The Origins of Ishikawa Prefecture

The name “Ishikawa Prefecture” originates from here, in Mikawa. In 1871, after the abolition of the clan system, Kanazawa Prefecture was formed. The first governor of Kanazawa Prefecture - Masakaze Uchida - pushed the relocation of the Prefectural Office to Mikawa, due to its ideal location. During the clan system, Mikawa was located roughly in the center of the Kaga Domain, thus Mikawa was considered a more central location. It was also by the Tedori River, at the foot of the sacred Mt. Hakusan, and was far enough from Kanazawa to escape opposition from its people. 

At the time, Mikawa was located in "Ishikawa District" - which was named Ishi (rock)- kawa (river) after the rocky shores of the Tedori River. Thus, after moving the office here in 1872, Kanazawa Prefecture was renamed Ishikawa Prefecture. In the following year, the prefecture was expanded, and the office was relocated to Kanazawa once again. But the name, Ishikawa, continued until today. 

Although the office was located in Mikawa for not even a year, the pride of being the capital of the prefecture still remains. This enterprising spirit influenced the development of the town, leading to the first adoption of the solar calendar in the prefecture, and the early development of schools and post offices.