Japan Guide
Shikoku
Kōchi
Sun-kissed KŌCHI lies dead in the centre of the arch-shaped southern prefecture of Shikoku. Texts from 712 AD refer to the area as "Takeyoriwake", meaning "brave and manly country" – a reputation enforced by the city being the birthplace of some of Japan's most impressive historical figures. Tosa was the next name of the area and is still used by people today, particularly when referring to the local cuisine. It wasn't until 1603, when ruling daimyō Yamaguchi Katsutoyo named his castle Kōchiyama (now Kōchi-jō), that the city adopted its present name.