SPIRIT OF MANUFACTURING

Aichi is the heart of Japan’s manufacturing and industrial strength, and is a leader in futuristic technologies including robotics, aeronautical and aerospace technologies. The World War Two fighter plane, the famed and feared Mitsubishi Zero was built here, and even today, Mitsubishi makes the exciting new Mitsubishi SpaceJet Family in Aichi. Japan’s equivalent of NASA, JAXA has its rockets, satellite and International Space Station modules and parts made in Aichi too!

Toyota Motor Corporation is based in Aichi,as are world-class tableware manufacturers, Noritake, automotive components manufacturer, Denso Corporation, office equipment producer, Brother Industries, and many other internationally recognisedmajor companies are based in Aichi. One of the world’s oldest department stores, Matsuzakaya, established in 1611 maintains its headquarters in Aichi. There’s more!Aside from transport, electric and general machinery, Aichi leads in the textiles, steel, plastics, fine ceramics, rubber, lumber and wood, aerospace, data communications, electronics,biomedical and other advanced industries.
Aichi Prefecture has the highest manufacturing output in Japan.
There is not a single part of the world that has not been affected in some way by items from Aichi Prefecture.

AICHI IS JAPAN´S TRANSPORTATION HUB

Aichi is the transportation hub of Japan, with the nation’s busiest trade ports at Nagoya and Mikawa, and one of the world’s most accessible international airports, the highly acclaimed Chubu Centrair International Airport Nagoya.The national expressway network includingthe Tomei, Meishin, Chuo and Higashi Meihan expressways linkAichi to almost all of Japan. The world’s biggest train station by floor space, Nagoya Station serves the Shinkansen Bullet Trains, JR, adjoining Meitetsu and Kintetsu lines, and city subway lines.Soon it will also be the hub for the new Nagoya-Tokyo High Speed Linea Mag-Levtrain service, commencing in 2027.

AICHI ´S SAMURAI CUISINE

Aichi is famed for its healthy food, in particular those created through the fermentation processes. One of the most famous and traditional is the healthy, long-lasting and delicious Hatcho Miso, believed to have been the secret weapon of success for the samurai of Aichi, as it is easily carried, long lasting, nutritious and tasty, making it advantageous for warriors on long campaigns. Okazaki City’s famed Hatcho Miso is made from soybeans steamed and fermented for years in huge wooden casks sealed with two tons of specially placed rocks using the ancient rock piling techniques used around castle bases. Another fermented specialty of Aichi is vinegar.The Mizkan Corporation in Handa City has been producing balsamic, rice and wine vinegars for over 200 years. Some of Japan’s finest sake are also brewed in Aichi.
Among Aichi’s best known foods, (Nagoya Meshi) are Tebasaki, Nagoya fried chicken wings, Kishimen, which are long flat noodles served in a hot broth, Miso Katsu, pork cutlets with thick, rich miso sauce, and Hitsumabushi, being glazed, grilled eel served on a bed of rice, with various condiments arranged so it can be enjoyed in three different ways. Admittedly, while the majority of local delicacies are a plain brown color, the taste more than makes up for the lack of visual appeal.

EYES ON AICHI

Aichi is home to almost 8 million people. There are thriving traditional and modern industries, colorful cultural events and festivals. Aichi was host to the 2005 World EXPO hosting 121 participant countries and regions, and welcoming over 22 million visitors. Aichi is home to the world’s biggest planetarium, and the world’s biggest train station by floor space, Japan’s biggest castle keep, the most number of castles and castle sites within a single city, more temples and shrinesthan even Kyoto, and it’s the only place you could see both cherry blossom and autumn leaves at their peak at the same time!

THE HEART OF JAPAN‚ …AND THE BRAIN…

Aichi is seen not only as the heart of Japan, but the brain too.
From the beginning, many new and exciting technologies have been created in Aichi. The first robots, wooden mechanical dolls powered by springs of whale baleen called Karakuri-Ningyo were perfected in Aichi, and even now over 25% of Japans’robots are built here. Aichi’s technologies made it a world leader in textiles manufacturing with the creation of automatic power looms in the early 1920’s. The loom technology evolved into the manufacture of motor vehicles, and since then, Aichi has been a leader in automobile engineering, engine and safety development.

Aichi has 49 universities, 28 junior colleges, and 233 high schools.
Recently Aichi has become renowned as the Nobel Winning Prefecture, as a number of noted scientists from Aichi’s respected universities have been awarded Nobel prizes in such fields as chemistry and physics.(Blue Light Emitting Diodes, LED were created in Aichi!)

LAND OF EXTREMES

Aichi, located in the heart of Japan, is a land of extremes. Aichi is proud of its heritage, history and culture,and of its futuristic technologies. It has a rich tradition of performing and visual arts, and at the same time hosts the annual World Cosplay Summit. Aichi is a land of mountains and plains, fields and seas, of abundant nature and great cities. It is the producer of quality fruits, vegetables and grains, and of motor vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and components.
Aichi is the heart of Japan, technology and traditions.