Mikawa

Mikawa refers to a historical and geographic region in eastern Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The name originates from Mikawa Province, an ancient political unit that covered the eastern portion of present-day Aichi. The area is bounded by Owari Province to the west and Ise Bay to the south, with Mikawa Bay and the Atsumi Peninsula among its defining features.

In modern terms, the Mikawa region encompasses coastal and inland areas including cities such as Okazaki and Toyohashi. It forms part of the broader industrial and transportation network of eastern Aichi, linking ports, manufacturing centers, and agricultural communities with Nagoya and other regions.

Historically, Mikawa Province existed from early Japanese history and played a role in regional power dynamics. During the Edo period it was divided into several feudal domains under the Tokugawa shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration, Mikawa was reorganized into part of modern Aichi Prefecture.

The region is home to the Mikawa dialect (Mikawa-ben), a distinct variation of Japanese. Today, Mikawa continues to influence local culture, identity, and place names within Aichi Prefecture.