[For Seniors] Prefecture Ranking Quiz: Take on fun, humor-filled questions!

Hokkaido

Hokkaido boasts the largest area in Japan, with tourist spots, hot springs, and local specialties scattered throughout the region. As a result, there are a great many roadside stations where travelers can take breaks and enjoy local cuisine during long drives. As of 2024, there are over 120 roadside stations in Hokkaido, the highest number by far in the country.

Hokkaido

Hokkaido has the largest sea-facing area—that is, the area that borders the sea. Located at the northernmost part of Japan, Hokkaido is surrounded by the ocean on all sides. Its extensive coastline faces the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Sea of Okhotsk, and as a single prefecture it has an overwhelmingly large area. At first glance, prefectures with many remote islands like Nagasaki or Kagoshima might seem advantageous, but when the size of the land area is also taken into account, Hokkaido comes out on top.

Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture tends to have the highest proportion of people among Japan’s 47 prefectures who want to be actively involved in caring for their parents. This is thought to be related to strong community connections, a strong sense of mutual support within families, and vibrant local communities. In Sony Life Insurance’s “Lifestyle Awareness Survey 2024,” more than half of Shiga residents answered that they would like to be actively involved in caring for their parents.

Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture—especially Hachiman-cho in Gujo City—is famous as the birthplace of food replicas, accounting for over 60% of the national market. Said to have been invented in the Taisho era, the craft still thrives today with many factories and hands-on workshops. Food replicas not only brighten restaurant displays but are also popular as souvenirs and interior decor. Gifu Prefecture supports Japan’s lifelike food replica industry.

Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture has the highest proportion of elderly people among all prefectures. In Akita, seniors account for the largest share of the total population nationwide, reaching nearly 40%. Reasons for the advanced aging in Akita include declining birth rates and the outflow of young people to urban areas.

Fukui Prefecture

Fukui Prefecture ranks among the top in Japan for the number of cars owned per household, with many families owning two or more vehicles. This is because, in regional cities, public transportation is not as convenient as in urban areas, making it practically necessary for all family members to have cars for commuting, shopping, and hospital visits. In areas with aging populations in particular, although some people surrender their driver’s licenses, reliance on cars as a means of transportation remains high, and it is common for families to own multiple vehicles.

Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture is said to have a local character that values family connections and mutual support, and it is known for a strong awareness of cherishing the elderly and intergenerational bonds. In addition, a survey conducted by Sony Life Insurance in 2024 showed that Shizuoka had the highest percentage of people in Japan who answered that they “want to value their family.” Beyond its image as a tourist destination with specialty tea and a mild climate, Shizuoka is also notable for the deeply rooted culture of community involvement and mutual assistance among families.