What is the Kantō region and where is it located?

The Kantō region is a geographical area situated on Honshu, which is the largest island of Japan. It is a significant region within the country.

What is the approximate proportion of the Kantō Plain within the Kantō region's land area?

Slightly more than 45 percent of the land area within the Kantō region is occupied by the Kantō Plain. The remaining portion consists of hills and mountains that form the region's borders with other parts of Japan.

Why is the Kantō region considered the center of Japan's politics and economy?

The Kantō region is considered the political and economic center of Japan because it contains Tokyo, the nation's capital and largest city. This concentration of governmental and economic activity makes it the hub of the country.

What percentage of Japan's total population resided in the Kantō region as of October 1, 2010?

As of October 1, 2010, the Kantō region's population was 42,607,376, which represented approximately one-third of Japan's total population at that time.

What is the Japanese name and pronunciation for the Kantō region?

The Japanese name for the Kantō region is 関東地方, pronounced as Kantō Chihō. The IPA transcription provided is [kaːn.toː, kan.toː tɕiː, kan.toː tɕi̥.hoː].

Which prefectures are part of the Kantō regional governors' association?

The Kantō regional governors' association includes the prefectural governors from Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka prefectures.

How many prefectures does the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Kanto Regional Development Bureau oversee?

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's Kanto Regional Development Bureau is responsible for eight prefectures: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Yamanashi. It also manages parts of waterways in Nagano and Shizuoka prefectures.

Which prefectures fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Kanto Bureau?

The Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry is responsible for eleven prefectures: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka.

How is the National Police Agency's supervisory office for Kantō organized regarding prefectures?

The National Police Agency's supervisory office for Kantō oversees the Prefectural police departments of Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka. Tokyo has its own dedicated liaison office with the national agency.

What is the surface geology of the Kantō Plain?

The surface geology of the Kantō Plain is characterized by Quaternary alluvium and diluvium. These are types of soil and sediment deposited by rivers and geological processes over millions of years.

Describe the vegetation zones found in and around the Kantō Plain.

In the Kantō Plain, low mountain vegetation at altitudes of about 500 to 900 meters consists of evergreen broad-leaved forests, often referred to as laurel forests. Above these, deciduous broad-leaved forests, including species like beech and birch, are found. At higher altitudes, typically above 1100 meters, coniferous forests spread, featuring species such as Abies veitchii and Betula ermanii.

What are some of the prominent mountains mentioned in the Kantō region?

Mountains spread throughout the region include the Taishaku Mountains, Mt. Takahara, Mt. Nasu, and Mt. Yamizo. The highest point in the region is the summit of Mt. Nikko-Shirane.

Which is the largest plain in Japan, and where is it located?

The Kantō Plain is the largest plain in Japan and is located within the Kantō region.

How do major rivers in the Kantō region flow?

Rivers such as the Arakawa and Edo rivers flow into Tokyo Bay. In contrast, the Kinugawa and Tone rivers flow eastward into the Pacific Ocean near Inubōsaki.

What is the geographical relationship between Tokyo Bay, the Kantō region, and the Pacific Ocean?

Tokyo Bay is bordered by the Boso Peninsula and the Miura Peninsula. It encompasses parts of Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo, and Kanagawa Prefecture, and opens to the Pacific Ocean through the Uraga Suido strait. The coastal areas around the bay are significant industrial zones.

Which geological feature in the Sagami Bay area is relevant to earthquake safety measures?

The Sagami Trough, which was the epicenter of two major Kanto earthquakes, passes through Sagami Bay. Safety measures against earthquakes are being implemented in various locations due to this geological feature.

What is the highest point in the Kantō region, and where is it located?

The highest point in the Kantō region is the summit of Mt. Nikko-Shirane, also known as Mt. Oku-Shirane. It is situated on the border between Nikko City in Tochigi Prefecture and Katashina Village in Gunma Prefecture.

Which prefecture in the Kantō region has the lowest highest peak among its prefectural highest points?

Atagoyama in Chiba Prefecture has the lowest highest peak among the highest peaks of each prefecture within the Kantō region. Its elevation is 408 meters.

What type of climate does the Kantō region experience?

The Kantō region experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by a precipitation maximum typically occurring from summer to fall. This climate classification is denoted as Cfa/Cwa.

What was the historical significance of the Kantō region during the Kamakura period?

During the Kamakura period, the Kantō region served as the heartland of feudal power. Kamakura, located in this region, was the political capital and the seat of the Kamakura shogunate from 1185 to 1333.

When was the Kamakura shogunate established, and by whom?

The Kamakura shogunate was established by Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1185, making Kamakura its seat of power. It was Japan's first military government.

What happened to Kamakura's political functions after the fall of its shogunate?

After the fall of the Kamakura Shogunate, Kamakura's political functions ceased, and they were transferred back to Kyoto in 1392.

What significant territorial move did Tokugawa Ieyasu make in 1591 related to the Kantō region?

In 1591, Tokugawa Ieyasu exchanged his five original provinces (Mikawa, Tōtōmi, Suruga, Shinano, and Kai) for eight new provinces in the Kantō region. He relocated his soldiers and vassals to this new territory.

What event preceded Tokugawa Ieyasu's move to the Kantō region?

Tokugawa Ieyasu's move to the Kantō region occurred on the same day that Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the de facto ruler of Japan at the time, captured Odawara Castle following the surrender of the Hōjō clan after the Siege of Odawara in 1590.

How did Tokugawa Ieyasu consolidate his control over the Kantō region after his move?

Upon being appointed to rule Kantō, Ieyasu assigned his key vassals, including Ii Naomasa, Honda Tadakatsu, Sakakibara Yasumasa, and Sakai Ietsugu, to control large territories formerly held by the Hōjō clan. This strategy aimed to establish order and secure the eastern domains.

What was the role of Edo in the Kantō region during the Edo period?

During the Edo period, Edo (modern-day Tokyo) became the center of modern development in the Kantō region. It served as the seat of power for the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to significant growth and urbanization.

How did the Edo period influence the development of the Kantō region?

In the Edo period, the Kantō region, particularly the Greater Tokyo Area, became the focal point of modern development. It housed Japan's government, major universities, cultural institutions, a large population, and a significant industrial zone.

What impact did the Spanish flu pandemic have on Japan between 1918 and 1920?

The Spanish flu pandemic, which occurred in Japan from January 1918 to April 1920, was severe, claiming the lives of over 400,000 Japanese citizens.

What was the significance of the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923?

The Great Kantō earthquake of 1923 was a watershed moment in Japan's modern history. It caused over 100,000 deaths and devastated the Greater Tokyo area, striking at a time when Japan was recovering from post-World War I economic recession.

What was the proposed Allied invasion plan during World War II that targeted the Kantō Plain?

Operation Coronet, a component of Operation Downfall, was the proposed Allied invasion of Japan during World War II. It was planned to land on the Kantō Plain.

What is the literal meaning of the name 'Kantō' and its common interpretation?

The name 'Kantō' literally means 'East of the Barrier.' It is commonly understood to refer to the region located east of the Hakone Barrier.

What is the antonym of Kantō, and what does it represent?

The antonym of Kantō is 'West of the Barrier,' which refers to the Kansai region. The Kansai region is situated in western Honshu and was historically the center of feudal Japan.

How is the Kantō region typically divided into North and South Kantō?

The region is often divided into North Kantō, comprising Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Gunma prefectures, and South Kantō, which typically includes Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures. Saitama and Tokyo are sometimes classified differently in these divisions.

What is the common association of South Kantō?

South Kantō is frequently regarded as synonymous with the Greater Tokyo Area, highlighting its urban and economic concentration.

How does the Japanese House of Representatives divide the Kantō region for electoral purposes?

The House of Representatives divides the region into the North Kantō electorate (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama), the Tokyo electorate, and the South Kantō electorate (Chiba, Kanagawa, and Yamanashi prefectures). Notably, Yamanashi is sometimes considered outside the orthodox definition of the Kantō region.

What are the prefectures included in the East and West Kantō subdivisions?

The East Kantō division includes Ibaraki, Tochigi, and Chiba prefectures. West Kantō typically comprises Gunma, Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures, sometimes including Yamanashi.

What prefectures are generally included in the Inland and Coastal Kantō divisions?

Inland Kantō usually includes Tochigi, Gunma, and Saitama prefectures (sometimes Yamanashi). Coastal Kantō typically includes Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, and Kanagawa prefectures.

How does the Japanese national government define the 'National Capital Region' in relation to Kantō?

The Japanese national government defines the National Capital Region (Shuto-ken) as the Kantō region plus Yamanashi Prefecture. This definition emphasizes the broader metropolitan influence.

What is the general economic and industrial character of the Kantō region?

The Kantō region is the most developed, urbanized, and industrialized part of Japan. It features major industrial complexes, such as the Tokyo-Yokohama area along Tokyo Bay, and significant light and automotive industries in other cities.

What was the Gross Prefecture Product (GPP) of Tokyo in 2005, and what was the exchange rate used for conversion?

In 2005, Tokyo's Gross Prefecture Product was 92,269 billion Yen, equivalent to US$837 billion. The average exchange rate used for this conversion was 1 US Dollar to 110.22 Yen.

Which prefecture in the Kantō region had the lowest Gross Prefecture Product in 2005 among those listed?

Gunma Prefecture had the lowest Gross Prefecture Product in 2005 among the listed prefectures, with 7,550 billion Yen (US$68 billion).

What is the economic standing of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area globally?

The Tokyo Metropolitan Area possesses the largest city economy in the world. It is recognized as a major global center for trade and commerce, comparable to cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and London.

According to a PwC study, what is the economic status of the Tokyo agglomeration in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP)?

According to a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Tokyo agglomeration has the largest gross metropolitan product based on purchasing power parity (PPP) globally, making it the world's largest city economy.

What data is provided for the Kanto Region Metropolitan Employment Area in 2010?

In 2010, the Kanto Region Metropolitan Employment Area had 16,234,000 employed persons. The total production was valued at US$1,797 billion, manufacturing production at US$216 billion, private capital stock at US$3,618 billion, and social overhead capital at US$1,607 billion. The exchange rate was 87.780 Japanese yen to 1 US dollar.

How has the population growth rate of the Kantō region changed since 1992?

The population of the Kantō region has continuously grown, but its population growth rate has slowed down since early 1992.

What was the population of the Kantō region according to the 2020 census?

According to the 2020 census, the population of the Kantō region was 43,653,441 people.

How does the population of the Kantō region compare to the Greater Tokyo Area?

The population of the Kantō region is very similar to that of the Greater Tokyo Area. The primary difference is that the Kantō region typically excludes Yamanashi Prefecture but includes rural populations across its prefectures.

What historical event is associated with the Sagami Trough?

The Sagami Trough is historically significant as the epicenter for two major Kanto earthquakes, highlighting its geological importance concerning seismic activity in the region.

What is the significance of Edo becoming the seat of power for Tokugawa Ieyasu?

Tokugawa Ieyasu establishing his seat of power in Edo, which was then an underdeveloped town, was a pivotal moment. This decision laid the foundation for Edo's future growth into Tokyo, the modern capital, and significantly shaped the development of the Kantō region.

What does the term 'Kanto' literally mean?

The term 'Kantō' literally means 'East of the Barrier'.

Kant U014d Region Wiki: Kantō Unveiled: Japan's Dynamic Heartland

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Region Overview

Geographical Context

The Kantō region, situated on Honshu, Japan's largest island, is a significant geographical area. It is commonly defined to include seven prefectures: Chiba, Gunma, Ibaraki, Kanagawa, Saitama, Tochigi, and Tokyo. A substantial portion, approximately 45 percent of its land area, is occupied by the vast Kantō Plain, with the remainder comprising hills and mountains that form its land borders with other Japanese regions.

Political and Economic Center

As the location of Tokyo, Japan's capital and largest city, the Kantō region serves as the nation's primary hub for politics and economic activity. Its strategic importance is underscored by its dense population and extensive infrastructure.

Population Density

As of October 1, 2020, the region's population was recorded at 43,653,441. This concentration represents roughly one-third of Japan's total population, highlighting the region's demographic significance and high population density, estimated at approximately 1,346.34 persons per square kilometer.

Geographical Features

Terrain and Vegetation

The Kantō Plain, characterized by Quaternary alluvium and diluvium, forms the region's geological core. Low mountain ranges surrounding the plain feature evergreen broad-leaved forests up to approximately 500-900 meters. Above this zone, deciduous broad-leaved forests, including beech and birch, transition into coniferous forests at higher altitudes. Notable mountain ranges include the Taishaku, Nasu, and Yamizo mountains.

Waterways and Coastline

Major rivers such as the Tone, Edo, and Arakawa flow through the region, emptying into Tokyo Bay or the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo Bay itself is bordered by the Boso Peninsula (Chiba) and Miura Peninsula (Kanagawa), facing the Pacific Ocean. The coastal areas are significant industrial zones. The Sagami Trough, a seismic zone, runs through Sagami Bay, necessitating ongoing earthquake safety measures.

Highest Peaks

The highest point within the Kantō region is the summit of Mount Nikko-Shirane (Mount Oku-Shirane), located on the border of Tochigi and Gunma prefectures. It stands as the eighth highest peak in Japan and the highest point in the broader Kantō-Tohoku-Hokkaidō geographical area. Other prefectural high points include Mount Sanpo (Saitama) and Mount Kumotori (Tokyo).

Historical Significance

Feudal Era and Edo

The Kantō region served as a crucial center of feudal power during the Kamakura period, with Kamakura acting as the political capital and seat of the Kamakura shogunate from 1185 to 1333. Later, in 1591, Tokugawa Ieyasu relocated his base to Edo (modern-day Tokyo), transforming it into the administrative center of his burgeoning power base. This move laid the groundwork for the Edo period's development.

Edo Period Development

During the Edo period, Kantō became a focal point for modernization and development. Edo grew into a massive metropolis, housing Japan's government and becoming a center for culture, education, and industry. While much of the plain was urbanized, agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, continued, alongside market gardening for the metropolitan population.

Major Events

The region was profoundly impacted by the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923, which caused immense destruction and loss of life, particularly in the Greater Tokyo Area. This event occurred during a period of economic adjustment following World War I. In anticipation of a potential Allied invasion during World War II, Operation Downfall, the planned landing site was the Kantō Plain (Operation Coronet).

Regional Divisions

North vs. South

A common subdivision divides Kantō into "North Kantō" (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma prefectures) and "South Kantō" (Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa prefectures). South Kantō is often considered synonymous with the Greater Tokyo Area, reflecting its high degree of urbanization and economic integration.

Less frequently, a division into "East Kantō" (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Chiba) and "West Kantō" (Gunma, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, and sometimes Yamanashi) is used, often in economic and geographical contexts. This distinction can be influenced by topographical features.

Inland vs. Coastal

Another geographical and economic classification distinguishes between "Inland Kantō" (Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, and sometimes Yamanashi) and "Coastal Kantō" (Ibaraki, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa). This division highlights differences in development and economic focus.

Major Urban Centers

Tokyo Metropolis

As the capital and a prefecture-level city, Tokyo is the undisputed core of the region. It functions as a global center for finance, culture, and technology, driving much of the region's economic output and innovation.

Industrial Hubs

Yokohama (Kanagawa), Kawasaki (Kanagawa), Saitama (Saitama), and Chiba (Chiba) are significant cities that form part of the extensive Greater Tokyo Area. These cities, along with Tokyo, constitute a major industrial complex, particularly along Tokyo Bay, concentrating light and heavy industries, automotive manufacturing, and advanced technology sectors.

Economic Powerhouse

Gross Prefecture Product

The Kantō region boasts a formidable economy, with Tokyo leading as the largest metropolitan economy globally. In 2005, the combined Gross Prefecture Product (GPP) of the seven prefectures was substantial. Tokyo's GPP alone was ¥92,269 billion (approx. $837 billion USD), followed by Kanagawa at ¥31,184 billion ($282 billion USD).

Employment and Capital

The region's Metropolitan Employment Area (MEA) data indicates significant economic activity. In 2010, the employed population was 16,234,000, with a production value of $1,797 billion USD. Private capital stock was valued at $3,618 billion USD, reflecting the extensive investment and commercial infrastructure present.

Demographic Trends

Historical Growth

The population of the Kantō region has shown consistent growth throughout history. From 11,127,000 in 1920, it increased to over 43.6 million by 2020. While growth rates have slowed since the early 1990s, the region remains Japan's most populous.

Population Data

The 2020 census reported 43,653,441 residents, with a density of 1,346.34 persons/km². This concentration is comparable to the Greater Tokyo Area, emphasizing the region's role as a demographic center.

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References

Saitama prefectural government: KantÅ regional governors' association (in Japanese)

Chiba prefectural government: KantÅ regional governors' association (in Japanese)

MLIT: Kanto Regional Development Bureau (in Japanese)

Papinot, p. 50.

é¿é¨ & è¥¿æ 1990, p. 199.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Kantō region Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. It is crucial to consult official sources and expert advice for definitive information.

This is not professional advice. The information provided herein is not a substitute for professional geographical, historical, economic, or cultural consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Kantō Unveiled

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Region Overview ℹ️

🗺️ Geographical Context

🏛️ Political and Economic Center

👥 Population Density

Geographical Features 🏞️

🌳 Terrain and Vegetation

🌊 Waterways and Coastline

⛰️ Highest Peaks

Historical Significance 📜

⚔️ Feudal Era and Edo

🏗️ Edo Period Development

🌋 Major Events

Regional Divisions 🧭

↔️ North vs. South

East vs. West

🏙️ Inland vs. Coastal

Major Urban Centers 🏙️

🗼 Tokyo Metropolis

🏭 Industrial Hubs

Economic Powerhouse 💰

📈 Gross Prefecture Product

💼 Employment and Capital

Demographic Trends 👥

⏳ Historical Growth

📊 Population Data

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Region Overview

Geographical Context

Political and Economic Center

Population Density

Geographical Features

Terrain and Vegetation

Waterways and Coastline

Highest Peaks

Historical Significance

Feudal Era and Edo

Edo Period Development

Major Events

Regional Divisions

North vs. South

Inland vs. Coastal

Major Urban Centers

Tokyo Metropolis

Industrial Hubs

Economic Powerhouse

Gross Prefecture Product

Employment and Capital

Demographic Trends

Historical Growth

Population Data

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice