The Prefecture which in modern times is more popular by the name of Kochi lies in the island of Shikoku in Japan,
on its southwestern side. The
Kochi prefecture is Shikoku's largest but has the minimal of population amongst all the prefectures in Shikoku. This meager population is largely due to the fact that the bulk of the prefecture is mountainous and vegetation arid which makes settling here difficult. Hence, this low level of population is viewed here.
In history, this prefecture finds mention by the name of Tosa province. It was only with the Meiji rule that the province was given the status of a prefecture and its name was changed to Kochi. The capital of the modern prefecture of Kochi is the city by the same name of Kochi. Apart from the city of Kochi, the city of Nakamura only, has a coastal plain which supports an economy based on marine activities. The capital city also has an abundance of rivers flowing through it. Besides, the capital city of Kochi, the prefecture of Kochi has 10 other cities by the name of, Aki, Kami, Konan, Muroto, Nankoku, Himanto, Sukumo, Susaki, Tosa and Tosashimizu. The festival that is popular with the people of all regions in Kochi is the Yosakoi festival .
The capital city of Kochi records the highest population in the prefecture of Kochi. The 2003 census recorded the population to be exactly at 335,341 in Kochi. The entire land area of the city of Kochi is 264.23 square kilometer. History records the city of Kochi to be based around a castle town by the name of Kochi-jo and today this place has grown to become the largest attraction in Kochi. Kochi found its indigenous official status on the 1 st of April in 1889. The city has been expanded very recently and plans are still in the process of expanding it further. In history, the city of Kochi gained highest significance during the Meiji Restoration and the is most famous for its acclaimed son Sakamoto Ryoma. Ryoma was the one who had brought about the important alliance between the Choshu and Satsuma samurai. Without this important alliance between the samurai clans Japan's history could not be re-written beause otherwise the Tokugawa shogunate could not be overthrown.
The Kochi castle has proved to be the main reason behind Kochi's popularity. The popularity is owed largely to the authenticity of the castle, which was originally constructed in 1611. Kochi also has a very important port and is an important transit in the area. Other sights of interest in Kochi city are the Chikurin-ji temple renowned far and wide for containing a bone of the Buddha from Bodh-Gaya in India. Kochi's street-markets are also very popular with the tourists as its colorful brightness and diversity can never disappoint a tourist. The Katsurahama beach attracts people for the Tosa dog fights that can be viewed here. The local hero
Sakamoto Ryoma has a museum built in order to commemorate his contribution to the history of Kochi as well as to the whole of Japan.
