Izena, Administrative district in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Izena is an administrative district on an island off Okinawa Prefecture comprising five settlements: Izena, Nakada, Shomi, Uchihana, and Jicchaku. The area is shaped by farmland, small villages, and shorelines that connect these different locations together.
The district is known as the birthplace of King Sho En, who founded the Second Sho Dynasty and ruled the region during medieval times. This connection to royal history has preserved a special place in local memory.
Local people continue generations of farming sugar cane and gathering edible seaweed using techniques passed down through time. These activities shape the everyday landscape and rhythm of life on the island.
The main link to the island is a regular ferry service from Nakada Port to Unten Port on the mainland. This ferry connection makes it straightforward to reach the settlements, though plan time for the crossing.
The district holds rare forest stands with ubame oak and Okinawa pine trees scattered across the island. Within it are also archaeological sites containing ancient shell mounds that reveal early settlement history.
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