is one of the five wards of Kumamoto City, Japan. Meaning literally "east ward," it is bordered by the Kita-ku, Chà «à Â-ku, Minami-ku and also by the towns of Kikuyà Â, Mashiki and Kashima. As of 2020, it has a population of 189,524 people and an area of 50.32 km<sup>2</sup>.