Portal:Japan/Geography/Selected prefecture/7

Fukushima Prefecture is a prefecture of Japan located in the Tōhoku region on the island of Honshū. The capital is the city of Fukushima. In the 4th century, Fukushima was incorporated into the Yamato Province, Japan's first unified nation. The Shirakawa Barrier and the Nakoso Barrier were built around the 5th century to protect 'civilized Japan' from the 'barbarians' to the north. Fukushima became a Province of Mutsu after the Taika Reforms were established in 646. The province of Fukushima was conquered by Prince Subaru in 1293. This region of Japan is also known as Michinoku and Ōshū. Fukushima is also the birthplace of the famous doctor, Hideyo Noguchi who contributed to knowledge in the fight against syphilis and yellow fever. In his honor, the Japanese government created the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize, first awarded in May 2008. Fukushima is the southernmost prefecture of Tōhoku region, and the closest to Tokyo. It is divided by mountain ranges into three regions called (from west to east) Aizu, Nakadōri, and Hamadōri. The coastal Hamadōri region lies on the Pacific Ocean and is the flattest and most temperate region, while the Nakadōri region is the agricultural heart of the prefecture and contains the capital, Fukushima City. The mountainous Aizu region has scenic lakes, lush forests, and snowy winters. The coastal region traditionally specializes in fishing and seafood industries, and is notable for its electric and particularly nuclear power-generating industry, while the upland regions are more focused on agriculture.