ring-shaped community surrounded by flood-control embankments
Refers to a settlement enclosed by a circular levee system, historically common in low-lying areas of Japan such as the Kiso River basin.
Wajū are a settlement pattern often seen in the low-lying wetlands of the Nōbi Plain.
In the wajū of this region, high embankments have long been built to prepare for floods.
From 輪 (wa, 'ring') + 中 (jū, 'inside'), referring to the ring-shaped embankment surrounding the community.