Echizen

Echizen refers to several related places and cultural traditions in Japan, most often connected with the historic Echizen Province and the modern region around Fukui Prefecture. Echizen Province (越前国) was an ancient province located in the Hokuriku region along the Sea of Japan, corresponding roughly to the northern part of present-day Fukui Prefecture. The province existed from early Japanese history through the Meiji period, serving as an important center for governance, religion, and culture.

In the late 19th century, Japan reorganized its administrative divisions and the old provinces were replaced by prefectures. Echizen Province became part of Fukui Prefecture, and the name Echizen continued to appear in geography, local institutions, and regional branding. Today, Echizen survives in place names, cultural references, and team or company names tied to the area.

Cultural and historic highlights associated with Echizen include Eihei-ji, a major Soto Zen temple founded by Dogen Zenji in the 13th century, located in the Echizen region of Fukui. The area is also known for traditional crafts such as Echizen washi paper, Echizen lacquerware, and other artisanal products, which reflect the region’s long-standing crafts heritage and coastal economy.

Modern Echizen includes Echizen City, a municipality in Fukui Prefecture that preserves and promotes the region’s historical and cultural identity. The name remains a reference point for tourism, local industry, and regional culture within the prefecture.