Native name: 彦島Hikoshima | |
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  Hikoshima Location in Japan | |
| Geography | |
| Location | East China Sea |
| Coordinates | 33°56′14″N130°54′52″E / 33.93722°N 130.91444°E /33.93722; 130.91444 |
| Area | 10.58 km2 (4.08 sq mi) |
| Length | 5.7 km (3.54 mi) |
| Width | 2 km (1.2 mi) |
| Highest elevation | 111.8 m (366.8 ft) |
| Highest point | mount 大山 (Ooyama) |
| Administration | |
Japan | |
| Prefecture | Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| city | Shimonoseki |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 30182 (2011) |
| Pop. density | 2,853/km2 (7389/sq mi) |
| Ethnic groups | Japanese |
Hikoshima (彦島) (also calledHikishima (引島) inNihon Shoki) is an island on the south-west tip ofHonshu, Japan.
The island is irregularly shaped and hilly. The strait, as narrow as 40 metres (44 yd), separates the island from the main island ofHonshu. The parts of sprawling city ofShimonoseki occupy most of the island, making it the most populous minor island inYamaguchi Prefecture, albeit only sixth in size by area.[citation needed]
The island is connected to the Japanese mainland ofHonshu by three bridges, one above aship lock. TheKanmon Railway Tunnel connects the island toKyushu, but theSan'yō Main Line has no stop-overs on island, the nearest station beingShimonoseki Station in the downtown area.[1] Also, there is a bridge connection to the small 竹の子島 (Takenoko-jima) on the northwestern tip of the Hikoshima.[citation needed]
The island was inhabited since prehistory, as evidenced bypetroglyphs found in 1918.[2] Following theBattle of Dan-no-ura, the refugees from theTaira clan has migrated to island and set the basis for the local agriculture. The island was an important site ofShimonoseki Campaign in 1863-1864 when it was much feared the island would become the Japanese variant ofHong Kong.[3] The island industrialization began in 1924 with the building ofammonium sulphate plant with German license in 1924.[4] Currently island is heavily populated and industrialized, including a shipyard[5] and atitanium &zinc smelter.[6]
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