Kumejima, Okinawa
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Kumejima 久米島町 |
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| Town | |
Sky view
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 Location of Kumejima in Okinawa Prefecture |
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 Kumejima
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| Coordinates: 26°20′27″N 126°48′18″E / 26.34083°N 126.80500°ECoordinates: 26°20′27″N 126°48′18″E / 26.34083°N 126.80500°E | |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Kyushu (Ryukyu) |
| Prefecture | Okinawa Prefecture |
| District | Shimajiri |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Haruo Ota |
| Area | |
| • Total | 63.5 km2 (24.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2012) | |
| • Total | 8,228 |
| • Density | 130/km2 (340/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| Website | www |
Kumejima (久米島町 Kumejima-chō?, Okinawan: Kumijima) is a town located in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The town consists of the islands of Kumejima, Ōjima, Ōhajima, Torishima, and Iōtorishima. Among the islands, only Kumejima and Ōjima are populated.
As of 2014[update], the town had an estimated population of 8,228 and a population density of 131 persons per km². The total area is 63.50 km².
Kumejima is located approximately 100 kilometres (62 mi) west of Naha. The town can be accessed by the New Kumejima Ferry, Japan Transocean Air, or Ryukyu Air Commuter. It is well known for its textiles, called Kumejima-tsumugi which are designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property. The town is also known for its Kumesen Awamori (Okinawan sake) and deep sea water.
Historically due to Kumejima's abundance of freshwater, rice was once extensively cultivated. Recently however Kumejima's main industries are sugar cane (sato-kibi), tourism, and deep seawater products.
Kumejima is often said to be one of the most beautiful of the Okinawa Islands. During the time of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, Kumejima was often visited by Chinese envoys called "sapposhi" on their way to Shuri Castle on Okinawa Island. When the Ryūkyū kingdom was abolished by Japan, many noble families were moved from Shuri to Kumejima.
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