shima

Shima is a term used in Japanese that can refer to several related ideas. In the language, shima (島) means "island" and is a common element in place names and geographic terms. The same reading appears in surnames and in various toponyms written with different kanji, such as 志摩, which can indicate a specific name rather than the generic noun.

Geographically, Shima denotes particular places in Japan. The city of Shima (志摩市) is located on the Shima Peninsula in Mie Prefecture, along the coast of Ise Bay. The broader Ise-Shima region, named for its coastal scenery and island-linked geography, spans parts of Mie and surrounding areas and is known for maritime culture and pearl production. Historically, there was a province known as Shima Province (志摩国), a former administrative region that covered part of the Shima Peninsula and neighboring territory in ancient Japan before the modern prefectural system.

As a surname, Shima is found in Japan and among people of Japanese descent abroad. It can be written with different kanji, most commonly 島 or 志摩, and its usage reflects the same etymological link to the idea of an island.

In summary, Shima functions as both a common noun meaning "island" and as a proper noun in geographic and personal names, with notable instances including the city of Shima in Mie Prefecture and the historical Shima Province.