Local staff members provide a thorough explanation of the history of Iriomote Island, one of Japan's unexplored wonders!

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One of the largest activity stores in Iriomote Island
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Iriomote Island is called the unexplored region of Japan, but there are ruins and abandoned villagesAncient Historyare left behind.

 

Iriomote Island has a lot of shared history as part of the Yaeyama Islands, so it is difficult to talk about it in a limited way.

 

In this article.All of the Yaeyama Islands including Iriomote IslandThe following is a brief history of the project, including

History of Iriomote Island

Iriomote Island is nowadays part of the World Natural Heritage candidate sites by the Japanese government.Recommended to UNESCOThe island has attracted attention for its natural beauty.

 

The island, also known as the "unexplored land," is steeped in history,Traces of the timesThey have left the

 

Let us start with the earliest period of history currently found on Iriomote Island!

 

History of Iriomote Island
(1) Prehistory

Prehistory is a writtenA time when there were no documents left behind.refers to the Paleolithic and Jomon periods in Japan.

 

From Ishigaki IslandFossilized human bones from about 27,000 years agowas discovered, and at that time Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands wereThey were connected by one land.It is therefore believed that humans have existed on Iriomote Island since that time.

 

However, the oldest traces of humans found on Iriomote Island at this time are shell mounds dating back 3,500~4,000 years.

 

On Iriomote Island, it is believed that settlements were formed especially early among the Yaeyama Islands, which include 10 inhabited islands such as Ishigaki Island.

 

Special Civilizational Changes in Iriomote Island

Before the 12th century, Iriomote Island had a civilization that underwent a special change compared to other areas.

 

Yaeyama at this time of year is mainlyPleistocene epochandpreceramic periodThe two categories are

 

If the period of pottery production came after the period of no pottery, it would be like any other land,In Yaeyama, it's the other way around.It is.

 

Curiously, it is believed that the Yaeyama period was preceded by the Archean Era and followed by the Non-Archean Era.

Yaeyama culture does not come from the north, including the main island of Okinawa,Philippines, etc.Cultures that came from the southandRooted.

 

Although the main island of Okinawa is now part of the same prefecture, the main island of Okinawa does not have the sameSame history as Jomon and Yayoi periodsThe process of

 

The distance from the main island to Iriomote Island is more than 400 km.Physical distancehas made this difference.

The Yaeyama Archean Period began with the arrival of people with pottery technology from the south, and the stone tools that remain are consistent with southern characteristics.

 

Then, after a period of about 800 years, they returned to an earthenware culture, and thenEarthenware-free period until about the 12th centurywas seen to have continued.

 

Prehistoric Remains on Iriomote Island

 

History of Iriomote Island
(2) Gusuku period

The next period we visited was called the Gusuk period.13th century - end of 14th centuryThis is over the

 

Throughout Japan, people lived communally in groups after this period, and earthenware and ironware were widely used,Agricultural DevelopmentThe community was built with the

 

Accompanying this is the rise of a leading mass presence from within the group, and their presence grows into a ruler later in life.

However, Iriomote Island is considered to have been relatively calm in this period, and the politicalRuler not yet present.and conflict is seen as almost nonexistent.

 

The history of Iriomote Island and the Yaeyama Islands is a vague expression of "seen" because the history of Iriomote Island and the Yaeyama Islands dates back to the 14th century and before.No records were kept at all.This is due to the following reasons.

 

Therefore, it is difficult to fully grasp the actual situation, as we can only generally predict the situation based on archaeological sites and other information.

The historical relationship is clear in the15th centuryThe historical relationship is clear once you get into it.

 

After this time, each island of YaeyamaAnji (Anji, Aji, Azu)It seems to be documented that the rise of a ruler called

 

History of Iriomote Island
(iii) Ryukyu Kingdom

The Gusuku period, which had lasted for two centuries, was coming to an end.1500 years.

 

The Yaeyama chieftain, who had the grand support of the islanders at the time.yellow-vented hornet (Vespa analis)but Yaeyama became under the control of the Ryukyu Kingdom after the Ryukyu Islands were defeated.

 

Oyake-Kachibachi Rebellion

The war between Oyakeakahachi and the Kingdom of Ryukyu.Oyake-Kachibachi RebellionIt is called.

 

Ryukyuan records stated that Ryukyu attacked Yaeyama because Ryukyu was cut off from tribute from Akahachi for 2~3 years and attacked Miyako Island.

It was the Ryukyu Kingdom that initiated the conflict, and this record that describes Akahachi in a bad light is full of unnatural records, and is a record to the Ryukyu Kingdom.Rewritten by DiscoveryIt seems to be a description.

 

The Yaeyama archives are unanimous in stating that all the islanders were sympathetic to the akahachi,Statue of Red Beewas built and is still celebrated as a hero.

 

Ruler of Yaeyama after the Ryukyu Kingdom

Thirty years after the Akahachi Rebellion, from the Ryukyu KingdomNishitangThe person will be sent to you.

 

Nishitang is from Taketomi Island.Engineer who served the Ryukyu Kingdom for 25 years.and is so respected as a great statesman, philanthropist, and patriot that the phrase "the spirit of Xitang" has been left behind.

Nishitang is Taketomi Oshuri Yaeyama Oyako(Take-Tomi Woo-Shu-Ri Ye-Ya-Ya-Ya-Ya)The Yaeyama Islands also effectively came under the control of Ryukyu by becoming the "Yaeyama Islands.

 

What is Taketomi Oshuri Yaeyama Oyako?Chief of Branch Office as we know it today.On the occasion of the establishment of the "Kuragen" (today's term for a branch office) on Taketomi Island, a new branch office was set up on the island.

 

thusXitang is,in the Ryukyu KingdomTop of Yaeyama RegionThe Yaeyama region is governed as a

 

Yaeyama Epidemic

During this period, a ship drifted ashore from the Netherlands, causing the then fearedfebrile malariawill invade the Yaeyama.

 

Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is prevalent in the tropics and subtropics.protozoan infectionand its symptoms include high fever and nausea.

 

In more severe cases, the brain is also affected, resulting in serious symptoms such as impaired consciousness and kidney failure.It's going to kill you.This is a dreaded disease called

Of the 1,317 total war deaths, 963 were due to malaria, which accounted forMore than 70%.

 

The Yaeyama Islands, including Iriomote Island, have suffered from this disease for a long time since then,Eradicated more than 400 years later.It was 1961 in the

 

In addition, misfortune struck the Yaeyama Islands.1602.The following is a list of the most common problems with the "C" in the "C" column.

The malaria epidemic has not yet subsided, and in the Yaeyama IslandsPemphigusoccurs, resulting in many deaths.

 

Pemphigus is the so-called smallpox, a worldwide epidemicDeadly disease that caused a large number of deathsIt is.

 

The battle against disease is an important element in the history of Iriomote Island and the Yaeyama Islands.

 

As for the history of this period, the Satsuma clan advanced into Ryukyu in 1609, and Ryukyu became the dominant country of Satsuma, and thus was indirectly ruled by the Satsuma clan.

 

Forced Migration and Settlement

In 1711, Aragusuku Islanders and Taketomi Islanders were forced to go to Nakama Village on Iriomote Island.forced emigrationI was made to do it.

 

This was done by the Ryukyu Kingdom.eccentricity policyIt was called, "The goal of the project was to cultivate undeveloped land.

 

The history of Iriomote Island's pioneering development was by forced immigrants called "YorininNew village construction and repeated village closuresIt was.

 

However, it was hardly a success, as many people lost their lives due to outbreaks of malaria and other diseases.

 

History of Iriomote Island
(4) Modern

Seven years after the Ryukyu Disposition, the Ryukyu Kingdom became the Ryukyu Domain, the abolition of feudal domains was implemented, and the Ryukyu Domain became the same as it is todayOkinawa prefecture (including Okinawa island)The name was changed to

 

Accordingly, the Yaeyama Islands were also incorporated into Okinawa Prefecture.

 

Iriomote Island is in Okinawa Prefecture.The only coal-producing islandIn,We got a lot of resources.

One of the major events of this period was in 1886, when Mitsui & Co.Gathering prisoners and mining coalThis is due to the fact that the company inherited the

 

Coal mining continued for 60 years until the defeat of World War II, and in parts continued until 1968.

 

In order to keep the prisoners in the workforce, and as a means of preventing escape, wages were not paid in cash but in paper with the amount stamped on it, and could only be spent in the mine's kiosk.

 

History of Iriomote Island
5) Contemporary

After the great defeat in World War II, Okinawa Prefecture, including Iriomote Island, was occupied by the U.S., but the island was not,Returned to Japan in 1972The first time the company was founded, it was in the process of being reorganized into a new company.

Four years later, in 1976, the same broadcasts as in mainland Japan could be seen, and in 1993, two commercial broadcasters opened.

This is how we came to Iriomote Island today, a place with a worldwide reputation for its rich natural environment and popularity as a tourist destination.

 

Iriomote Island Recommendation
5 activities!

If you know the history of Iriomote Island and experience the great nature of Iriomote Island, you will alsoA different way to enjoywill be found.

 

Next, we will introduce five recommended activities where you can enjoy the nature of Iriomote Island!

 

Iriomote Island RecommendationActivities
(1) Barras Island Snorkeling

Speaking of recommended aquatic activities on a remote tropical island,snorkelingIt is.

 

Many coral reefs grow in clusters around Iriomote Island, and you can encounter a variety of creatures.

 

On the island of BarrasMore than 100 kinds of tropical fishand you will be able to see fish you have never seen on the mainland!

Also, if you're lucky.To meet sea turtlesThere are also

 

You will definitely feel like an inhabitant of the sea world!

 

Iriomote Island RecommendationActivities
(2) Mangrove SUP/Canoe Tour

Next up is the World Heritage SUP/Canoe Tour.

 

Among the activities in Iriomote IslandHighly popular tour!

The space where you can relax and sway on the water while being embraced by the great nature isIt feels very mysterious.

 

Just look around you.A great activity that will give you power.It is!

 

It will be a healing experience for both mind and body!

 

Iriomote Island RecommendationActivities
Mangrove SUP/Canoe &
Barras Island Snorkeling

This plan includes the two packages introduced earlier: SUP/canoeing at the World Heritage Site and snorkeling at Barasu Island!

 

At Barras Island SnorkelingIf you are lucky, you may see sea turtles!

The sea around the coral-covered Barras Island is crystal clear and very beautiful.

SUP/canoeing experience at the World Heritage Site is cruising on a calm river OR ocean!

 

Iriomote Island, registered as a World Natural Heritage Site.Plan to enjoy the great outdoorsIt is.

 

Iriomote Island RecommendationActivities
Canyoning

What is Canyoning?Canyons with elevation differencesThis activity involves trekking, swimming, canoeing, and other elements to go down the

 

Play on a natural water slide or jump into a waterfall basin.thrillYou can enjoy the

 

Life jackets, helmets, etc. on the tour.Safety-conscious equipmentto provide a safe and enjoyable experience.

Upper canyoning, of course.Beginners can also enjoyActivity.

 

With a guideWe will proceed at your pace and challenge you!

 

Iriomote Island RecommendationActivities
5⑤Starry sky & jungle night tour

The starry sky & jungle night tour on Iriomote Island, which has been selected as a World Heritage Site, is one of the tours you should definitely experience.

 

You can't see it in Honshu.Unusual creatures and plantsto see the

 

The tour with a knowledgeable guide is sure to be satisfying as you can learn about Iriomote Island in depth.

Second in the world.The Starry Sky Reserve.The starry sky, certified as a "starry night sky," is a sight to behold!

 

If the weather is clear, you may be able to enjoy the Milky Way with the naked eye.

 

If you come to Iriomote Island, please stay overnight and enjoy the night as well.

 

in the end

We have introduced the history of Iriomote Island in connection with the Yaeyama Islands as a whole.

 

to the present Iriomote Island,A history far removed from the mainlandIriomote Island has been following the

 

If you visit the island after knowing its history, you will surely be able to experience Iriomote Island from a deeper perspective!

 

Please visit Iriomote Island and experience its depth.

 

Thank you for reading to the end!