Ehime Prefectural Citizen's Day

They call it something different, but today, and February 20th annually is Ehime Prefectural Citizen's Day. In Japanese they call it 県政発足記念日, which means Prefectural Government Establishment Day. But the occasion is very similar to the Prefectural Citizen's Day of other prefectures. The purpose is to recognize and reflect on the identity of Ehime Prefecture.

Ehime Prefecture was formed in 1873 when Ishizuchi Prefecture and Kamiya Prefecture were merged. This reorganization took place during the Meiji era, a period when Japan was rapidly modernizing its administrative structures. The date marks the official beginning of Ehime’s unified prefectural government and the foundation of its contemporary identity.

The anniversary was formally established in 1973, exactly 100 years after the prefecture’s creation. That year, Ehime held its first commemorative events, which included the adoption of the Ehime Prefectural Emblem and the official Prefectural Song—symbols meant to express the region’s character and pride. One of its central traditions on this day is the Governor’s Commendation. It is awarded to individuals who have made particularly notable contributions to the advancement of prefectural administration.

What do you associate with Ehime Prefecture? What I most associate with Ehime is mikan, hence the feature photo of this post!