Expert: Hank Hokamp - 4/10/2005

Question
Hey but  wat does Amakusa mean?
And where did the name come from?

Answer

    Amakusa (天草) is an island belonging to Japan, 26½ miles long and 13½ in extreme width, situated about 32°20'N, 130°E, on the west of the province of Higo (island of Kyushu), from which it is separated by the Yatsushiro-kai.

It has no high mountains, but its surface being very hilly -- four of the peaks rise to a height over 1500 feet -- the natives resort to the terrace system of cultivation with remarkable success.

A number of the heads of the Christians executed in connection with the Shimabara rebellion in the first half of the 17th century were buried in this island. Amakusa produces a little coal and fine kaolin, which was largely used in former times by the potters of Hirado and Satsuma.

Now Amakusa, Kumamoto is a district and Amakusa, Amakusa, Kumamoto is a town in Kumamoto.

   Best I can do!

         HANK