Hiroshima is known worldwide as the “City of Peace,” passing on the memory of the atomic bombing. At the same time, it has grown into an industrial hub, supporting Japan through automobiles, fisheries, and more.
With a population of about 2.7 million, Hiroshima has around 65,000 foreign residents (2.4%). That’s higher than Hokkaido’s ratio, reflecting Hiroshima’s international character.
Hiroshima Prefecture Official: https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/
Hiroshima City: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/
1) Key Industries and Unique Companies
Hiroshima thrives as both a city of peace and a center of industry. Opportunities for foreign residents span across diverse fields.
• Automobiles: Headquarters of Mazda, connecting global design and production.
• Retail: DAISO, born in Hiroshima, has grown into a worldwide company.
• Fisheries: Hiroshima is Japan’s top oyster producer. Many foreign workers are active in processing and distribution.
• Sake Brewing: Saijo, called the “City of Sake,” blends traditional brewing with growing international exports.
• Traditional crafts: Kumanofude brushes are prized by Hollywood makeup artists. Miyajima crafts and Hiroshima Buddhist altars also have global recognition.
• Tourism: Miyajima and Onomichi are famous destinations attracting visitors worldwide, expanding jobs in hotels, restaurants, and guiding.
• Unique companies:
• Otafuku Sauce spreads Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki culture globally.
• Calbee, though now based in Tokyo, originated in Hiroshima — its “Kappa Ebisen” snack was inspired by local seafood.
• Satake is a world leader in rice milling machinery, operating in over 120 countries.
MAZDA: https://www.mazda.co.jp/
DAISO: https://www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp/
Saijo Sake Breweries: https://e-sake.jp/
Kumanofude Cooperative: https://www.kumanofude.or.jp/
OTAFUKU SAUCE: https://www.otafuku.co.jp/
Calbee: https://www.calbee.co.jp/
SATAKE: https://www.satake-japan.co.jp/index.html
2) What Kind of Lifestyle Fits You?
• By the sea: Live in Seto Inland Sea towns, surrounded by oysters and fresh seafood, or choose island living.
• In the mountains: Enjoy a quiet life in the Chugoku mountains, with farming, sake breweries, and hot springs.
• In the city: Hiroshima City (1.2 million people) offers compact urban living, connected by streetcars and the Shinkansen.
3) Ties to Pop Culture
Hiroshima appears in pop culture through the themes of peace, baseball, and the Seto Inland Sea.
• In This Corner of the World: Anime film set in wartime Hiroshima, acclaimed internationally.
• Kamichu!: Anime about a girl who becomes a goddess, set in the Seto Inland Sea.
• Hiroshima Carp: A citizen-owned baseball team with passionate fans nationwide, featuring many foreign players over the years.
• Onomichi in film: Setting for classics like The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Transfer Student.
• Manga & Games: Hiroshima dialect and wartime history appear in various works.
• Perfume: A world-famous techno-pop trio originally from Hiroshima.
Perfume: https://www.perfume-web.jp/
4) Stories of Dream Chasers
Hiroshima is home to people who blend the spirit of peace with personal challenge.
• Automotive engineer: A Vietnamese engineer building a career at Mazda, contributing to new car development.
• Tourism bridge: A French entrepreneur opened the café Le Jardin Charme in Onomichi, connecting locals and travelers.
5) Foreign Residents at Work
Hiroshima is home to communities from Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
• Manufacturing: Multinational teams collaborate at Mazda and supplier factories.
• Tourism & Education: Guesthouses and cafés in Miyajima and Onomichi are run by foreign residents, adding diversity to the community.
In Hiroshima, peace and industry coexist.
You might find yourself running a seaside café in a renovated house, joining oyster farming, or supporting sake brewing and traditional crafts like Kumanofude brushes.
In Hiroshima, where peace and challenge meet, what kind of future will you create?
