Ginoza, Okinawa
Ginoza (宜野座村, Ginoza-son, Okinawan: Jinuza) is a village located in Kunigami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
As of 2013 the village had a population of 5,544 and a population density of 180 persons per km2. The total area of Ginoza is 31.28 square kilometres (12.08 sq mi), and 50% of the land area of the village is used for United States military bases.
Etymology
The kanji for Ginoza (宜野座) mean "suitable field in which to sit".
Geography
Ginoza is located on the eastern coast of the middle of the island of Okinawa. The village is located on the backbone of mountains that run north to south on Okinawa Island, and slopes gently to a broad coastline along the Pacific Ocean. The Kanna Dam was completed in 1993.
Neighboring municipalities
Ginoza borders three municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture.
Districts
Ginoza is divided into four districts.
History
The area of present-day Ginoza was historically agricultural. The area was, however, used as a retreat for members of the artistocratic class of Shuri, Naha, Toumai (Tomari); consequently, the area was strongly influenced, economic and culturally, by the central Ryukyuan state. In a census of Ginoza in 1903 half the town was registered as nobility, and half as commoners.
Podcasts:
