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54-519: Naha is located on the East China Sea coast of the southern part of Okinawa Island , the largest of Okinawa Prefecture. The modern city was officially founded on May 20, 1921. Before that, Naha had been for centuries one of the most important and populous sites in Okinawa. Naha is the political, economic and educational center of Okinawa Prefecture. In the medieval and early modern periods, it

108-496: A humid subtropical climate ( Köppen climate classification Cfa )—bordering on tropical rainforest climate ( Köppen climate classification Af )—with hot summers and mild winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year; September is the wettest month and December is the driest. Naha has hot and humid summers with July and August being the city's warmest months, exceeding an average high of 31 degrees Celsius (88 °F). Naha has warm winters, with average high temperatures in

162-769: A community traditionally said to have been founded by Japanese settlers. It was organized around Wakasamachi-Ōdōri, an avenue which intersected with Kume-Ōdōri and ran across tidal mudflats to the east of Ukishima, connecting the community to the port of Tomari on the Okinawan mainland. A number of Japanese shrines and temples were located in Wakasamachi, including the Naminoue Shrine , the Zen temple Kōganji, and temples devoted to Ebisu and Jizō . The community had lodgings specifically set aside for traders and travelers from

216-615: A median line that Tokyo regards as the two sides' sea boundary, they may tap into a field that stretches underground into the disputed area. Japan therefore seeks a share in the natural gas resources. The gas fields in the Xihu Sag area in the East China Sea ( Canxue , Baoyunting , Chunxiao , Duanqiao , Wuyunting , and Tianwaitian ) are estimated to hold proven reserves of 364 BCF of natural gas . Commercial operations began 2006. In June 2008, both sides agreed to jointly develop

270-652: A wider role in regional security cooperation by engaging in joint naval drills with allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. The actions of the MSDF in the East China Sea help promote stability, build confidence, and deter security threats, showcasing Japan's active stance on maritime security and defense in the Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan's involvement in the East China Sea is influenced by its territorial disputes and strategic concerns, especially in relation to

324-504: Is attached directly to an upscale shopping mall; another mall, Naha Main Place, a few hundred meters (yards) down the street, contains many upscale Western-brand fashion boutiques, with restaurants and other shops. Frequented by young people, the area boasts large stores such as Toys R Us and Best Denki (an electronics store), a co-op market, many restaurants and a movie theater. The Okinawa Prefectural Museum , containing sections devoted to

378-572: Is highly important in the East China Sea, particularly in relation to the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands conflict. Japan has improved its abilities at sea by increasing naval patrols and surveillance in order to protect its territorial rights and monitor activities in the region. The MSDF being there highlights Japan's dedication to safeguarding its territorial waters, ensuring maritime security, and upholding international law when dealing with maritime disagreements. Additionally, Japan also plays

432-775: Is located on the northern mouth of the Kokuba River in Naha Port. Mie Castle was built on the northern mouth of Naha Port in 1546 by King Shō Sei . It was built to defend the Port and city of Naha, alongside its sister Yarazamori Castle . Between the two castles, an iron chain boom-net could be drawn up to deny ships access to the harbor. Mie Castle, although the smaller of the two, was armed with 7–9 cm cannons. The defenders were also armed with pikes and native-made hand cannons . These defenses were intended for use against pirates, however they proved successful in driving away

486-521: Is quite likely that many other Chinese, chiefly from Fujian and other maritime trading areas along the southern Chinese coast, would have settled here as well. Major sites in the community included the Tensonbyō Taoist temple near the northern end of Kume-Ōdōri and two shrines called Upper and Lower Tenpigū, dedicated to the Taoist goddess of the sea Tenpi, also known as Matsu . A Confucian temple,

540-653: Is the Yellow Sea , separated by an imaginary line between the southwestern tip of South Korea 's Jeju Island and the eastern tip of Qidong at the Yangtze River estuary . The East China Sea is bounded in the east and southeast by the middle portion of the first island chain off the eastern Eurasian continental mainland, including the Japanese island of Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands , and in

594-651: Is the largest river flowing into the East China Sea. There is a cluster of submerged reefs in the northern East China Sea. These include: The sea is called the East Sea in Chinese ( 東海 ; Dōng Hǎi ), and is one of the Four Seas of Chinese literature . There are three other seas, one for each of the four cardinal directions. Until World War II , the sea was referred to as 東支那海 ( Higashi Shina Kai ; "East Shina Sea") in Japanese. In 2004, official documents of

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648-411: Is the neighborhood of Tsuboya ( 壺屋 , "pot/jar shop") , which was once a major center of ceramic production (see Tsuboya-yaki ). Northeast of Kokusai-dōri is a relatively new commercial district called Shintoshin ( 新都心 , "New Metropolitan Center") . The area, formerly United States military housing, was released to Okinawa in 1987, but major development only began in the mid-1990s. Omoromachi Station

702-725: Is within 200 nautical miles (370 km) from its coast, and thus proposed the Median line division of the EEZ. In 1995, the People's Republic of China (PRC) discovered an undersea natural gas field in the East China Sea, namely the Chunxiao gas field , which lies within the Chinese EEZ while Japan believes it is connected to other possible reserves beyond the median line. Japan has objected to PRC development of natural gas resources in

756-787: The Japanese Foreign Ministry and other departments switched to the name 東シナ海 (pronounced the same), which has become the standard usage in Japan. Common usage in Indonesia refers to the sea as Laut Cina Timur (East China Sea). This name was used officially by the Indonesian government until 2014, when Indonesia switched usage from the word Cina to Tiongkok instead; since then, the name Laut Tiongkok Timur become standard usage in Indonesia. Despite this, many Indonesian media outlets and publications continue to use

810-653: The South China Sea , and on the west by the Asian continent. It connects with the Sea of Japan through the Korea Strait ; it opens in the north to the Yellow Sea . Countries with borders on the sea (clockwise from north) include: South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and China. The International Hydrographic Organization defines the limits of the "Eastern China Sea (Tung Hai)" as follows: The Yangtze River (Chang Jiang)

864-860: The Tokara Islands . Another settlement, known as Izumizaki, lay on the mainland of Okinawa Island, just across the Kumoji River from Ukishima. Izumizaki had no notable or major port facilities and is believed to have been simply an extension of the residential community of Naha proper, which thus spread onto the mainland as the population and according demand for land grew. At some point, the tidal mudflats and Kumoji River separating Ukishima, that is, Naha, from Okinawa Island were filled in. The neighborhoods of Kume, Wakasa, and Tomari can still be found in Naha today. Commodore Matthew C. Perry 's expeditionary squadron stopped in Naha en route to Tokyo in 1853; and

918-617: The American ships visited several more times. The lithographs prepared from drawings made by the expedition's official artist would be widely circulated. These images would provide the basis for 19th century impressions of the geography and people of the Ryūkyū islands. After the replacement of the Ryūkyū Kingdom with the Ryūkyū Domain in 1872, Naha became the capital city. The Ryūkyū Domain

972-562: The Chunxiao gas fields, but they have never been able to agree on how to execute the plan. Rounds of disputes about island ownership in the East China Sea have triggered both official and civilian protests between China and Japan. The dispute between PRC and South Korea concerns Socotra Rock , a submerged reef on which South Korea has constructed the Ieodo Ocean Research Station . While neither country claims

1026-427: The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands conflict. Although Taiwan claims ownership of the islands, its maritime actions in the area are not as extensive as those of China and Japan. Taiwan keeps a Coast Guard presence for patrolling its waters and dealing with maritime incidents. Still, Taiwan's involvement in the East China Sea is impacted by its larger security concerns and its relations with China across the strait. The tensions over

1080-490: The Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands impact Taiwan's security outlook and regional stability, leading to a need for close monitoring of maritime activities and continued diplomatic communication with relevant parties. Even though Taiwan's involvement in the East China Sea conflict is limited, its position demonstrates its dedication to defending its territorial rights and promoting maritime safety in the Asia-Pacific area. Taiwan, Japan, China, and South Korea all conduct military exercises in

1134-450: The East China Sea near the area where the two countries Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) claims overlap. The specific development in dispute is the PRC's drilling in the Chunxiao gas field , which is located in undisputed areas on China's side, three or four miles (6 km) west of the median line proposed by Japan. Japan maintains that although the Chunxiao gas field rigs are on the PRC side of

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1188-548: The East China Sea width is only 360 nautical miles. China proposed the application of UNCLOS, considering the natural prolongation of its continental shelf, advocating that the EEZ extends as far as the Okinawa Trough . Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that "the natural prolongation of the continental shelf of China in the East China Sea extends to the Okinawa Trough and beyond 200 nautical miles from

1242-523: The East China Sea. Possibly, East China Sea ( Donghai in Chinese ) is represented with the star Eta Serpentis in asterism Left Wall , Heavenly Market enclosure (see Chinese constellation ). 30°N 125°E  /  30°N 125°E  / 30; 125 Mie Castle Mie Castle ( 三重城 , Mie jō , Okinawan : Mii gushiku ) is a Ryukyuan gusuku in Naha, Okinawa . It

1296-512: The East China Sea. The Chinese Navy's activities in the area impact the naval strategies of neighboring countries and shape maritime cooperation initiatives, contributing to wider regional security dynamics. Moreover, the involvement of the Chinese Navy highlights the intricate relationship among maritime security, territorial conflicts, and competition among major powers in the Asia-Pacific area. The Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan (MSDF)

1350-654: The Immaculate Heart of Mary (Kainan Church) is the episcopal see of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Naha . The restored and rebuilt Shuri Castle , the former royal palace of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, is one of the finest gusuku (Okinawan castle) and among the most important historical sites in Naha. The palace, and a series of tunnels underneath it, were used as a major command post by the Imperial Japanese military during World War II, and

1404-631: The Pacific Ocean, to counter China's growing strength, and to be ready for any unforeseen challenges in the future. The role of the Chinese Navy in the East China Sea is important, especially in territorial disputes such as the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands issue. China has expanded its naval involvement in the area by sending out naval ships and carrying out maritime patrols to uphold its ownership of contested lands. This increased naval presence demonstrates China's strategic priority to safeguard maritime routes, defend territorial claims, and show strength in

1458-593: The Ryukyus , Bank of Okinawa and Okinawa Kaiho Bank , are headquartered in Naha. The Bank of Japan , Mizuho Bank , Shoko Chukin Bank and Japan Post Bank also have branches in Naha. Major international insurance companies also have call centers based in the city. Naha Airport is a major transportation hub for the region, and Japan Transocean Air and Ryukyu Air Commuter , subsidiaries of Japan Airlines , are headquartered in Naha. Naha Airport and Naha Port serve

1512-592: The art, history, and natural history of the Ryukyus, opened in the area in November 2007 and sits in front of Shintoshin Park . The city includes seventy-eight wards. Among the former municipalities, only Shuri still exists administratively as a local subdivision. According to the Irosetsuden ( 遺老説伝 ) , the name of Naha comes from its original name, Naba, which was the name of a large, mushroom -shaped stone in

1566-511: The baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea of China is measured," which is applicable to the relevant UNCLOS provisions that support China's right to the natural shelf. In 2012, China presented a submission under the UNCLOS concerning the outer limits of the continental shelf to the UN. However, Japan claims about 40,000 square kilometers part of this territory as its own EEZ because it

1620-465: The body of water along its eastern coast as "East Sea" ( Dōng Hǎi , simplified Chinese : 东海 ; traditional Chinese : 東海 ) due to direction, the name of "East China Sea" is otherwise designated as a formal name by International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and used internationally. It covers an area of roughly 1,249,000 square kilometers (482,000 sq mi). The sea's northern extension between Korean Peninsula and mainland China

1674-523: The boundary of the city of Tomigusuku , is listed on the Ramsar list of wetlands . Four universities are in the Naha area. Two are run by Okinawa Prefecture; two are private. The University of the Ryukyus , the sole national university in Okinawa Prefecture, was also in Naha, on the site of Shuri Castle. Before the restoration of the castle, the university moved to the town of Nishihara to

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1728-609: The castle was subsequently almost destroyed in 1945 by the US Marines, Army and Navy. After the war, the University of the Ryūkyūs was constructed on the site. Today Shuri Castle has been reconstructed, including the famous Shureimon , its main gate, and is registered, along with a number of other gusuku and other Okinawan historical and sacred sites, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Lake Man , covered with mangrove woods on

1782-403: The city, ranging from small huts to temples consisting of several houses. The religion is a mix of Shintoism, Buddhism, Taoism, and indigenous traditions. The most visible part of the local beliefs though is by far the shisa, the Okinawan shiisaa ("lion dogs") that are considered protectors of the island and are found everywhere - walls, roofs, windows, street corners and parks. The Cathedral of

1836-457: The city. ( Naba is a Western Japanese and Ryukyuan word for " mushroom .") Gradually, the stone wore away and became buried, and the name's pronunciation and its kanji gradually changed. In Naha, some archeological relics of the Stone Age were found. From a Jōmon period kaizuka (shell mound), ancient Chinese coins were found. Pottery found by archaeologists indicates that the area

1890-518: The city. Naha Airport is the hub of Okinawa Prefecture. The Okinawa Urban Monorail , also known as the Yui Rail ( ゆいレール ) carries passengers from Naha Airport Station to the center of Naha, Kokusai-dōri, Shintoshin, Shuri, and to the terminal at Tedako-Uranishi Station in Urasoe . The Tomari wharf in Naha connects the main Okinawa island to the rest of the islands around it. Notably it connect to

1944-524: The coast. After the Ryukyu Kingdom was annexed by Japan in 1879, a watchtower was built on the castle. Today, a Japan Coast Guard watchtower stands on the site, although the site itself is open to the public. 26°12′50″N 127°39′54″E  /  26.2138°N 127.6651°E  / 26.2138; 127.6651 This Okinawa Prefecture location article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . This castle-related article

1998-410: The coolest months of January and February, hovering around 19-20 degrees Celsius (66 to 68 °F) and average lows around 14-15 degrees Celsius (57 to 59 °F). The city sees a substantial amount of rainfall, averaging in excess of 2,000 mm (79 in) of rain per year. Naha is an economic center of Okinawa dominated by tourism, retail and service industries. Okinawa's largest banks, Bank of

2052-460: The entrance to the harbor defended the port, and a small island within the harbor held a warehouse, Omono gusuku ( 御物グスク ) , used for storing trade goods. Tomari ( 泊 ) , on the mainland of Okinawa Island to the northeast of Ukishima, served as the chief port for trade within the Ryūkyū Islands. The administrators of Tomari were also responsible for collecting and managing the tribute paid to

2106-537: The fighting. The entire centre of the city had to be rebuilt. On 1 September 1954, the village of Oroku was merged into the city. On April 1, 2013, Naha became a core city , a category of cities of Japan under the Local Autonomy Law of Japan . Naha now carries out many of the functions, notably for public health care, normally delegated to the prefectural government. Naha is the first core city in Okinawa Prefecture. There are numerous shrines throughout

2160-415: The fleet of Satsuma during their 1609 invasion . The castle would continue to be used for anti-piracy, however it became generally used by civilians for seeing ships' departures. Originally, the castle was built in the middle of the water, with a long causeway connecting it to the mainland. Over time however, land became deposited between the causeway and the land to the north until the causeway served as

2214-652: The former sea name. American whaleships cruised for right whales in the sea between 1849 and 1892. There are disputes between the China] (PRC), Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea over the extent of their respective exclusive economic zones (EEZ). The dispute between the PRC and Japan concerns the different application of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which both nations have ratified. China and Japan both claim 200 nautical miles EEZ rights, but

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2268-857: The gift of the Kangxi Emperor , was built in Kumemura in the 1670s; the Meirindō , a school of classic Confucian Chinese learning, was established in 1718. Following their destruction in World War II , the Meirindō, Confucian temple, and Tenpigū shrines were rebuilt on the site of the Tensonbyō in northern Kume, where they stand today as the Confucian temple Shiseibyō . On the northwest side of Ukishima lay Wakasamachi ( 若狭町 , "Wakasa town") ,

2322-755: The kingdom by the Amami Islands , whose tribute ships made port here. Kume-Ōdōri ( 久米大通り , "Kume Great Avenue") ran across Ukishima from southeast to northwest, forming the center of the walled community of Kumemura , the center of classical Chinese learning in Ryūkyū for centuries. Kumemura is traditionally believed to have been founded by 36 Min families sent to Ryūkyū by the Ming Chinese Imperial Court and to be inhabited primarily or solely by descendants of those settlers; historian Uezato Takashi points out, however, that due to Naha's prominence in international maritime trade networks, it

2376-476: The main bus terminal in Okinawa and is served by several stations along the Okinawa Urban Monorail , the only train system in the prefecture. Spurring off from Kokusai-dōri is the covered Heiwa-dōri Shopping Arcade and Makishi Public Market, a massive shōtengai filled with fresh fish, meat, and produce stands, restaurants, tourist goods shops, and liquor shops. Just outside the market area

2430-540: The main land via the a daily ferry to Kagoshima , but also many smaller one to get to the Kerama islands (such as Tokashiki , Aka and Zamami ) Naha is twinned with the following locations. Famous people with links to the city of Naha include: East China Sea The East China Sea is a marginal sea of the Western Pacific Ocean , located directly offshore from East China . China names

2484-402: The maximum depth, reached in the Okinawa Trough , is 2,716 metres (8,911 ft). The Korean peninsula, China, Japan, and Taiwan lie within or border the East China Sea. The East China Sea is an arm of the Pacific Ocean and covers an area of roughly 770,000 square kilometers (300,000 sq mi). It is bounded on the east by Kyūshū and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, on the south by

2538-748: The northeast of Naha. Naha's public elementary and junior high schools are operated by the Naha City Board of Education . Naha's public high schools are operated by the Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education . Private schools include the Okinawa Actors' School . Naha-te , (Naha-hand), called Nawate by Gichin Funakoshi , is a type of martial art developed in Naha. The successor styles to Naha-te include Gōjū-ryū , Uechi-ryū , Ryūei-ryū , and Tōon-ryū . Naha has

2592-524: The period of the Ryūkyū Kingdom, it was a smaller city, prominent as a major port, but not as a political center. Medieval Naha was on a tiny island called Ukishima, connected to the mainland of Okinawa Island by a narrow causeway called Chōkōtei ( 長虹堤 , lit. "long rainbow embankment" ) which led on to Shuri. The main port area for international trade, Naha proper, was divided into the East ( 東 , higashi ) and West ( 西 , nishi ) districts and

2646-561: The rock as territory, the PRC has objected to Korean activities there as a breach of its EEZ rights. In their sphere of naval operations along their littoral (in the East and South China Seas), China today possesses more naval vessels than those of the US Navy. US Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump have given priority to US naval operations, under the US Indo-Pacific Command , to expand its sphere of influence in

2700-612: The south by the island of Taiwan . It connects with the Sea of Japan in the northeast through the Korea Strait , the South China Sea in the southwest via the Taiwan Strait , and the Philippine Sea in the southeast via gaps between the various Ryukyu Islands (e.g. Tokara Strait and Miyako Strait ). Most of the East China Sea is shallow, with almost three-fourths of it being less than 200 metres (660 ft) deep, its average depth being 350 metres (1,150 ft), while

2754-620: Was abolished in 1879 and the former Ryūkyū Kingdom came to an end, fully annexed by Japan as Okinawa Prefecture , with Naha remaining as the capital city. Shuri and other neighboring municipalities were absorbed into the city. An Imperial decree in July 1899 established Naha as an open port for trading with the United States and the United Kingdom. During the battle of Okinawa in World War II , Naha suffered extensive damage from

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2808-471: Was an active site of trade with the Japanese archipelago and Korean peninsula at least as early as the 11th century. Though it is not known just when the area first became organized as a functioning port city, it was active as such by the time of the unification of the Ryūkyū Kingdom in the early 15th century. Though today Naha has grown to incorporate the former royal capital city of Shuri , center of Chinese learning Kumemura , and other towns and villages, in

2862-418: Was on the southwestern portion of Ukishima. A large open-air marketplace was active in front of the royal government trading center, or oyamise ( 親見世 ) . A number of Japanese temples and shrines were located here, along with a residence and embassy, known as the Tenshikan ( 天使館 ) , for visiting Chinese officials. A pair of forts ( Mie gusuku and Yarazamori gusuku ) built atop embankments extending out across

2916-405: Was the commercial center of the Ryukyu Kingdom . Central Naha consists of the Palette Kumoji shopping mall, the Okinawa Prefecture Office , Naha City Hall, and many banks and corporations, located at the west end of Kokusai-dōri, the city's main street. Kokusai-dōri ( 国際通り , "International Avenue") boasts a 1.6 kilometer (1 mile) long stretch of stores, restaurants and bars. Kokusai-dōri ends at

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