Kin, Okinawa

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Kin (Kunigami: ciɴ; Japanese: 金武町 -chou) is a town located in Kunigami district, Okinawa, Japan.

As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 10,403 and the density of 275.58 persons per km². The total area is 37.75 km².

Additionally, Kin is home to some of the finest awamori of the main island of Okinawa. It is also home to Camp Hansen; a U.S. Marine Corps base that supports ground combat, communications, 31st MEU(SOC), 7th Communications Battalion, and other battle elements.

Historically, Kin is known as an entertainment location for the U.S. Marines stationed there. Although the town encompasses more than the location outside Camp Hansen, it is mostly known by Marines as a place to find a meal, a drink, or a "date." Women under contract (playfully called "buy-me drinkie girls" by the military personnel) inhabit most of the bars in Kin and are essentially prostitutes. Sexually transmitted diseases (even HIV or AIDS) are rampant with these working girls.

Although there have been recent military backlashes in Okinawa, Kin is very welcoming to the military, as they receive income for such things as port use, tourism, and merchants. After the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Marines from U.S. 3rd Marine Division were able to leave directly out of the ports in Kin via HSV Ferry to deploy to other areas in the Far East rather than flying.

Flag of Kin