[Trivia] Fun to Know! Prefecture Name Quiz Collection

Ishikawa Prefecture

Since the Azuchi–Momoyama period and especially after 1952, numerous traditional crafts using gold leaf have been produced in Ishikawa Prefecture. You may sometimes see gold leaf used on food or in drinks, and that gold leaf is also produced almost entirely in Ishikawa. Moreover, it isn’t a “special edible” variety—there’s no difference in its composition from the gold leaf used in crafts.

Kochi Prefecture

John Manjirō was from what is now Tosashimizu City in Kōchi Prefecture. While fishing, an accident caused his boat to be wrecked, and he drifted to an uninhabited island. He was later rescued by a ship from America, which led to his journey to the United States. Incidentally, it was also John Manjirō who brought the song “The ABC Song,” used to learn the alphabet, to Japan.

Aichi Prefecture

The Chinese restaurant Misen in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, is the original. It’s based on a Taiwanese noodle dish called danzai mian. That tinglingly spicy soup in Taiwanese ramen, the richly seasoned minced meat, and the fragrant garlic chives are just irresistible! Ah, now I’m getting hungry.

Wakayama Prefecture

Japan’s shortest river is aptly named the Butsubutsu River. Located in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, it measures just 13.5 meters in length. Fed by spring water, it’s an exceptionally clear river, and in summer, families sometimes come to splash and play. It’s a natural blessing that has long been cherished by local residents.

Tochigi Prefecture

“Sanomaru” is the mascot character of Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture. He wears a Sano ramen bowl as a hat and carries a sword made of fried potatoes at his waist. There’s a photo spot called “Sanomaru’s House” on the first floor of City Hall, so if you’re interested, why not stop by?

Gifu Prefecture

The common way to make pickled-vegetable steak is to stir-fry napa cabbage pickles, bind them with beaten eggs, and finish with a sprinkling of bonito flakes. It’s a staple on izakaya menus, and people say its saltiness is irresistible. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

Shimane Prefecture

If you often watch variety shows, you might already know this: Mr. Yamauchi frequently jokes about his home prefecture, Shimane. By the way, his younger brother, Tsuyoshi Yamauchi, is the manager of a convenience store in Matsue City and is known for having been commended by the police five times for preventing special fraud cases.