Chatan, Coastal district in Nakagami, Japan
Chatan is a coastal town in Nakagami District that stretches along the East China Sea on Okinawa's western side. The landscape features limestone hills to the east and flat areas near the shore, with a population of around 28,578 people.
Before World War II, the town was known for its extensive rice farming, with large paddies that locals called Chatan taa-bukkwa in the Okinawan language. The landscape transformed dramatically after the war due to military installations.
Eight designated cultural monuments shape the town, including the traditional Chatan Uchinā-yā residence and several sacred sites within Chatan Gusuku. These places show how people here have kept their history alive and woven it into their everyday surroundings.
Four elementary schools, two junior high schools, and one senior high school serve the population's educational needs. When visiting, be aware that military zones are off-limits to the public and the land is divided into distinct areas.
Military installations cover roughly half the land area here, creating a distinctive blend where Japanese and American influences shape daily life in unusual ways. This presence is woven into the fabric of the town in ways visitors will notice.
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