What¡¯s in a name? For Shiga Prefecture, it¡¯s a question of identity, and one that residents will have a formal opportunity to consider changing next month.
Shiga Gov. Taizo Mikazuki said Monday the prefecture will conduct a survey in June of 3,000 residents, asking them if they feel it necessary to change the name of the prefecture, partly to raise its profile as a destination for domestic tourism, which is booming in neighboring Kyoto.
Possible names include ¡°Omi Prefecture,¡± which was suggested by a local Liberal Democratic Party member. Omi is the historical name for the province, while Omi beef is prized among connoisseurs as one of Â鶹´«Ã½ finest.
Another option is to rename it ¡°Biwako Prefecture,¡± a nod to the fact that the prefecture is home to Lake Biwa, Â鶹´«Ã½ largest body of fresh water.
The June survey will ask residents if they think the name of ¡°Shiga¡± is adequate and whether they think it should be changed. It will solicit suggestions for what the new name might be. The results will be compiled by August.
It isn¡¯t the first time the prefecture has explored the possibility of a name change. In 2010, 150 residents were canvassed on the question, but 78 percent said they liked the name ¡°Shiga.¡± However, a 2013 survey by Nikkei Research showed that Shiga ranked 37th nationwide in terms of name-brand recognition.
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