Namikata, Ehime

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Namikata (波方町, Namikata-chō^?) was a town located in Ochi District, Ehime, Japan. On January 16, 2005 the town merged with 10 other towns and villages into the city of Imabari and no longer exists as an independent municipality.

As of 2003, the town had an estimated population of 9,794 and a density of 625.02 persons per km². The total area was 15.67 km².

Namikata is remarkable because despite its small size and tranquil location it is home to the offices of numerous shipowing companies, the business of which has usually developed over many years in parallel with the fortunes of shipbuilders in the area. Collectively, Namikata-based shipowners own hundreds of ocean-going ships with a total value of Billions of U.S. Dollars.