Editing Iwate Prefecture

{{Short description|Prefecture of Japan}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- See Template:Infobox settlement for additional fields and descriptions -->
| name                     = Iwate Prefecture
| native_name              = {{nobold|{{lang|ja|岩手県}}}}
| settlement_type          = [[Prefectures of Japan|Prefecture]]
| translit_lang1           = Japanese
| translit_lang1_type      = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]
| translit_lang1_info      = {{lang|ja|岩手県}}
| translit_lang1_type1     = [[Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji]]
| translit_lang1_info1     = {{lang|ja-Latn|Iwate-ken}}
| image_skyline            = {{Multiple image
| border = infobox
| total_width = 290
| image_style = border:1;
| perrow = 1/2/2
| image1 = Cherry tree and Mount Iwate.jpg
| caption1 = [[Mount Iwate]] from Koiwai farm park
| image2 = Konjikido at Chuson-ji.jpg
| caption2 = [[Chūson-ji]]
| image3 = 大沢橋梁 - panoramio.jpg
| caption3 = [[Sanriku Railway]]
| image4 = Iwate-SL galaxy running on the Megane(eye glasses) Bridge-m.jpg
| caption4 = [[Kamaishi Line]]
| image5 = 花巻温泉 バラ園とホテル3館.jpg
| caption5 = [[Hanamaki Onsen]]
}}
| image_flag               = Flag of Iwate Prefecture.svg
| flag_size                = 100px
| image_blank_emblem       = Emblem of Iwate Prefecture.svg
| blank_emblem_size        = 80px
| blank_emblem_type        = Symbol
| image_map                = Map_of_Japan_with_highlight_on_03_Iwate_prefecture.svg
| coordinates              = 
| subdivision_type         = Country
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|Japan}}
| subdivision_type1        = [[List of regions of Japan|Region]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[List of islands of Japan|Island]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Honshu]]
| seat_type                = [[List of capitals in Japan|Capital]]
| seat                     = [[Morioka]]
| parts_type               = Subdivisions
| parts_style              = para
| p1                       = [[Districts of Japan|Districts]]: 10
| p2                       = [[Municipalities of Japan|Municipalities]]: 33
| leader_title             = [[List of prefectural governors in Japan|Governor]]
| leader_name              = [[Takuya Tasso]]
| area_total_km2           = 15275.01
| area_water_percent       = 0.1
| area_rank                = [[List of Japanese prefectures by area|2nd]]
| population_footnotes     = 
| population_total         = 1165886
| population_as_of         = July 1, 2023
| population_rank          = [[List of Japanese prefectures by population|32nd]]
| population_density_km2   = auto
| demographics_type2       = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes  = <ref>{{Cite web |title=2020年度国民経済計算（2015年基準・2008SNA） : 経済社会総合研究所 - 内閣府 |url=https://www.esri.cao.go.jp/jp/sna/data/data_list/kakuhou/files/2020/2020_kaku_top.html |access-date=2023-05-18 |website=内閣府ホームページ |language=ja}}</ref>
| demographics2_title1     = Total
| demographics2_info1      = [[JP¥]]4,848 billion<br />[[US$]]44.5 billion (2019)
| iso_code                 = JP-03
| website                  = {{URL|http://www.pref.iwate.jp/}}
| module                   = {{Infobox place symbols| embedded=yes
| country = Japan
| bird = [[Green pheasant]] (''Phasianus&nbsp;colchicus'')
| fish = [[Chum salmon]] (''Oncorhynchus&nbsp;keta'')
| flower = [[Paulownia]] tree (''Paulownia&nbsp;tomentosa'')
| tree = [[Pinus densiflora|Nanbu red pine]] (''Pinus&nbsp;densiflora'')
}}
| population_blank1_title  = Dialects
| population_blank1        = [[Nanbu dialect|Nanbu]]・Southern Iwate ([[Kesen dialect|Kesen]])
| anthem                   = [[:ja:岩手県民の歌|Iwate kenmin no uta]]
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Iwate Prefecture'''|岩手県|Iwate-ken|{{IPA|ja|iꜜ.wa.te, i.wa.teꜜ.keɴ}}<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:NHK日本語発音アクセント新辞典|publisher=NHK Publishing|editor=NHK Broadcasting Culture Research Institute|date=24 May 2016|lang=ja}}</ref>}} is a [[Prefectures of Japan|prefecture of Japan]] located in the [[Tōhoku region]] of [[Honshu]].<ref>Frédéric, "Tōhoku" in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|Japan Encyclopedia|page=970}}</ref> It is the second-largest Japanese prefecture (behind [[Hokkaido]]) at {{convert|15,275|km2|sqmi}}, with a population of 1,165,886 (as of July 1, 2023). Iwate Prefecture borders [[Aomori Prefecture]] to the north, [[Akita Prefecture]] to the west, and [[Miyagi Prefecture]] to the south.

[[Morioka]] is the capital and largest city of Iwate Prefecture; other major cities include [[Ichinoseki, Iwate|Ichinoseki]], [[Ōshū, Iwate|Ōshū]], and [[Hanamaki, Iwate|Hanamaki]].<ref>Frédéric, "Morioka" in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|Japan Encyclopedia|page=661}}</ref> Located on Japan's [[Pacific Ocean]] coast, Iwate Prefecture features the easternmost point of Honshu at [[Cape Todo]], and shares the highest peaks of the [[Ōu Mountains]]—the longest [[mountain range]] in Japan—at the border with Akita Prefecture. Iwate Prefecture is home to famous attractions such as [[Morioka Castle]], the [[Buddhist]] temples of [[Hiraizumi, Iwate|Hiraizumi]] including [[Chūson-ji]] and [[Mōtsū-ji]], the Fujiwara no Sato [[movie lot]] and [[theme park]] in Ōshū, and the Tenshochi park in [[Kitakami, Iwate|Kitakami]] known for its huge, ancient [[cherry tree]]s. Iwate has the lowest [[population density]] of any prefecture outside [[Hokkaido]], 5% of its total land area having been designated as [[List of national parks of Japan|national parks]].

== Name ==
There are several theories about the origin of the name "Iwate", but the most well known is the tale ''[[Oni (folklore)|Oni]] no tegata'', which is associated with the Mitsuishi or "Three Rocks" Shrine in Morioka. These rocks are said to have been thrown down into Morioka by an eruption of Mt. Iwate. According to the legend, there was once a devil who often tormented and harassed the local people. When the people prayed to the spirits of Mitsuishi for protection, the devil was immediately shackled to these rocks and forced to make a promise never to trouble the people again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bunka.pref.iwate.jp/seikatsu/kotoba/minwa/oninotegata.html |title=【民話・昔話】鬼の手形 |publisher=Bunka.pref.iwate.jp |access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref> As a seal of his oath, the devil made a handprint on one of the rocks, giving rise to the name Iwate, its direct translation being "rock hand". Even now after a rainfall, it is said that the devil's hand print can still be seen there.

== Culture ==
There are many present-day cultural foods popularly eaten in Iwate Prefecture, some of which include [[walnut]]s, [[wanko soba]] (meaning "bowl noodles") and hittsumi-jiru (meaning "pull and tear", in reference to the way the dough is pulled and torn into oval shapes before being turned into noodles).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sapporo.co.uk/news/japanese-culture-food-iwate/ |title=Japanese Culture and Food: Iwate |website=Sapporo.co.uk |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327021955/https://www.sapporo.co.uk/news/japanese-culture-food-iwate/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Iwate's prefectural capital [[Morioka]] is also popular for its apples, blooming in May and ready for [[harvest]] from September to November.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://japanold.com/2018/12/16/2037/ |title=A Story of Delicious Apples |website=Japanold.com |date=16 December 2018 |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=10 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210185926/https://japanold.com/2018/12/16/2037/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Japanese poet [[Matsuo Bashō]] visited Iwate and wrote about it in the journey described in his major work ''[[Oku no Hosomichi]]''. He was especially inspired by the town of [[Hiraizumi]].

== History ==
{{See also|Historic Sites of Iwate Prefecture}}
While the entire island of Honshū was claimed by the Japanese, or Yamato, government from earliest times, the imperial forces were unable to occupy any part of what would become Iwate until 802 when two powerful [[Emishi]] leaders, [[Aterui]] and More, surrendered at Fort Isawa.

The area now known as Iwate Prefecture was inhabited by the [[Jōmon period|Jōmon]] people who left their artifacts throughout the prefecture. For example, a large number of burial pits from the Middle Jōmon Period (2,800–1,900 BC) have been found in Nishida. Various sites from the Late Jōmon Period (1,900–1,300 BC) including Tateishi, Makumae and Hatten contain clay figurines, masks and ear and nose shaped clay artifacts. The Kunenbashi site in Kitakami City has yielded stone "swords", tablets and tools as well as clay figurines, earrings and potsherds from the Final Jōmon Period (1,300–300 BC).

The earliest mention of a Japanese presence dates to about 630 when the Hakusan Shrine was said to have been built on Mt. Kanzan in what is now Hiraizumi. At this time various Japanese traders, hunters, adventurers, priests and criminals made their way to Iwate. In 712 the province of [[Mutsu Province|Mutsu]], containing all of [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]], was divided into [[Dewa Province]], the area west of the [[Ōu Mountains]] and Mutsu Province. In 729 Kokuseki-ji Temple was founded in what is now Mizusawa Ward, Oshu City by the itinerant priest [[Gyōki]].

Little is known about relations between these Japanese frontiersmen and the native [[Emishi]] but in 776 they took a turn for the worse when large forces of the Yamato army invaded Iwate attacking the Isawa and Shiwa tribes in February and November of that year. More fighting occurred the next and following years but mostly in Dewa and the area south of present-day Iwate prefecture. This situation continued until March 787 when the Yamato army suffered a disastrous defeat in the Battle of Sufuse Village in what is now Mizusawa Ward, Oshu City. There the Emishi leaders and [[Aterui]] leading a large cavalry force trapped the Yamato infantry and pushed them into the Kitakami River where their heavy armour proved deadly. Over 1,000 soldiers drowned that day. The Japanese general Ki no Asami Kosami was "rebuked" by the [[Emperor Kanmu]] when he returned to Kyoto.

Since the Japanese could not win on the battlefield they resorted to other means to conquer the Emishi. Trade for superior quality iron wares and sake made the Emishi dependent on the Japanese for these valuable goods. Bribes were offered to the Emishi leaders in the form of Japanese citizenship and rank if they would defect. Finally a campaign of burning crops and kidnapping the Emishi women and children and relocating them to Western Japan was adopted. 

In 801, [[Sakanoue no Tamuramaro]] began a new campaign against the Isawa Emishi having moderate success. Finally on 15 April 802 the Emishi leaders More and Aterui surrendered with some 500 warriors. The captives were taken to Kyoto for an audience with the emperor and beheaded at Moriyama in Kawachi Province against the wishes of General Sakanoue. This act of cruelty enraged the Emishi leading to another twenty or more years of fighting.

After the surrender numerous forts were built on the Chinese model along the Kitakami River. In 802, Fort Isawa was built in what is now Mizusawa Ward, Oshu City, in 803, Fort Shiwa was built in what is now Morioka City, and in 812 Fort Tokutan was built also in Morioka.

In the latter part of the [[Heian period]], the town of [[Hiraizumi]] in what is now southern Iwate became the capital of the [[Northern Fujiwara]]. The warrior [[Minamoto no Yoshitsune]] fled here after the [[Genpei War]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pref.iwate.jp/~hp0909/koto/densetu/syosai/syosai.htm |title=言い伝えられた平泉 |publisher=Iwate Prefectural Office |access-date=7 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013111330/http://www.pref.iwate.jp/~hp0909/koto/densetu/syosai/syosai.htm |archive-date=13 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Until the [[Meiji Restoration]], the area of Iwate prefecture was part of [[Mutsu Province]].<ref>Frédéric, "Provinces and prefectures" in {{Google books|p2QnPijAEmEC|Japan Encyclopedia|page=780}}, p. 780.</ref>

Iwate Prefecture was created in 1876, in the aftermath of the [[Boshin War|Boshin Civil War]], which heralded the beginning of the Meiji Restoration.

== Geography ==
[[File:Map of Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|thumb|250px|Map of Iwate Prefecture<br />{{legend0|#EAB|City}} {{legend0|#ED9|Town}} {{legend0|#BFE|Village}}]]

Iwate faces the Pacific Ocean to the east with sheer, rocky cliffs along most of the shoreline interrupted by a few sandy beaches. The border with [[Akita Prefecture]] on the west is generally formed by the highest points of the [[Ōu Mountains]]. [[Aomori Prefecture]] is to the north and [[Miyagi Prefecture]] is to the south.

The Ōu mountains on the west still contain active volcanoes such as Mt. Iwate (at {{convert|2,038|m}} the highest point in the prefecture) and [[Mt. Kurikoma]] ({{convert|1,627|m}}). But the Kitakami Mountains running through the middle of the prefecture from north to south are much older and have not been active for thousands of years. Mt. Hayachine ({{convert|1,917|m}}) lies at the heart of the Kitakami range.

Besides these two mountain ranges and the rugged coastline, the prefecture is characterized by the Kitakami River which flows from north to south between the Ōu and Kitakami mountain ranges. It is the fourth longest river in Japan and the longest in Tōhoku. The basin of the Kitakami is large and fertile providing room for the prefecture's largest cities, industrial parks and farms.

In the past Iwate has been famous for its mineral wealth especially in the form of gold, iron, coal and sulfur but these are no longer produced. There is still an abundance of hot water for onsen, or hot springs, which is the basis of a thriving industry. The forests of the prefecture are another valuable resource. Before World War II the forests were mainly composed of beech but since then there has been a huge swing towards the production of faster growing Japanese cedar. Recently, though, there has been a push to restore the original beech forests in some areas.

As of 31 March 2019, 5% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as [[List of national parks of Japan#History|Natural Parks]], namely [[Towada-Hachimantai National Park|Towada-Hachimantai]] and [[Sanriku Fukkō National Park|Sanriku Fukkō]] National Parks; [[Kurikoma Quasi-National Park|Kurikoma]] and [[Hayachine Quasi-National Park|Hayachine]] Quasi-National Parks; and [[Goyōzan Prefectural Natural Park|Goyōzan]], [[Hanamaki Onsenkyō Prefectural Natural Park|Hanamaki Onsenkyō]], [[Kuji-Hiraniwa Prefectural Natural Park|Kuji-Hiraniwa]], [[Murone Kōgen Prefectural Natural Park|Murone Kōgen]], [[Oritsume Basenkyō Prefectural Natural Park|Oritsume Basenkyō]], [[Sotoyama-Hayasaka Prefectural Natural Park|Sotoyama-Hayasaka Heights]], and [[Yuda Onsenkyō Prefectural Natural Park|Yuda Onsenkyō]] Prefectural Natural Parks.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.env.go.jp/park/doc/data/natural/naturalpark_4.pdf |script-title=ja:自然公園都道府県別面積総括 |trans-title=General overview of area figures for Natural Parks by prefecture |language=ja |publisher=[[Ministry of the Environment (Japan)|Ministry of the Environment]] |date=31 March 2019 |access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pref.iwate.jp/kurashikankyou/shizen/shizen/shizenkouen/1005441.html |script-title=ja:自然公園の種類 |trans-title=Types of Natural Parks |language=ja |publisher=Iwate Prefecture |access-date=17 August 2019}}</ref>

===Cities===
{{See also|List of cities in Iwate Prefecture by population}}
Fourteen cities are located in Iwate Prefecture:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="2" |Name
! rowspan="2" |Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! rowspan="2" |Population
! rowspan="2" |Population density (per km<sup>2</sup>)
! rowspan="2" |Map
|-
![[Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji]]
![[Kanji]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Hachimantai, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Hachimantai, Iwate|Hachimantai]]
|八幡平市
|862.3
|25,076
|29.08
|[[File:Hachimantai in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Hanamaki, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Hanamaki, Iwate|Hanamaki]]
|花巻市
|908.39
|94,691
|104.24
|[[File:Hanamaki in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ichinoseki, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ichinoseki, Iwate|Ichinoseki]]
|一関市
|1,256.42
|114,476
|91.11
|[[File:Ichinoseki in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kamaishi, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kamaishi, Iwate|Kamaishi]]
|釜石市
|440.34
|32,609
|74.05
|[[File:Kamaishi in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kitakami Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kitakami, Iwate|Kitakami]]
|北上市
|437.55
|92,311
|210.97
|[[File:Kitakami in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kuji Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kuji, Iwate|Kuji]]
|久慈市
|623.5
|34,418
|55.20
|[[File:Kuji in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Miyako Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]]
|宮古市
|1,259.15
|51,150
|40.62
|[[File:Miyako in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Morioka, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Morioka]] (capital)
|盛岡市
|886.47
|290,700
|327.93
|[[File:Morioka in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ninohe, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ninohe, Iwate|Ninohe]]
|二戸市
|420.42
|26,344
|62.66
|[[File:Ninohe in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ofunato, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ōfunato]]
|大船渡市
|322.51
|35,452
|109.93
|[[File:Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ōshū, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ōshū, Iwate|Ōshū]]
|奥州市
|993.3
|114,620
|115.39
|[[File:Oshu in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Rikuzentakata, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Rikuzentakata, Iwate|Rikuzentakata]]
|陸前高田市
|231.94
|19,062
|82.19
|[[File:Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Takizawa, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Takizawa, Iwate|Takizawa]]
|滝沢市
|182.46
|55,325
|303.22
|[[File:Takizawa in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Tono, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Tōno, Iwate|Tōno]]
|遠野市
|825.97
|26,110
|31.61
|[[File:Tono in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|}

===Towns and villages===
<!-- template:Iwate refers to the above header -->
These are the towns and villages in each [[Districts of Japan|district]]:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="2" |Name
! rowspan="2" |Area (km<sup>2</sup>)
! rowspan="2" |Population
! rowspan="2" |Population density (per km<sup>2</sup>)
! rowspan="2" |District
! rowspan="2" |Type
! rowspan="2" |Map
|-
![[Romanization of Japanese|Rōmaji]]
![[Kanji]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Fudai, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Fudai, Iwate|Fudai]]
|普代村
|69.66
|2,607
|37.42
|[[Shimohei District, Iwate|Shimohei District]]
|Village
|[[File:Fudai in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Hiraizumi, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Hiraizumi]]
|平泉町
|63.39
|7,408
|116.86
|[[Nishiiwai District, Iwate|Nishiiwai District]]
|Town
|[[File:Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Hirono, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Hirono, Iwate|Hirono]]
|洋野町
|302.92
|15,398
|50.83
|[[Kunohe District, Iwate|Kunohe District]]
|Town
|[[File:Hirono in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ichinohe, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ichinohe, Iwate|Ichinohe]]
|一戸町
|300.03
|12,053
|40.17
|[[Ninohe District, Iwate|Ninohe District]]
|Town
|[[File:Ichinohe in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Iwaizumi, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Iwaizumi, Iwate|Iwaizumi]]
|岩泉町
|992.36
|8,987
|9.06
|[[Shimohei District, Iwate|Shimohei District]]
|Town
|[[File:Iwaizumi in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Iwate Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Iwate, Iwate|Iwate]]
|岩手町
|360.46
|13,111
|36.37
|[[Iwate District, Iwate|Iwate District]]
|Town
|[[File:Iwate in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kanegasaki, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kanegasaki, Iwate|Kanegasaki]]
|金ケ崎町
|179.76
|15,580
|86.67
|[[Isawa District, Iwate|Isawa District]]
|Town
|[[File:Kanegasaki in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Karumai, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Karumai, Iwate|Karumai]]
|軽米町
|245.82
|8,895
|36.19
|[[Kunohe District, Iwate|Kunohe District]]
|Town
|[[File:Karumai in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kunohe, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kunohe, Iwate|Kunohe]]
|九戸村
|134.02
|5,650
|42.16
|[[Kunohe District, Iwate|Kunohe District]]
|Village
|[[File:Kunohe in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Kuzumaki Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Kuzumaki, Iwate|Kuzumaki]]
|葛巻町
|434.99
|5,632
|12.95
|[[Iwate District, Iwate|Iwate District]]
|Town
|[[File:Kuzumaki in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Nishiwaga, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Nishiwaga]]
|西和賀町
|590.74
|5,468
|9.26
|[[Waga District, Iwate|Waga District]]
|Town
|[[File:Nishiwaga in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Noda, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Noda, Iwate|Noda]]
|野田村
|80.8
|4,201
|51.99
|[[Kunohe District, Iwate|Kunohe District]]
|Village
|[[File:Noda in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Ōtsuchi, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Ōtsuchi, Iwate|Ōtsuchi]]
|大槌町
|200.42
|11,572
|57.74
|[[Kamihei District, Iwate|Kamihei District]]
|Town
|[[File:Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Shiwa Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Shiwa, Iwate|Shiwa]]
|紫波町
|238.98
|33,090
|138.46
|[[Shiwa District, Iwate|Shiwa District]]
|Town
|[[File:Shiwa in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Shizukuishi, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Shizukuishi]]
|雫石町
|608.82
|16,263
|26.71
|[[Iwate District, Iwate|Iwate District]]
|Town
|[[File:Shizukuishi in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Sumita, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Sumita, Iwate|Sumita]]
|住田町
|334.84
|5,315
|15.87
|[[Kesen District, Iwate|Kesen District]]
|Town
|[[File:Sumita in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Tanohata, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Tanohata, Iwate|Tanohata]]
|田野畑村
|156.19
|3,244
|20.77
|[[Shimohei District, Iwate|Shimohei District]]
|Village
|[[File:Tanohata in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|81x81px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Yahaba, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Yahaba, Iwate|Yahaba]]
|矢巾町
|67.32
|27,227
|404.44
|[[Shiwa District, Iwate|Shiwa District]]
|Town
|[[File:Yahaba in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|-
|[[File:Flag of Yamada, Iwate.svg|frameless|25x25px]] [[Yamada, Iwate|Yamada]]
|山田町
|262.81
|15,195
|57.82
|[[Shimohei District, Iwate|Shimohei District]]
|Town
|[[File:Yamada in Iwate Prefecture Ja.svg|frameless|76x76px]]
|}

=== Mergers ===
{{main|List of mergers in Iwate Prefecture}}
===Climate===
====Temperature comparison====
{{sort under}}
{| class="wikitable sortable sort-under" style="text-align: center; font-size: 85%;"
|+ Monthly average highs and lows for various cities and towns in Iwate Prefecture in Fahrenheit and Celsius
|-
! City
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Jan|January}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Feb|February}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Mar|March}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Apr|April}}
! data-sort-type="number" | May
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Jun|June}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Jul|July}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Aug|August}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Sep|September}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Oct|October}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Nov|November}}
! data-sort-type="number" | {{Tooltip|Dec|December}}
|-
| [[Morioka]]<!-- forecast office -->
| {{convert|2.0|/|-5.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|3.2|/|-4.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|7.5|/|-1.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|14.4|/|3.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|20.3|/|9.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.1|/|14.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.1|/|18.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|28.4|/|19.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.3|/|15.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|17.9|/|7.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|10.9|/|1.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|4.5|/|-2.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Miyako, Iwate|Miyako]]
| {{convert|5.2|/|-3.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|5.6|/|-3.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.1|/|-0.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|14.6|/|3.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.9|/|9.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|21.0|/|13.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.4|/|17.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|26.3|/|19.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.5|/|15.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.8|/|9.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|13.5|/|3.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|7.7|/|-1.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Hachimantai, Iwate|Hachimantai]]
| {{convert|0.8|/|-7.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.9|/|-7.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|6.2|/|-3.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|13.5|/|1.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.8|/|7.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.6|/|13.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|26.6|/|17.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.7|/|18.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.4|/|13.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|17.1|/|5.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|10.0|/|0.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|3.4|/|-4.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Ichinoseki, Iwate|Ichinoseki]]
| {{convert|3.8|/|-3.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|5.1|/|-3.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.5|/|-0.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|16.0|/|4.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|21.5|/|10.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.7|/|15.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.9|/|19.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|29.3|/|20.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|25.3|/|16.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.3|/|9.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|12.7|/|3.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|6.1|/|-1.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Kitakami, Iwate|Kitakami]]
| {{convert|2.4|/|-4.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|3.6|/|-3.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|8.1|/|-0.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|15.0|/|4.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|20.8|/|10.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.3|/|15.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.4|/|19.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|28.9|/|20.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.8|/|16.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.5|/|9.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|11.6|/|2.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|4.9|/|-1.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Kuji, Iwate|Kuji]]
| {{convert|3.8|/|-4.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|4.4|/|-4.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|8.2|/|-2.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|13.8|/|2.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.4|/|7.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|20.5|/|12.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.1|/|16.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|26.1|/|18.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.6|/|14.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.5|/|7.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|12.8|/|1.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|6.4|/|-2.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Ninohe, Iwate|Ninohe]]
| {{convert|1.7|/|-6.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|2.7|/|-6.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|7.1|/|-3.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|14.2|/|1.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|20.3|/|7.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.6|/|12.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|26.6|/|17.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.7|/|18.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.9|/|13.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|17.8|/|6.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|11.1|/|0.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|4.3|/|-3.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Ōfunato]]<!-- forecast office -->
| {{convert|4.7|/|-2.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|5.6|/|-2.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.1|/|0.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|14.5|/|4.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.1|/|9.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|22.1|/|14.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|25.6|/|18.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.2|/|20.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.2|/|16.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.0|/|10.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|13.3|/|4.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|7.4|/|-0.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Ichinohe, Iwate|Ichinohe]]
| {{convert|-1.0|/|-9.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|0.1|/|-9.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|4.1|/|-5.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|11.8|/|0.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.0|/|6.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|21.5|/|11.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.5|/|16.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|25.6|/|17.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|21.6|/|12.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|15.4|/|4.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|8.3|/|-1.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.6|/|-6.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Iwaizumi, Iwate|Iwaizumi]]
| {{convert|3.6|/|-5.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|4.5|/|-5.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|8.8|/|-2.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|15.6|/|2.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|20.8|/|8.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.3|/|12.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|26.5|/|17.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.7|/|18.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.0|/|14.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.6|/|7.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|12.8|/|1.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|6.2|/|-2.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Kuzumaki, Iwate|Kuzumaki]]
| {{convert|0.0|/|-8.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.0|/|-8.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|5.3|/|-4.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|12.7|/|0.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.1|/|6.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|22.6|/|11.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|25.7|/|16.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|26.7|/|17.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|22.4|/|12.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|16.2|/|5.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.5|/|-0.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|2.8|/|-5.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Shizukuishi]]
| {{convert|0.8|/|-7.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.7|/|-6.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|5.6|/|-3.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|13.5|/|1.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.1|/|7.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.0|/|13.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|25.9|/|17.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.7|/|18.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.2|/|13.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|17.1|/|5.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|10.0|/|0.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|3.7|/|-3.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Yuda, Iwate|Yuda]]
| {{convert|0.4|/|-5.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|1.5|/|-5.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|5.2|/|-3.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|12.2|/|0.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|18.9|/|7.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|22.5|/|12.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|25.7|/|17.6|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|27.2|/|18.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.1|/|14.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|16.8|/|7.0|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.7|/|0.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|2.8|/|-3.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|-
| [[Kuzakai Station|Kuzakai]]
| {{convert|-2.7|/|-11.2|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|-1.6|/|-10.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|2.3|/|-7.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|9.5|/|-0.9|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|16.1|/|4.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.7|/|9.7|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|23.1|/|15.3|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|24.1|/|15.8|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|19.9|/|11.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|13.6|/|3.5|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|6.9|/|-2.1|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
| {{convert|0.3|/|-7.4|C|disp=br()|abbr=values}}
|}

== Economy ==
Iwate's industry is concentrated around Morioka and specializes in semiconductor and communications manufacturing.

As of March 2011, the prefecture produced 3.9% of Japan's beef and 14.4% of broiler chickens.<ref>Schreiber, Mark, "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fd20110417bj.html Japan's food crisis goes beyond recent panic buying]", ''[[The Japan Times]]'', 17 April 2011, p. 9.</ref> In 2009, 866 tons of dolphins and whales were harvested off the coast of Iwate, accounting for more than half of Japan's total catch of 1,404 tons.<ref>[[Kyodo News]], "[http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110526a2.html Sea Shepherd's return to Iwate town enrages local fishermen]", ''[[The Japan Times]]'', 26 May 2011, p. 2.</ref>

== Demographics ==
[[File:Iwate prefecture population pyramid in 2020.svg|thumb|271x271px|Iwate prefecture population pyramid in 2020]]
As of October 1, 2022, Iwate Prefecture had a population of 1,180,595. Consistent with [[Aging of Japan|population trends across Japan]], Iwate has experienced a slow, but steady decline in growth since the end of World War II with a major contributing factor being an aging population. As of October 2019, 33.1% of the population was over 65 with 15.4% aged between 65 and 74 and 17.7% over 75.<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 1, 2019|title=Current Population Estimates as of October 1, 2019|url=https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jinsui/2019np/index.html}}</ref> Moreover, the 1950 census saw the most births in the prefecture with 45,968 reported, but since then there has been a major decline to only 7,220 births from October 2018 to September 2019. This is in contrast to the 17,681 deaths recorded during the same period. Finally, Iwate has a net negative migration rate (-2.8) with 21,265 permanently leaving the prefecture and 16,795 entering.

{{Historical populations
| 1890 |   655,400
| 1920 |   846,000
| 1930 |   976,000
| 1940 | 1,096,000
| 1950 | 1,347,000
| 1960 | 1,449,000
| 1970 | 1,371,000
| 1980 | 1,422,000
| 1990 | 1,417,000
| 2000 | 1,416,180
| 2010 |1,330,147| 2020 |1,210,534
|align       = none
| footnote = 
}}

== Notable people from Iwate ==

The web site of the Iwate prefecture provides the summarized biographies of 'Famous Iwate people' in Japanese and English.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pref.iwate.jp/kyouikubunka/kokusai/1006971/1006978/1006989.html#:~:text=%20Famous%20people%20of%20Iwate%20%201%20Ishikawa,Prime%20Minister%20of%20Japan%20who%20created...%20More%20|title=Famous people of Iwate}}</ref>
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦--->
*[[Gege Akutami]] (born 1992), manga artist and author of ''[[Jujutsu Kaisen]]''
*[[The Great Sasuke]] (born 1969), professional wrestler and politician
*[[Yusei Kikuchi]] (born 1991), pitcher for the [[Los Angeles Angels]]
*[[Taka Michinoku]] (born 1973), professional wrestler
*[[Milano Collection A. T.]] (born 1976), professional wrestler<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/prof/mirano.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618201640/http://www.njpw.co.jp/prof/mirano.html |script-title=ja:ミラノコレクションA.T. |trans-title=Milano Collection A.T. |archive-date=2010-06-18 |access-date=2014-02-03 |work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |language=ja}}</ref>

*[[Shohei Ohtani]] (born 1994), [[two-way player]] for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]]
*[[Roki Sasaki]] (born 2001), pitcher for the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]]
*[[Chineko Sugawara]] (1938–2016), actress and voice actress

== Natural disasters ==
{{More citations needed section|date=August 2012}}

On 13 July 869, a [[869 Jogan Sanriku earthquake|magnitude 8.6 earthquake and tsunami]] struck the coast of Iwate.

On 14 November 1230, volcanic activity was reported.

On 2 December 1611, a [[1611 Keicho Sanriku earthquake|magnitude 8.1 earthquake]] and tsunami were reported to have killed over 3,000 horses and people.

In 1662 Morioka and its suburbs were hit by a large flood leaving 1,000 dead.

Volcanic activity was reported on Mt. Iwate on 23 March 1686 and 14 April 1687.

In 1700, a tsunami from the [[1700 Cascadia earthquake]] struck Iwate Prefecture. No records from North America exist, but the event was reconstructed using Japanese records.

On 13 May 1717, The Hanamaki area was struck with a magnitude 7.6 earthquake opening cracks in the ground everywhere. There was also widespread destruction of houses and shops.

In Nanbu-han alone, 49,594 people starved to death in the famine of 1755.

Severe famines continue from 1783 to 1787 and again from 1832 to 1838.

Cholera outbreaks occurred in August 1879, in Miyako and Kuji.

In July 1882, a cholera outbreak in Kamaishi left 302 dead and warnings about drinking water were posted throughout the prefecture.

In April 1884, there was another outbreak of cholera in Kamaishi.

In September 1886, cholera outbreaks throughout Iwate left 312 dead.

On 15 June 1896, at 7:32 am, a [[1896 Sanriku earthquake|magnitude 8.5 earthquake]] struck offshore. The ensuing tsunami sent waves onto the coast of Iwate at Yoshihama, in what is now Sanriku town, reaching {{convert|24|m}} in height. 18,158 people died in Iwate alone while some 10,000 homes were destroyed. Fishermen fishing the ocean about {{convert|20|mi}} offshore felt nothing, then returning home the next morning found the shore littered with their homes and the bodies of their loved ones.

In September 1899, dysentery spread throughout the prefecture killing 2,070 people.

There was a widespread crop failure due to violent storms in September 1902. Only 32,900 tons of rice were produced in Iwate, just 30% of the previous year's harvest.

In 1905, there was again a massive crop failure due to heavy rain and cold leading to famine in 1906. People were reduced to eating straw, acorns and roots.

In 1919, a small eruption occurred at Nishi-Iwate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/vois/data/tokyo/STOCK/souran_eng/volcanoes/027_iwatesan.pdf|title=27. Iwatesan|publisher=Japan Meteorological Agency}}</ref>

On 3 March 1933, a [[1933 Sanriku earthquake|magnitude 8.1 earthquake]] struck offshore killing 3,008 people and destroying 7,479 homes. This is the fifth worst earthquake in Japan since 1923.

Small explosions shook Mt. Iwate throughout 1934 and 1935.

In August 1957, there was volcanic activity on Mt. Kurikoma.

There was volcanic activity on [[Mount Akita-Komagatake|Mt. Akita-Komagatake]] from September to December 1970 with lava flows visible from Morioka.

In 2003, earthquakes struck on 26 May (M7.0 off the coast of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture), 25 July (three jolts of M5.5, 6.2 and 5.3 in southern Iwate) and 26 September (M8.3 in Hokkaido but strongly felt in Iwate).

At 8:43 am on 14 June 2008, Iwate was struck by a [[2008 Iwate–Miyagi Nairiku earthquake|7.2 magnitude earthquake]]. The epicenter was about {{convert|8|km}} underground in Ichinoseki City. Thirteen deaths were reported and massive landshifts occurred in Northern Miyagi and Southern Iwate.

On Friday, 11 March 2011, a [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|magnitude 9.0 earthquake]] hit this area, triggering a large tsunami and extensive damage.  The highest run up of water was measured at over {{convert|38|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/04/82888.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406052945/http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2011/04/82888.html |title=38-meter-high tsunami triggered by March 11 quake: survey |publisher=Kyodo News |archive-date=6 April 2011 |access-date=7 June 2013}}</ref>  The disaster destroyed 9,672 of the prefecture's fishing vessels, damaged 108 of 111 ports, wiped out nearly all of the prefecture's fish processing centers, and caused ¥371.5 billion in damage to the prefecture's fishing industry.<ref>{{cite news |author=Fukada, Takahiro |url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110921f1.html |title=Iwate fisheries continue struggle to recover |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |date=21 September 2011 |page=3}}</ref>

On 26 February 2025, [[Ōfunato wildfire|a wildfire]] began to the southeast of Ōfunato, becoming Japan's largest fire in over 50 years. The fire grew to cover 2,900 ha (7,200 acres), damaged at least 78 buildings, and forced thousands to evacuate. It was declared contained on 9 March.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2025-03-09 |title=Massive Iwate wildfire, the nation's largest in half a century, is contained |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/09/japan/iwate-wildfire-contained/ |archive-date=10 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250310162846/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/09/japan/iwate-wildfire-contained/ |access-date=10 March 2025 |website=The Japan Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Tourism ==
{{Div col}}
* [[Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building]]
* [[Chūson-ji]]
* [[Iwate Park]]
* [[Kanjizaiō-in]]
* [[Morioka Hashimoto Museum of Art]]
* [[Mōtsū-ji]]
* [[Muryōkō-in]]
* [[Ryūsen Cave]]
* [[Takadachi-gikei-dō]]
* [[Tōno City Museum]]

{{Div col end}}
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Jodogahama 2017-03-07 (33326979896).jpg|A panorama view of Jōdogahama in Miyako city.
File:Tono Furusato Village , 遠野 ふるさと村 - panoramio (16).jpg|A view of Tono Country Village.
File:171103 Ishikawa Takuboku Memorial Museum Morioka Iwate pref Japan01s3.jpg|The [[Takuboku Ishikawa]] Memorial Museum in Morioka.
File:230729 Geibikei Ichinoseki Iwate pref Japan04s3.jpg|[[Geibikei]]
File:230727 Genbikei Ichinoseki Iwate pref Japan01s3.jpg|[[Genbikei]]
File:230728 Takkoku-no-iwaya Bishamondo Hiraizumi Iwate pref Japan02s3.jpg|[[Takkoku-no-Iwaya]]
File:Sansa Odori Morioka 2017.jpg|Sansa Odori, a famous summer event in northern Honshu.
</gallery>The [[Pokémon]] [[Geodude]] was announced as the tourism ambassador to Iwate Prefecture.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dennison |first=Kara |title=Iwate Prefecture Adopts Geodude as Its Official Pokémon |language=pt-br |website=Crunchyroll |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/pt-br/anime-news/2019/05/14-1/iwate-prefecture-adopts-geodude-as-its-official-pokmon |url-status=dead |access-date=31 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407104137/https://www.crunchyroll.com/pt-br/anime-news/2019/05/14-1/iwate-prefecture-adopts-geodude-as-its-official-pokmon |archive-date=7 April 2023}}</ref> The character was chosen for being a rock type Pokémon, since the word for rock, in Japanese, is Iwa (岩 ''Iwa).''

== Transportation ==

=== Rail ===
Iwate is served by the [[East Japan Railway Company]] (JR East) which operates two high-speed [[shinkansen]] lines in the prefecture and seven local rail lines. The [[Tōhoku Shinkansen]] has stations at Ichinoseki, Oshu, Kitakami, Hanamaki, Morioka, Iwate Town and Ninohe. The [[Akita Shinkansen]] starts at Morioka Station and connects to locations in Akita Prefecture.

JR East operates passenger and freight trains on the [[Tōhoku Main Line]] or Tōhoku-honsen in Iwate but sold the track north of Morioka to the [[Iwate Galaxy Railway Line]] in 2002. The two lines share track with JR still running freight trains and some passenger trains over IGR track and IGR running occasional passenger trains as far south as Hanamaki. There is a large JR freight yard and maintenance facility in Yahaba.

Local lines include the Ofunato Line, the Kitakami Line, the Kamaishi Line, the Tazawako Line, the Yamada Line and the Hanawa Line.

Other lines include the [[Sanriku Railway]] which operates two lines along the coast, the North Rias Line and the South Rias Line.

=== Road ===
[[File:Shianzaka Bridge, Iwate prefecture.jpg|thumb|National Route 45 crossing over the Shiino Bridge in [[Tanohata, Iwate]]]]

==== Expressways====
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E4}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E4A|dab1=H}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E7|dab1=A}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E45|dab1=HK}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E45|dab1=S}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Exp|E46|dab1=K}}

==== National highways====
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|4}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|45}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|46}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|106}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|107}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|281}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|282}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|283}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|284}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|340}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|342}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|343}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|346}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|395}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|396}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|397}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|455}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|456}}
* {{jct|country=JPN|Route|457}}

=== Air ===
* [[Hanamaki Airport]]

=== Sea ===
* [[Kamaishi Port]]
* [[Miyako Port]]
* [[Ofunato Port]]

==See also==
* [[List of people from Iwate]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* Frédéric, Louis (2002 [1996]). [https://books.google.com/books?id=p2QnPijAEmEC ''Japan Encyclopedia'']. Translated by Käthe Roth. Cambridge, Massachusetts: [[Harvard University Press]]. {{ISBN|0-674-01753-6}}, {{ISBN|978-0-674-01753-5}}. {{oclc|58053128}}.
* Yiengpruksawan, Mimi Hall (1998). [https://books.google.com/books?id=YBLTFS1DfRYC ''Hiraizumi: Buddhist Art and Regional Politics in Twelfth Century Japan'']. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. {{ISBN|0674392051}}, {{ISBN|9780674392052}}. {{oclc|38738867}}.

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Iwate prefecture}}
*[http://www.pref.iwate.jp/ Iwate Prefecture Official Website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Iwate}}
{{Regions and administrative divisions of Japan}}
{{2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|39|42|13|N|141|9|9|E|type:adm1st_region:JP-03|display=title}}

[[Category:Iwate Prefecture| ]]
[[Category:Tōhoku region]]
[[Category:Prefectures of Japan]]