Gunma Prefecture HomePage

Industry and Commerce

At the beginning of the Meiji Era, raw silk production prospered with the establishment of a silk factory in Tomioka City. Gunma's textile industry, known as the Sericulture Kingdom, exerted considerable influence on the modernization of Japan. After the Second World War, as Japan's economy began to develop, Gunma Prefecture also experienced remarkable economic growth, centered around industry and commerce. By the mid-1960's, output from the manufacturing sector had surpassed agricultural output.
In order of volume of shipped in 2004, the major manufactured goods from gunma are; transport machinery (31%), machinery (11%), electronic components(9%), food(7%) and electric equipment (7%). A large scale industrial area has been progressively built up in the eastern regions, concentrated around Ota City and Oizumi Town, forming the largest conglomeration of industry in the prefecture. In Isesaki City (Isesaki Textiles), Kiryu City (Textiles and Embroidery) and Ota City (Knitwear), traditional textile and clothing-related industries are also important components of local industry. Most businesses are concentrated around Maebashi, the prefectural capital and home of the prefectural government, as well as in the eastern region which is close to the Tokyo Metropolitan area.

Agriculture
photo-cabbage field Agriculture in Gunma Prefecture has continued to prosper due to the area's close proximity to the huge consumer market of the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Rapid industrial growth brought with it an improvement in standards of living as well as diversification in eating habits. As a result, primary agricultural produce changed from silk, wheat and rice production to livestock and horticulture. Nationally, Gunma has the highest production output of Konyaku ('Devil's Tongue') Root, Cucumber, Silk Cocoons and Shiitake mushrooms. Due to the cooler climate in the prefecture's mountainous regions, the production volume of highland vegetables, including Leeks, Spinach, Chinese Cabbages, Green Soybeans, Eggplants, Tomatos, Yamatoimo, Maitake Mushrooms, Corn and, in particular, cabbages, is ranked at one of the highest levels in Japan. Additionally, swine husbandry and the breeding of cattle for dairy and beef products are also carried out at substantial levels.

Major Farming Products ranked highest in the nation (2004)
1) Cabbages, Cucumbers, Konnyaku(Devil's Tongue) Root, Silk Cocoons
2) Ume Apricots, Carp, Shiitake Mushrooms
4) wheat, Milk
5) Green Onions, Green Soybeans, Yams

Specialty Products

Yaki Manju (Grilled bean-jam bun) - A special type of bun made using Gunma Prefecture's high-quality wheat, but without red-bean paste. Skewered with a thin piece of bamboo, they are coated in a paste of miso and sugar and then grilled until brown.

Konyaku ('Devil's Tongue') Root - Gunma Prefecture is Japan's leading producer of Konyaku Root. Production is centered in Shimonita Town in Kanra-Tomioka District, and is also carried out in mountainous areas such as the Tone Area, Kita-Gunma and Agatsuma.

Udon (Wheat Noodles) - Gunma Prefecture's high-quality wheat and fresh water combine with favourable weather conditions and a natural aridity that result in a unique-tasting variety of noodle which has become one of Gunma's specialty products.

Tsukemono (Pickled vegetables) - Strong, dry winds during the winter months produce a climate favourable to growing vegetables. As a result, many different types of vegetables are pickled and 'Tsukemono' are made.

Modern Kokeshi Dolls - Wooden dolls created with an emphasis on modern design and shape, Kokeshi Dolls are made using special wood (such as Zelkova and Cornel wood), fashioned in such a way that it retains its original grain. The resulting subdued, natural beauty is particularly favoured as a form of interior decoration.

Takasaki Daruma - Lucky Takasaki Daruma Dolls are said to have originated when Monk Toukoushin'etsu, from Shorinzan Daruma Temple, painted the shape and design of a Daruma in a single brush-stroke, and have since been produced by local farmers. Bright colours are a characteristic feature of Takasaki Daruma, whose round shape represents harmony in the home and in society in general.

Silk Fabrics - Ever since Gunma Prefecture's sericulture industry began to prosper, places such as Isesaki and Kiryuu have been the source of famous silk fabrics.

Wood Products - Due to its abundance of forests, the production of wooden products in Gunma Prefecture has flourished. Various places throughout the prefecture create products using local wood.