Itsuki, village in Kuma district, Kumamoto prefecture, Japan
Itsuki is a small village in the Kuma district of Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu, surrounded by forested mountains with steep terrain and deep gorges running through the landscape. Home to around 940 residents whose houses are spread out across large stretches of land, most people here make their living from farming and forestry.
The village was part of old Higo Province and later belonged to the Hitoyoshi Domain during the Edo period before becoming an officially established settlement in the modern era. Over time it developed as a rural community centered on agriculture and forestry.
The village carries the name of a traditional lullaby called Itsuki no Komoriuta, which is recognized across Japan and has shaped how locals view their heritage. Daily life here still reflects old customs and local celebrations that remain woven into the community's sense of place.
The village is accessible by car, though the nearest train station is about 45 minutes away, so residents rely mainly on buses and private vehicles. Visitors should plan ahead and check opening hours of attractions like cafés and villa resorts, as some locations may have seasonal changes or temporary closures.
The village has undergone changes through projects like the planned Kawabegawa Dam, which initially faced strong opposition from residents but was later revived for flood control purposes. These tensions between development and preserving local life continue to shape the community's future direction.
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