Country Japan District Nakagami Flower Hibiscus Local time Friday 11:23 PM Prefecture Okinawa Prefecture | Region Kyushu Tree Kuroki Ebenales Area 15.04 km² Population 13,823 (Jan 2013) | |
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Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9) Weather 18°C, Wind E at 11 km/h, 91% Humidity | ||
Kadena (嘉手納町, Kadena-chō, Okinawan: Kadina) is a town located in Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.
Contents
- Map of Kadena Nakagami District Okinawa Prefecture Japan
- Geography
- Neighboring municipalities
- History
- Economy
- References
Map of Kadena, Nakagami District, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
As of 2013, the town had an estimated population of 13,823 and a density of 920 persons per km². The total area is 15.04 square kilometres (5.81 sq mi). Approximately 85% of the town is controlled by the US Government including Kadena Air Base, the second-largest base in the United States Air Force.
Geography
Kadena faces the East China Sea to the west.
Neighboring municipalities
Kadena borders three other municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture.
History
The Kadena area has some of the oldest settlement remains, in the form of shell mounds, on Okinawa Island. The Hija River, the modern border between Yomitan and Kadena, was the focus of these early settlements. A number of ruins of minor gusuku (castles and forts) can be found in the area. Amawari, an infamous warlord, was born in the Kadena area while it was still part of Chatan. Japan annexed the island in 1879, and Chatan became a village in 1908. During the Pacific War, Japan built an airstrip in the Kadena area. During the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the United States landed on the banks of the Hija River and captured the airstrip. The airstrip became Kadena Air Force Base. On December 4th, 1948, the American military government separated Kadena from Chatan and established Kadena village. The United States built Kadena Circle outside the base. On January 1st, 1976, four years after Okinawa reverted to Japanese control, Kadena was elevated to town status.
Economy
The economy of Kadena is largely dependent on the presence of Kadena Air Force Base. The town otherwise produces a small amount of pineapples and sugarcane.