Matsuyama
Japan

GEOGRAPHY

Located on Shikoku, the smallest of the four major islands of Japan, Matsuyama is 400 miles southwest of Tokyo and faces the Inland Sea. Matsuyama is the capital of Ehime Prefecture.

HISTORY

Beginning in 1602, warlord Yoshiakira Kato built Matsuyama castle. The city was established as the first official city in Ehime Prefecture in 1889. During World War II, the city suffered major damage but has made a rapid recovery to become the largest city on Shikoku.

EDUCATION

The city is home to National Ehime University, Matsuyama University, Shiki Memorial Museum, art and natural history museums, and three major libraries.

INDUSTRIES

Wholesale, retail, and service companies compose over half of Matsuyama’s economy. Construction, manufacturing, transportation, communication, and real estate each contribute to the city’s industrial base.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Dogo Hot Springs spa is world-famous for its natural thermal and curative waters. Camellias and cherry trees are a common bond with Sacramento.

AGRICULTURE

Many families are engaged in agriculture around Matsuyama, although 80 percent are involved only part-time. The land is devoted to rice fields, orchards, and upland dry farming.

CLIMATE

Matsuyama enjoys mild temperature and moderate rainfall.

POPULATION

520,000

TRANSPORTATION

Matsuyama is readily accessible via air, land and water.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Ralph Sugimoto, President

Date of Sacramento City Resolution endorsing Sister City Affiliation with Matsuyama: March 17, 1981.