In contrast, the other islands in Japan are generally smaller and less developed. Hokkaido, the second-largest island, is located in the north and has a cold climate that is not conducive to agriculture. Kyushu, the third-largest island, is located in the south and has a warm climate, but it is also mountainous and has limited land for farming. Shikoku, the fourth-largest island, is located in the west and is also mountainous with limited land for farming.
As a result, most people in Japan live on Honshu, where they have access to the best infrastructure, resources, and opportunities.