Name: Tochigi Prefecture 

Country: Japan

Area: 6,408 square kilometers

Population: 1,952,926 ( 2019)

Tochigi Prefecture is an inland prefecture located in northern Kanto, Japan, about 100 km north of Tokyo, and is part of the capital metropolitan circle. It is surrounded by mountains on three sides with a low and flat central region, and connected to the Kanto Plain to the south. The prefectural capital is Utsunomiya. The climate of Tochigi may be classified as a humid temperate zone with broad variations in temperature. Winters are arid with dry winds, while summers are humid with frequent thunderstorms.

Tochigi gives full play to its location in inland Japan and geographical features to develop its economy. It is home to many corporations and industrial zones, including the Kiyohara Industrial Complex, one of the largest inland industrial complexes in the country. Vehicle parts and accessories are the primary products, followed by vehicles, electric appliances, precision machinery, etc. 

Tochigi is quite developed in agriculture. Core products include rice, vegetables and livestock. Tochigi leads the nation in the production of strawberries and Chinese chives. Rice, milk and other agricultural products are sold mainly to Tokyo. Strawberries, Sano Ramen, and gyoza dumplings are signature products and food of the prefecture. Handicrafts such as Nikko carving, Mashiko pottery are famous all over the country. 

Tochigi is home to the Ashikaga School, the oldest school established in Japan, and 9 universities such as Utsunomiya University, 6 short-term colleges, 73 senior high schools, 164 junior middle schools and 363 primary schools. There are six research institutes directly under the prefectural government, including the industrial technology center, and experimental farms for agriculture,  aqua-products, and fiber.

Tochigi is rich in tourism resources, including the Nasu Highlands, the Rivers of Naka and Kinu, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage site, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, attracting tourists all year round. It also has one national park, the Nikko National Park, and 8 natural parks at the prefectural level. 

Tomikazo Fukuda, the incumbent Governor, was first elected in December 2004 and re-elected for a fifth term in December 2020.

Zhejiang and Tochigi established friendly relations in 1993.