Etajima (江田島), also called Nōmi-jima [ja], Nomijima, Nomi Island, or Etajima-Nōmijima (江田島・能美島)[1] is an island in Hiroshima Bay located in southwestern Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. The mess with island name originates from the ancient (and possibly legendary) strait at now town Ōgaki-chō Hitonose (大柿町飛渡瀬).

Etajima
Native name:
江田島 Etajima
Etajima is located in Japan
Etajima
Etajima
Location in Japan
Geography
LocationSeto Inland Sea
Coordinates34°12′5″N 132°26′21″E / 34.20139°N 132.43917°E / 34.20139; 132.43917
Area91.32 km2 (35.26 sq mi)
Length19.2 km (11.93 mi)
Width10 km (6 mi)
Highest elevation542 m (1778 ft)
Highest pointmount 宇根山 (Uneyama)
Administration
Japan
PrefectureHiroshima Prefecture
cityEtajima
Demographics
Population24596
Pop. density269/km2 (697/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsJapanese

Geography

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The island is roughly Y-shaped, with the former Nōmi occupying center, the Okimi - north-western branch, Etajima - north-eastern branch, and Ōgaki - the southern branch. The island's highest peak, mount 宇根山 (Uneyama) 542 m (1,778 ft) high, is located on the western edge of Nōmi town.

Transportation

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Since 1973, the island is connected to the Japanese mainland of Honshu by the Hayase Ōhashi [ja] bridge passing through the Kurahashi-jima island. The island is served by the national route 487. Also, ferries are available from the cities of Hiroshima and Kure on Honshu island[2] and Matsuyama on Shikoku island.

History

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The Imperial Japanese Naval Academy was moved to Etajima Island in 1888. While the academy still exists under the name Naval Academy Etajima, modern Etajima focuses on olive cultivation[3] and fish hatcheries in Etajima Bay north of the island.

Further reading

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  • Cecil Bullock, Etajima: the Dartmouth of Japan (London, 1942)

See also

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References

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