and fruits. Having many mountains, forestry and paper manufacture are prosperous.
Fishing is a traditional activity.
The coastal landscape on Pacific Ocean is magnificent. Located at the center of Kofu basin, it has been always regional center since old times. Traditional industries are silk textiles and crystal works. Now they are being replaced by precise industries such as camera and watch, and wine factories. The total population is about 200,000.