Tokunoshima, Kagoshima


Tokunoshima is a town located on Tokunoshima, in Ōshima District, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan.
As of June 2013, the town has an estimated population of 11,673 and a population density of 111 persons per km². The total area is 104.87 km².

Geography

Tokunoshima occupies the northeastern portion of the island of Tokunoshima, with the Pacific Ocean to the east.
The town as a governmental entity comprises several districts containing a variety of villages and one larger town. This town, generally referred to as Kametsu, is focused around the district of the same name and the neighboring port of Kametoku. Kametsu is the main center of commerce and services on the island.

Towns and Villages

The climate is classified as humid subtropical with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is high throughout the year, but is highest in the months of May, June and September. Because of its climate, tropical and sub-tropical fruits are in abundance.

History

On 1 April 1908 Kametsu Village was founded. It was upgraded to town status on January 1, 1942. As with all of Tokunoshima, the town came under the administration of the United States from 1 July 1946 to 25 December 1953. On 1 April 1958, Kametsu merged with the neighboring village of Higashi-Amagi, and was renamed Tokunoshima.

Transportation