is one of the five wards of Kumamoto City, Japan. Meaning literally "north ward," it is bordered by the Nishi-ku, Chà «à Â-ku, Higashi-ku and also by the cities of Yamaga, Kikuchi, Kà Âshi and the towns of Gyokutà  and Kikuyà Â. As of 2020, it has a population of 139,833 people and an area of 115.65 km<sup>2</sup>.