One thing I have always been struck by in Japan is the ability of each of the country’s 47 prefectures to present a distinctive identity — so distinctive that their accompanying symbols and specialities have embedded themselves into the collective consciousness.
By this, I mean that if you name one of the prefectures, many Japanese people will instantly be able to tell you something that the region is famous for or a product synonymous with that area.
Fukui Prefecture? Dinosaurs. Hokkaido? Milk. Ehime Prefecture? Mikan oranges. Okayama Prefecture? Well ... let me get back to you on that one.
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