Kumejima, Okinawa
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Kumejima (久米島町; -chō) is a town located in Shimajiri district, Okinawa, Japan.
As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 9,242 and the density of 145.54 persons per km². The total area is 63.50 km².
It is on an island approximately 100 km west of Naha; and can be accessed by hydrofoil or charter plane. It is well known for a unique style of architecture, textiles, several ancient pine trees and for a pair of rock formations, a yonic lava tube called "miifugaa" in the north end of the island and an offshore phallic lava column in the south called "garasaa-yama". Both of these are frequented as fertility icons.
Kumejima is often said to be one of the most beautiful of the Ryukyu 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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