Izena, Okinawa

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**Izena**
**伊是名村**
Izena's location in Okinawa, Japan.
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Kyūshū
Prefecture	Okinawa
District	Shimajiri
Physical characteristics
Area	15.42 km² (5.95 sq mi)
Population (as of January 31, 2008)
Total	1,764
Density	114.40 /km² (296 /sq mi)
Location	26°56′N, 127°56′E
Symbols
Tree	Ubamegashi (Quercus Phillyraeoides)
Flower	Rhododendron simsii
Izena Government Office
Address	〒905-0695 1203 Aza Nakada, Izena-son, Shimajiri-gun, Okinawa-ken
Phone number	0980-45-2001
Official website: Izena official website in Japanese

Izena Island

Izena (伊是名村, Izena-son^?) is a village occupying Izena island in the north of Okinawa, Japan (though administered as part of Shimajiri district).

Its primary claim to fame is that it was the birthplace of King Sho-en, the first king of the second Ryūkyū dynasty. It is also the birthplace of the contemporary artist Naka Bokunen and musician Irei Shunichi (伊禮俊一).

As of 2008, the village has an estimated population of 1,764 and a density of 114 persons per square kilometer. The total area is 15.42 km² (5.95 mi²).

Izena island hosts an annual 88 km triathlon in late October, participation of which (in 2007) was numbered at around 830. There is also a kids' triathlon on the morning preceding the main race.