| Kumejima 久米島町 |
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|---|---|
| — Town — | |
| Sky view | |
| Location of Kumejima in Okinawa | |
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Kumejima
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Japan |
| Region | Kyūshū (Nansei) |
| Prefecture | Okinawa |
| District | Shimajiri |
| Area | |
| • Total | 63.5 km2 (24.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2008) | |
| • Total | 8,953 |
| • Density | 141/km2 (365.2/sq mi) |
| Time zone | Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) |
| Website | Town of Kumejima |
Kumejima (久米島町 Kumejima-chō, Okinawan: Kumijima) is a town located in Shimajiri District, Okinawa, Japan. The town is on the islands of Kumejima, Ōjima, Ōhajima, Torishima, and Iōtorishima. Among the islands, only Kumejima and Ōjima are populated.
As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 8,953 and a population density of 141 persons per km². The total area is 63.50 km².
Kumejima is located approximately 100 km west of Naha, and can be accessed by the New Kumejima Ferry, Japan Transocean Air, or Ryukyu Air Commuter. It is well known for its textiles (Kumejima-tsumugi, an Important Intangible Cultural Property), Kumesen Awamori (Okinawan sake), and deep sea water. 255 ha of wetland have been designated a Ramsar Site.[1]
Historically due to Kumejima's abundance of freshwater, rice was once extensively cultivated. Recently however Kumejima's main industry is sugar cane (sato-kibi) and tourism.
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.
Kumejima Airport serves the island.
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Kumejima,_Okinawa Kumejima, Okinawa] at Wikimedia Commons