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Iriomote Island Industry, Infrastructure, and Net
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Iriomote Island Industry, Infrastructure, and Net
Are you aware of industry and infrastructure in your daily life?
Industries that support the foundations of our human lives are something that working people, no matter what type of job they have, are aware of to some extent in their daily lives.
Infrastructure is also an abbreviation for infrastructure, a term that goes deeper than the broad term "industry" and refers to all the things that support the foundations of society.
For example, it summarizes public facilities such as government offices, hospitals, and schools, as well as gas, water, and electricity, transportation-related items such as roads, rail lines, and public transportation, and even telephones.
The condition of such industries and infrastructure is greatly influenced by the location of the land, its climate, and the disposition of its people.
With this in mind, we will now focus on the industry, infrastructure, and Internet environment of Iriomote Island, a remote island in Okinawa Prefecture.
What about the infrastructure that is essential for life and, in addition, the Internet environment that is indispensable in today's society?
In this article, we would like to introduce the current situation of Iriomote Island, focusing on its industry, infrastructure, and internet.
Industries of Iriomote Island, rich in nature
As I mentioned above, Iriomote Island benefits a lot from its beautiful sea, mountains, rivers, and land, and its primary industry has been greatly developed as tourism.
The population of Iriomote Island is a little over 2,400 as of 2020.
Fourteen villages are scattered along the periphery of the island, where the community is firmly established.
Wherever there is a community where people gather and live, there will always be industry.
What we would like to focus on there are the industries that support Iriomote Island.
Let's look at each industry in turn, including tourism.
1) Agriculture
Iriomote Island is located more than 400 km southwest of the main island of Okinawa, and belongs to the Yaeyama Islands, which include Ishigaki Island.
Because of its location, the region has a subtropical climate that is warmer than that of the mainland, and agriculture is characterized by the production of tropical fruits such as sugarcane and pineapples, in addition to paddy rice and other crops.
Cultivated products with a strong tropical flavor are actively used as products for tourists, and many stores selling sugarcane and pineapple desserts can be found in the area.
Pineapple beer and other beers are also made from pineapples, and this is one product that is popular among many tourists.
In general, the company is characterized by its ability to generate revenue while working well in tandem with the tourism industry.
However, the aging of the resident population has led to a serious shortage of successors, and countermeasures are urgently needed.
Current measures being taken include systems to support the migration of young people, the establishment of highly productive agriculture, and the introduction of machinery to reduce the burden of farming on the elderly by promoting labor-saving practices.
(2) Fisheries
Iriomote Island is a remote island surrounded by the sea on all sides, so the fishing industry is also conducted.
Offshore fisheries targeting skipjack, tuna, and sode-ka mackerel are thriving, and other major fisheries include mozuku farming and shrimp farming.
In addition, coastal fisheries catch Iriomote Island's specialty fish and shellfish such as striped octopus and gasami.
Iriomote Island's specialty seafood is also valued as a menu for tourists, and the fishery industry as well as agriculture is closely related to the tourism industry.
(iii) Livestock industry
One notable aspect of the livestock industry is that it produces Ishigaki beef, a brand name beef.
Ishizaka beef has a smaller frame than other beef brands, so it is raised carefully over a long period of time.
The rich nature and idyllic environment is very suitable for stress-free growth of cattle, and fresh plants from Iriomote Island are fed to the cattle, which is believed to produce very tasty meat.
As mentioned above, most of Iriomote Island is a large forest that has not been touched by human hands, so the area of land for growing cattle is limited, and together with the fact that cattle are forced to be raised for a long period of time, production is not very high.
However, it has a reputation for quality that more than makes up for quantity, and is gaining fame as a brand of beef for its melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and refreshing flavor.
Of course, there are also restaurants on the island that serve Ishigaki beef, which is highly popular among tourists.
(4) Tourism
Tourism is the axis of Iriomote Island's industry.
As can be seen from the fact that each of the industries mentioned above is also intertwined with tourism, the majority of people who visit Iriomote Island from outside are there for the purpose of sightseeing.
As mentioned at the beginning, Iriomote Island is located far from the mainland and features an environment suitable for tourism that is different from the mainland.
First of all, the biggest difference between Iriomote Island and the mainland is its climate. Iriomote Island has a subtropical climate with very mild temperatures throughout the year.
Not only is the summer hot, but temperatures as high as early summer last long enough to fall in spring and fall on the mainland, and the sea opens as early as March.
Furthermore, the midwinter season from December to February is also warm, with temperatures not often falling below 15°C (59°F).
The highest temperatures often exceed 20°C (68°F), a feature that makes it possible to enjoy waterfront activities all year round.
And of course, such a warm environment benefits not only humans.
The warm and humid environment has nurtured a large subtropical jungle on the island of Iriomote over a long period of time.
Of Iriomote Island, which is the second largest island in Okinawa Prefecture after the main island and has a fairly large area for an island, a whopping 90% or more of the land is covered with jungle.
The clear blue ocean, brilliant everlasting summer sun, rivers surrounded by mangroves, majestic waterfalls, and even limestone caves are popular tourist attractions.
In addition, precious animals also play an important role as tourism resources, and you probably know the name of the Iriomote wildcat, a special natural treasure.
I am sure that many of you have seen them not only by name, but also on television.
Many precious animals such as the Iriomote wildcat, crested serpent eagle, Yaeyama semaru box turtle, and Yonaguni sunfish will live on Iriomote Island, making the jungle environment their home.
Many plants unique to the area can be seen, and their preciousness is such that UNESCO has designated the area as a candidate for World Natural Heritage.
As can be seen from this, the natural environment of Iriomote Island is highly evaluated worldwide and is sometimes referred to by the alias "Galapagos of the East," a metaphor for the famous Galapagos.
In order to protect such an environment, Iriomote Island has been intentionally left as a jungle environment without being developed.
There are many tourist attractions created by such magnificent nature, but the jungle of Iriomote Island is characterized by its depth that a first-time visitor without familiarity with the area could get lost if he or she steps into it easily.
This has created great demand, and many local tours have been organized to visit tourist attractions in various parts of the island.
Jungle cruises, trekking, and caving in limestone caves can only be enjoyed with a guide who knows the area well.
In addition, snorkeling, diving, SUP, and canoeing tours are available, including equipment rentals, so that visitors can participate in tours with only their own bodies.
Furthermore, Iriomote Island has a reputation for its beautiful starry sky where you can see constellations of both the northern and southern hemispheres, but there are few light sources on the island at night, so tourists alone cannot move around.
To meet such demand, night tours and other activities are offered, which are enjoyed by many people, along with the jungle at night when the animals are revitalized.
The area near the island's two harbors is a very good tourist destination, with many accommodations for tourists and numerous car rental stores that are essential for free transportation.
In general, it can be said that tourism using the rich natural environment is one of the industries that greatly support Iriomote Island.
infrastructure facility
Then, let's look at the infrastructure facilities that are essential for daily life.
More than 90% of Iriomote Island is covered with unexplored jungle, but is the infrastructure in place?
(1) Town roads
Let's start with the roads that are essential for getting around.
The living area is well maintained and there are no obstacles to living.
The policy is not to have roads throughout the entire island, but rather, they are built in well-selected areas where they are necessary from the standpoint of environmental preservation.
In addition, if repairs are needed, they will be made immediately, so there will be a very clean stretch of town road.
Roads roughly run along the perimeter of the island from the north to the east, and the main areas can be accessed by rental car from Uehara and Ohara Harbors, which are visited by tourists.
(2) Agricultural Road
Most of the agricultural roads subject to certain requirements for the investment supplement of the local allocation tax have been paved, and the missing areas are being repaired as needed.
On the other hand, farm roads outside of certain requirements have not been well maintained because sufficient consideration is needed for pavement in relation to issues such as the decrease in the number of farm workers mentioned above.
(iii) Simple water supply
Water supply is available throughout the residential area and can be used without any problems.
There will be no need to worry about the safety of the water supply facilities, as timely inspections and maintenance of facilities are conducted from time to time.
(4) Public sewage system and agricultural community drainage
As in the mainland, it has all the functions that a public sewerage system should have.
The facility's longevity is ensured through inspections, cleaning, and repairs, making it a safe facility to use.
Internet situation in Iriomote Island
The last section is about the Internet situation, which is indispensable in today's society.
Iriomote Island is a remote island closer to Taiwan than the mainland and more than 90% of the island is undeveloped, but we will provide a summary of whether it is possible to use the Internet in the first place, and if so, whether there are restrictions on where it can be used.
Will there be internet access in the first place?
Now, as it turns out, the Internet environment is also well equipped.
Of course, this does not apply to remote areas of the island, but there is no problem in assuming that they can basically be used.
Smartphones, which are now a necessity for travelers, can be used without problems, but keep in mind that communication speeds vary depending on the location and carrier.
Those who use AU can use it anywhere without feeling any inconvenience.
It has been confirmed that even a budget phone with an au line works without problems.
On the other hand, please note that softbank and docomo may not be available in some buildings.
Hospitality infrastructure for remote island tourism
Taketomi Town, located at the southernmost tip of Japan, declared "Taketomi Town Tourism Town Declaration" in 2010, aiming to promote sightseeing tours and expand sales channels for local products.
The "Taketomi Town Free Wi-Fi" was launched as the core infrastructure in the midst of concerted efforts by the local government and residents to protect the natural environment and landscape and revitalize tourism.
Wi-Fi signals are transmitted via high-quality free spots installed at ship passenger waiting areas (terminals) on each of the town's islands, major tourist spots, and public lodging facilities.
This allows tourists and local residents to enjoy stable Wi-Fi connectivity and Internet access free of charge.
Free wi-fi spots in Iriomote Island
Here are the sightseeing spots and wi-fi spots in Iriomote Island.
Please check back from time to time during your trip.
(Map attached as follows)
https://www.town.taketomi.lg.jp/userfiles/files/topics/seisakusuishin/IT/taketomifreewifi.pdf
in the end
We hope you enjoyed our introduction of Iriomote Island's industry, infrastructure, and nets.
The development of primary industry and tourism is consistent with the overall trend of Okinawa Prefecture, and is an indication of the richness of its tourism resources.
The well-constructed infrastructure and the excellent Internet environment make it a comfortable living environment without excesses or deficiencies.
Whether you are a tourist or planning a long-term stay, we hope you will enjoy the comfortable tropical atmosphere of Iriomote Island.
This article was written by.
