Iejima
| Native name: 伊江島 | |
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 Iejima
Iejima among the Okinawa Islands
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| Geography | |
| Location | East China Sea |
| Coordinates | 26°42′58″N 127°47′25″E / 26.71611°N 127.79028°E |
| Area | 23 km2 (8.9 sq mi) |
| Coastline | 22.4 km (13.92 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 172 m (564 ft) |
| Highest point | Mount Gusuku |
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| Demographics | |
| Population | 4,610 (2012) |
| Pop. density | 200 /km2 (500 /sq mi) |
Iejima (伊江島 Iejima?), previously romanized in English as Ie Shima, is an island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan, lying a few kilometers off the Motobu Peninsula on Okinawa Island. The island measures 20 kilometres (12 mi) in circumference and covers 23 square kilometres (8.9 sq mi). As of December 2012 the island had a population of 4,610. Most islanders live in Ie Village, which has a ferry connection with the town Motobu on Okinawa Island. Iejima is generally flat. The most notable geographic feature is a peak called Mount Gusuku (or locally "Tacchu") at a height of 172 meters. The mountain resembles a volcano but is actually an erosion artifact.
U.S. journalist Ernie Pyle died there during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II. There is a monument dedicated to his memory on the southern part of the island. Every year on the weekend closest to his April 18 death there is a memorial service.
Alternately called "Peanut Island," for its general shape and peanut crop, or "Flower Island," for its abundant flora and more sizeable crop, Iejima draws tourists by ferry, especially during late April when the Ie Lily Festival begins. The Youth Excursion Village accommodates campers for 400 yen a person and includes access to a good beach. The YYY Resort and Hotel located just east of the ferry port is available for those who do not wish to camp.
Iejima, then called Ie Shima by US military and media, was the major starting point for the Surrender of Japan in World War II. It was the home of the 413th Fighter Group which comprised the 1st, 21st and 34th Fighter Squadrons, the 345th Bombardment Group, consisting of the 498th, 499th, 500th and 501st Squadrons, along with the 548th and 549th Night Fighter Squadrons of the 7th Fighter Command. All three groups were stationed there toward the end of the war.
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