Congress Report
Photo: Nara City Sightseeing Information Center, Kofuku-ji Temple
Photo taken by Tatehiko Yano
Niigata Prefecture

Head of Prefectural Government

Mr. Hideyo Hanazumi, Governor
Assumed the governorship in June 2018 (second term)

Location

Emblem


 niigata-prf-seal.jpg

Area

12,583.88 km2 (as of 1st October 2023)
5th largest of 47 prefectures

Population

2,120,898 (as of 1st January 2024)
Men: 1,030,877 Women: 1,090,021

GDP

Nominal: JPY 8.9735 trillion
Real: JPY 8.8393 trillion (both in FY2021)

Capital

Niigata City

Geographic features

Located on the Sea of Japan side, slightly north of the center of the main island of Honshu. Surrounded by mountains including the Asahi Mountain Range and the Echigo Mountain Range. Has many rivers that flow into the Sea of Japan, including the Shinano River, the longest river in Japan, and the Agano River. Consists of vast fertile flatlands such as the Echigo Plains and Takada Plains. Sado Island is 45 km northwest of Niigata City.

Main industries

Food manufacturing, the chemical industry, fabricated metal products manufacturing

Symbols

Prefectural tree: Snow camellia
Prefectural flower: Tulip
Prefectural bird: Japanese crested ibis
Prefectural fish: Nishikigoi (ornamental carp)
Prefectural stone: Jade
Prefectural symbol:Seal_Niigata_prefecture

Number of visitors

55,324,776 (2022)

 

Administrative divisions

Niigata Prefecture --- 20 cities, 6 towns, 4 villages

Official website

http://www.pref.niigata.lg.jp/


Sources:Niigata Prefecture Official Website: “Estimated Population of Niigata Prefecture (as of 1st January 2024)”, “Outline of 2021 Prefectural Economic Accounts”, “2022 Statistics on Visitors by Prefecture”’; Geographical Survey Institute: “2023 Statistical reports on the land area by prefectures and municipalities in Japan (as of 1st October)”

(As of March, 2024)