📖 About Chiba

Chiba is Japan's sixth-largest prefecture by population, with Chiba City home to 983,045 residents as of March 2025. The prefecture serves as Japan's gateway, hosting Narita International Airport and possessing a wealth of infrastructure connecting Japan to the world. Transportation infrastructure is advancing with a third runway at Narita Airport scheduled for completion in March 2029.

The prefecture operates through three major city centers: Chiba City Center as the hub of information and commerce, Makuhari New City as an international business district with high-level commercial and convention facilities, and Soga Sub-Urban with diverse urban functions. Chiba City was designated as a National Strategic Special Zone in January 2016, actively promoting drones and personal mobility startups.

Mayor Shunichi Kamiya was re-elected for a second term on March 16, 2025. CEATEC 2025, Japan's largest IT exhibition, will be held October 14-17 at Makuhari Messe, aiming to realize "Society 5.0." The Ken-O Expressway expansion continues, with the New Bayshore Route expressway project under discussion, promising further logistics development.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Chiba's economy spans logistics, tourism, technology, and manufacturing. As a National Strategic Special Zone, the prefecture provides extra subsidies for drone and personal mobility companies. Makuhari New City hosts numerous foreign-affiliated companies, creating an international business environment. The Circular Economy Expo Chiba 2026 will showcase sustainability innovations.

Chiba culture blends traditional Japanese heritage with modern innovation. The prefecture is famous for peanuts, soy sauce production, and seafood from Tokyo Bay. Annual festivals at Naritasan Shinshoji attract millions. Sports culture thrives with the Chiba Lotte Marines baseball team and JEF United Chiba football club. The proximity to Tokyo while maintaining distinct regional character defines Chiba's identity.

📜 History

Chiba Prefecture was established in 1873 from the former Kazusa, Awa, and Shimosa provinces. The name derives from "thousand leaves," referencing the region's abundant vegetation. Naritasan Shinshoji temple was founded in 940 AD and has remained a major spiritual center. The area developed as agricultural land supplying Edo (Tokyo).

The 20th century brought industrialization and urbanization. Narita International Airport opened in 1978, transforming Chiba into Japan's international gateway. Tokyo Disney Resort opened in 1983, becoming Asia's first Disney park. The 21st century brought the National Strategic Special Zone designation and tech-focused development. Today's Chiba balances its gateway role with emerging technology leadership.