Yaeyama Islands facts for kids
Map of the Yaeyama Islands
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 Yaeyama Islands in Japan
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Pacific Ocean |
| Archipelago | Sakishima Islands |
| Adjacent bodies of water | East China Sea |
| Administration | |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 53.627 |
The Yaeyama Islands (八重山諸島 Yaeyama-shotō) are a group of islands in the southwest of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. They cover about 591 square kilometers (228 square miles). These islands are southwest of the Miyako Islands. They are also part of the larger Ryukyu Islands chain.
The Yaeyama Islands are the farthest part of Japan from its main islands. They include Japan's most southern island, Hateruma, and its most western inhabited island, Yonaguni. The city of Ishigaki is the main center for politics, culture, and business in the Yaeyama Islands.
The Yaeyama Islands are home to many kinds of subtropical plants and mangrove forests. The islands grow crops like sugarcane and pineapples. The coral reefs around the islands are perfect places for animals like dolphins, sea turtles, and large fish such as Manta rays and Whale sharks. Whales and Dugongs also used to be common here. Yaeyama once had the largest number of Dugongs in the Ryukyu Islands. On Aragusuku Island, there is a special sacred place called an Utaki. It is said to be a resting place for Dugongs. Visitors usually need permission from local people to enter this special area.
Exploring the Yaeyama Islands' Geography
These islands are the southern part of the Ryukyu Islands, which were formed by volcanoes. The area known as Yaeyama District includes all the Yaeyama Islands. However, Ishigaki and the Senkaku Islands are managed separately.
Main Islands Where People Live
Here are the islands in the Yaeyama group where people live:
- Yaeyama Islands (Yaeyama Subprefecture)
Ishigaki City
- Ishigaki Island (Ishigaki-jima)
Taketomi Town
- Aragusuku Island (Aragusuku-jima)
- Hateruma Island (Hateruma-jima)
- Iriomote Island (Iriomote-jima)
- Kayama Island (Kayama-jima)
- Kohama Island (Kohama-jima)
- Kuroshima Island (Kuroshima)
- Sotobanari Island (Sotobanari-jima) (officially no one lives here permanently)
- Taketomi Island (Taketomi-jima)
- Yubu Island (Yubu-jima)
- Hatoma Island (Hatoma-jima)
Yonaguni Town
- Yonaguni Island (Yonaguni-jima)
Culture and Traditions of Yaeyama
The People of Yaeyama
The original people of the Yaeyama Islands are called the Yaeyama people and the Yonaguni people. Both groups are part of a larger ethnic group known as the Ryukyuan ethnicity.
Languages Spoken Here
The Yaeyama language is the traditional language spoken across most of the Yaeyama island chain. However, on Yonaguni Island, people speak the Yonaguni language instead.
In the past, the Japanese government discouraged the use of both the Yaeyama and Yonaguni languages. Because of this, these languages are now considered endangered. This means there are not many people left who speak them. Most young people today mainly speak Japanese.
Mushaama Festival: A Harvest Celebration
The Mushaama Festival is a special harvest festival celebrated on Hateruma Island around July 14th. It happens during the Obon season, which is a time to honor ancestors. The festival includes a parade with Miruku, the local god of fertility, and children who represent his own children. There are also exciting shishi ("lion") dances and traditional staff dances.
Other Unique Features
Near the island of Yonaguni, there is an amazing undersea rock formation called the Yonaguni monument. It's a popular spot for divers. The Yaeyama Islands are also known for making beautiful traditional Yaeyaman textiles. These are special fabrics woven with unique patterns.
Images for kids
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Map of the Yaeyama Islands
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Location of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture
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Yaeyama islands in Okinawa, Japan
See also
In Spanish: Islas Yaeyama para niños
