Nakagusuku, Okinawa

Nakagusuku
中城村
Village

Location of Nakagusuku in Okinawa Prefecture
Nakagusuku

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 26°16′4″N 127°47′29″E / 26.26778°N 127.79139°ECoordinates: 26°16′4″N 127°47′29″E / 26.26778°N 127.79139°E
Country Japan
Region Kyushu
Prefecture Okinawa Prefecture
District Nakagami
Government
  Mayor Seitoku Arakaki
Area
  Total 15.46 km2 (5.97 sq mi)
Population (March 1, 2008)
  Total 16,462
  Density 1,065/km2 (2,760/sq mi)
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Symbols
- Tree Ebony
- Flower Hibiscus
- Fish Ijukin (Threadfin bream)
Address 176 Tōma, Nakagusuku-mura, Nakagami-gun
901-2493
Phone number 098-895-2131
Website Nakagusuku official website in Japanese

Nakagusuku (中城村 Nakagusuku-son, Okinawan: Nakagushiku) is a village located in Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.

As of 2008, the village has an estimated population of 16,462 and a density of 1,065 persons per km². The total area is 15.46 km².

The ruins of a fine gusuku (Ryukyuan castle), Nakagusuku, are in this village.

Mascot

The village character (Mascot) is Gosamaru, who was the most famous resident of the castle. He holds a battle fan in one hand, and a carrot in the other. Nakagusuku village is famous for its almost white carrots, which are a point of civic pride.

Village events

On the fourth Sunday of every month there is a small Farmer's Market only for old and young people to participate in. It usually has 4-10 vendors at the Yoshinoura park. Time is from 9:00am to Noon.

Once a year in October the village hosts its Matsuri (festival) on the castle grounds. Local music and dance are performed, and food, games and beer is available from vendors.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nakagusuku, Okinawa.