Kashima () was a village located in
Satsuma District,
Kagoshima Prefecture
is a Prefectures of Japan, prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu and the Ryukyu Islands. Kagoshima Prefecture has a population of 1,527,019 (1 February 2025) and has a geographic area of 9,187 Square kilometre, km2 (3,547 Square m ...
,
Japan
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asia, Asian mainland, it is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea ...
.
As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 838, with a population density of 96.54 persons per km². The total area was 8.68 km².
On October 12, 2004, Kashima merged with the city of
Sendai
is the capital Cities of Japan, city of Miyagi Prefecture and the largest city in the Tōhoku region. , the city had a population of 1,098,335 in 539,698 households, making it the List of cities in Japan, twelfth most populated city in Japan.
...
, the towns of
Hiwaki,
Iriki,
Kedōin, and
Tōgō, and the villages of
Kamikoshiki,
Sato, and
Shimokoshiki (all from
Satsuma District) to form the city of
Satsumasendai.
History
Kashima was historically part of
Satsuma Province
was an old province of Japan that is now the western half of Kagoshima Prefecture on the island of Kyūshū. Nussbaum, Louis-Frédéric. (2005). "Satsuma" in . Its abbreviation was .
History
Satsuma's provincial capital was Satsumasendai. Dur ...
, a domain governed by the powerful
Shimazu clan. The Satsuma Domain played a key role in the
Meiji Restoration
The , referred to at the time as the , and also known as the Meiji Renovation, Revolution, Regeneration, Reform, or Renewal, was a political event that restored Imperial House of Japan, imperial rule to Japan in 1868 under Emperor Meiji. Althoug ...
, significantly influencing Japan's transition from feudal rule to the modern era.
Geography
Located in the northwestern part of Kagoshima Prefecture, Kashima covered an area of 8.68 km². The landscape featured a mix of hilly terrain and coastal areas typical of the Satsuma Peninsula.
Economy
The economy of Kashima was primarily based on agriculture and coastal fishing. Local farms cultivated crops such as rice, sweet potatoes, and tea, while fisheries operated in nearby waters.
Education
Kashima maintained educational facilities for local children, including at least one primary school. Older students typically commuted to neighboring towns for secondary education.
Transportation
Kashima was accessible via regional road networks. Public transportation primarily consisted of community buses connecting to the city of Sendai and nearby towns. Rail access was available from Sendai Station, linking the area to broader Kagoshima Prefecture.
Culture
Like many communities in the Satsuma region, Kashima preserved traditional folk customs and local festivals. Cultural practices often reflected influences from both Shinto and Buddhism, with community festivals (matsuri) held seasonally.
Legacy
Though no longer an independent municipality, the area formerly known as Kashima retains its identity as part of the greater city of Satsumasendai. Its rural character, cultural heritage, and historical significance continue to influence the region.
References
Dissolved municipalities of Kagoshima Prefecture
Satsumasendai, Kagoshima
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