Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of Kyushu, the southernmost of the four major Japanese islands.
On February 13, 2005, the villages of Choyo, Hakusui and Kugino from Aso District merged to form the new village of Minamiaso.
On March 22, 2005, the city of Kikuchi merged with the municipalities of Kyokushi, Shichijo and Shisui from Kikuchi District to form the new city of Kikuchi.