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Coordinates: 27°22′08″N 128°34′00″E / 27.36889°N 128.56667°E / 27.36889; 128.56667
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{{Short description|Island within Ryukyu Islands}}
{{for|the dialect cluster spoken on the island|Okinoerabu dialect cluster}}
{{Infobox islands
{{Infobox islands
| name = Okinoerabujima
| name = Okinoerabujima
| image_name = Yakomo beach 2012.jpg
| image_name = Amami okinoerabu.jpg
| image_caption = Yakomo beach on Okinoerabujima
| image_caption = Aerial view of the island. (2013)
| image_size =
| image_size =
| map_image = Satsunan Islands.png
| map_image = Satsunan-Islands-Kagoshima-Japan.png
| map_caption =
| map_caption =
| local_name = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{nihongo3||沖永良部島|Okinoerabujima}}<br />[[Amami Ōshima language|Amami]]: {{nihongo3||っイェラブ|Yyerabu}}<br />[[Kunigami language|Kunigami]]: {{nihongo3||いラーブ|Iraabu}}
| local_name = [[Japanese language|Japanese]]: {{nihongo3||沖永良部島|Okinoerabujima}}<br />[[Okinoerabu dialect cluster|Okinoerabu]]: {{nihongo3||いぃらぶ|Yirabu}}
| location = [[East China Sea]]
| location = [[East China Sea]]
| coordinates = {{coord|27|22|08|N|128|34|00|E|region:JP_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|27|22|08|N|128|34|00|E|region:JP_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
Line 23: Line 25:
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Districts of Japan|District]]
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = [[Districts of Japan|District]]
| country_admin_divisions_1 = [[Ōshima District, Kagoshima|Ōshima District]]
| country_admin_divisions_1 = [[Ōshima District, Kagoshima|Ōshima District]]
| population = 15,000
| population = 13,767
| population_as_of = 2013
| population_as_of = 2012
| density_km2 = 150
| density_km2 = 150
| ethnic_groups = [[Japanese people|Japanese]]
| ethnic_groups = [[Ryukyuan people|Ryukyuan]], [[Japanese people|Japanese]]
| additional_info =
| additional_info =
}}
}}
{{nihongo| '''Okinoerabujima'''|沖永良部島||[[Amami Ōshima language|Amami]]: {{lang|ja|っイェラブ}} ''Yyerabu''; [[Kunigami language|Kunigami]]: {{lang|ja|いラーブ}} ''Iraabu''}} is one of the [[Satsunan Islands]], classed with the [[Amami Islands|Amami archipelago]] between [[Kyūshū]] and [[Okinawa]].<ref>''Teikoku's Complete Atlas of Japan'', Teikoku-Shoin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, {{ISBN|4-8071-0004-1}}</ref>
{{nihongo| '''Okinoerabujima'''|沖永良部島||[[Okinoerabu dialect cluster|Okinoerabu]]: {{lang|okn|いぃらぶ}} ''Yirabu'', archaic [[Northern Ryukyuan languages|Northern Ryukyuan]]: {{lang|ryu|せりよさ}} ''Seriyosa''}}, also known as '''Okinoerabu''', is one of the [[Satsunan Islands]], classed with the [[Amami Islands|Amami archipelago]] between [[Kyūshū]] and [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]].<ref>''Teikoku's Complete Atlas of Japan'', Teikoku-Shoin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, {{ISBN|4-8071-0004-1}}</ref>


The island, 93.63 &nbsp;km² in area, has a population of approximately 15,000 persons. Administratively it is divided into the towns of [[Wadomari, Kagoshima|Wadomari]] and [[China, Kagoshima|China]] in [[Kagoshima Prefecture]]. Much of the island is within the borders of the [[Amami Guntō Quasi-National Park]].
The island, 93.63&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup> in area, has a population of approximately 14,000 persons. Administratively it is divided into the towns of [[Wadomari, Kagoshima|Wadomari]] and [[China, Kagoshima|China]] in [[Kagoshima Prefecture]]. Much of the island is within the borders of the [[Amami Guntō National Park]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
Okinoerabujima is isolated from the other Amami islands, and is located in between [[Tokunoshima]] and [[Yoronjima]], approximately {{convert|536|km|nmi}} south of the southern tip of Kyūshū and {{convert|60|km|nmi}} north of [[Okinawa]].
Okinoerabujima is isolated from the other Amami islands, and is located in between [[Tokunoshima]] and [[Yoronjima]], approximately {{convert|536|km|nmi}} south of the southern tip of Kyūshū and {{convert|60|km|nmi}} north of [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]].


The island is an elevated coralline island with a length of approximately {{convert|20|km|mi}} and width of {{convert|7|km|mi}}, with Mount Ōyama at {{convert|246|m|ft}} above sea level at its highest peak.<ref>[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/japan/txu-oclc-6900707-nh52-15.jpg Map of Okinoerabujima]</ref> In the eastern part of the island is an extensive limestone cave system, one of the largest in Asia.<ref>[http://www.amamikankou.jp/pages/k_erabu_e.html Guide to Amami Islands - Okinoerabujima] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321001919/http://www.amamikankou.jp/pages/k_erabu_e.html |date=2011-03-21 }}</ref> The coast of the island is surrounded by a [[coral reef]].
The island is an elevated coralline island with a length of approximately {{convert|20|km|mi}} and width of {{convert|7|km|mi}}, with Mount Ōyama at {{convert|246|m|ft}} above sea level at its highest peak.<ref>[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/japan/txu-oclc-6900707-nh52-15.jpg Map of Okinoerabujima]</ref> In the eastern part of the island is an extensive limestone cave system, one of the largest in Asia.<ref>[http://www.amamikankou.jp/pages/k_erabu_e.html Guide to Amami Islands - Okinoerabujima] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321001919/http://www.amamikankou.jp/pages/k_erabu_e.html |date=2011-03-21 }}</ref> The coast of the island is surrounded by a [[coral reef]].


==History==
===Climate===
⚫
It is uncertain when Okinoerabujima was first settled. It was ruled by the [[Aji (Ryukyu)|Aji nobility]] who built numerous [[gusuku]] fortifications from the 8th century onwards. From 1266 it was part of [[Hokuzan]], and from 1422 the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]]. The island was invaded by [[samurai]] from [[Satsuma Domain]] during the 1609 [[Invasion of Ryukyu]] and its incorporation into the official holdings of Satsuma was recognized by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] in 1624. Satsuma rule was harsh, with the inhabitants of the island reduced to serfdom and forced to raise [[sugar cane]] to meet high taxation, which often resulted in famine. The island was subordinate to Tokunoshima from 1616 to 1690, when an independent ''[[daikansho]]'' was established. Throughout the Satsuma period, the island was used as a prison settlement, especially for political offenders, including many members of the Ryukyuan royal family. [[Saigō Takamori]] was exiled to Okinoerabujima from 1862 to 1864.

⚫
After the [[Meiji Restoration]] the island was incorporated into [[Ōsumi Province]] and later became part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Following [[World War II]], along with the other Amami Islands, it was occupied by the [[United States]] until 1953, at which time it reverted to the control of Japan. In September 1977, a massive typhoon ([[Typhoon Babe (1977)]]) devastated the island, which experienced winds in excess of {{convert|210|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} for two hours as the typhoon passed by.<ref name="SR1">{{cite news|author=[[Associated Press]]|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|date=September 11, 1977|accessdate=April 17, 2013|title=Typhoon Rakes Japan|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=A5|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F_VLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1e0DAAAAIBAJ&dq=typhoon%20babe%20china&pg=6777%2C4165931}}</ref> Nearly two-thirds of the homes across the island were damaged or destroyed by the storm and 73&nbsp;people were injured.<ref>{{cite news|author=[[United Press International]]|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|date=September 10, 1977|accessdate=April 17, 2013|title=Typhoon Babe Slashes Japan|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=2|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_flLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8PgDAAAAIBAJ&dq=typhoon%20babe&pg=4948%2C2278812}}</ref> Most of the injuries across the island were caused by collapsing buildings.<ref>{{cite news|author=Associated Press|newspaper=The Day|date=September 10, 1977|accessdate=April 17, 2013|title=Typhoon Babe ravages Japan's island chain|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=1|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=My0iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=G3MFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4112%2C1724085}}</ref>

==Climate==
Okinoerabujima has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter. The island is subject to frequent [[typhoon]]s.
Okinoerabujima has a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] ''Cfa'') with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter. The island is subject to frequent [[typhoon]]s.


{{Weather box|width=auto
{{Weather box
|width= auto
|collapsed = Y
|location = Tateyama
|single line = Y
|single line = Y
|metric first = Y
|metric first = Y
|location = Tateyama, Okinoerabujima (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1969−present)
⚫
|Jan high C = 18.1
|Feb high C = 18.5
|Jan high C = 18.8
|Mar high C = 20.1
|Feb high C = 19.1
|Apr high C = 22.8
|Mar high C = 20.8
|May high C = 25.4
|Apr high C = 23.0
|Jun high C = 28.2
|May high C = 25.7
|Jul high C = 31.0
|Jun high C = 28.6
|Aug high C = 30.8
|Jul high C = 31.3
|Sep high C = 29.8
|Aug high C = 31.3
|Oct high C = 27.1
|Sep high C = 30.2
|Nov high C = 23.5
|Oct high C = 27.5
|Dec high C = 20.0
|Nov high C = 24.2
|Jan mean C = 15.9
|Dec high C = 20.6
|Feb mean C = 16.2
|Jan mean C = 16.5
|Mar mean C = 17.7
|Feb mean C = 16.6
|Apr mean C = 20.4
|Mar mean C = 18.2
|May mean C = 22.9
|Apr mean C = 20.5
|Jun mean C = 25.7
|May mean C = 23.1
|Jul mean C = 28.2
|Jun mean C = 25.9
|Aug mean C = 28.2
|Jul mean C = 28.5
|Sep mean C = 27.2
|Aug mean C = 28.6
|Oct mean C = 24.7
|Sep mean C = 27.6
|Nov mean C = 21.3
|Oct mean C = 25.1
|Dec mean C = 17.9
|Nov mean C = 21.9
|Jan low C = 13.7
|Dec mean C = 18.4
|Feb low C = 14.1
|Jan low C = 14.2
|Mar low C = 15.5
|Feb low C = 14.3
|Mar low C = 15.8
|Apr low C = 18.2
|Apr low C = 18.2
|May low C = 20.9
|May low C = 21.0
|Jun low C = 23.7
|Jun low C = 24.0
|Jul low C = 26.0
|Jul low C = 26.4
|Aug low C = 26.1
|Aug low C = 26.5
|Sep low C = 25.1
|Sep low C = 25.5
|Oct low C = 22.8
|Oct low C = 23.1
|Nov low C = 19.4
|Nov low C = 19.9
|Dec low C = 15.8
|Dec low C = 16.1
⚫
|Jan record high C = 25.5
|Feb record high C = 27.4
|Mar record high C = 28.5
|Apr record high C = 29.8
|May record high C = 31.7
|Jun record high C = 33.9
|Jul record high C = 34.9
|Aug record high C = 34.4
|Sep record high C = 33.8
|Oct record high C = 31.8
|Nov record high C = 31.5
|Dec record high C = 27.1
|year record high C= 34.9
|Jan record low C = 4.7
|Feb record low C = 6.1
|Mar record low C = 5.2
|Apr record low C = 10.2
|May record low C = 14.1
|Jun record low C = 17.5
|Jul record low C = 20.5
|Aug record low C = 22.0
|Sep record low C = 19.2
|Oct record low C = 16.2
|Nov record low C = 12.6
|Dec record low C = 7.8
|year record low C= 4.7
|precipitation colour = green
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 125.5
|Jan precipitation mm = 91.5
|Feb precipitation mm = 123.3
|Feb precipitation mm = 93.0
|Mar precipitation mm = 151.2
|Mar precipitation mm = 141.7
|Apr precipitation mm = 215.5
|Apr precipitation mm = 146.4
|May precipitation mm = 236.0
|May precipitation mm = 196.9
|Jun precipitation mm = 263.8
|Jun precipitation mm = 317.7
|Jul precipitation mm = 190.8
|Jul precipitation mm = 144.7
|Aug precipitation mm = 203.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 175.8
|Sep precipitation mm = 152.3
|Sep precipitation mm = 176.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 157.4
|Oct precipitation mm = 172.4
|Nov precipitation mm = 148.7
|Nov precipitation mm = 107.8
|Dec precipitation mm = 108.4
|Dec precipitation mm = 91.9
|year precipitation mm= 1856.7
⚫
|Jan humidity = 66
|Feb humidity = 69
|unit rain days = 1.0 mm
|Mar humidity = 72
|Jan rain days = 10.9
|Apr humidity = 77
|Feb rain days = 10.1
|May humidity = 81
|Mar rain days = 10.9
|Jun humidity = 86
|Apr rain days = 10.6
|Jul humidity = 82
|May rain days = 11.6
|Aug humidity = 80
|Jun rain days = 12.5
|Sep humidity = 78
|Jul rain days = 6.6
|Oct humidity = 71
|Aug rain days = 8.9
|Nov humidity = 67
|Sep rain days = 10.2
|Dec humidity = 64
|Oct rain days = 8.4
|Jan sun = 84.8
|Nov rain days = 7.8
|Feb sun = 82.2
|Dec rain days = 9.7
|Mar sun = 103.6
|humidity colour = green
⚫
|Jan humidity= 66
⚫
|Apr sun = 135.9
|Feb humidity= 68
⚫
|May sun = 154.5
|Mar humidity= 71
⚫
|Jun sun = 179.3
|Apr humidity= 76
⚫
|Jul sun = 274.8
|May humidity= 81
⚫
|Aug sun = 246.2
|Jun humidity= 88
⚫
|Sep sun = 213.5
|Jul humidity= 83
⚫
|Oct sun = 172.8
|Aug humidity= 81
⚫
|Nov sun = 113.4
|Sep humidity= 78
⚫
|Dec sun = 100.6
|Oct humidity= 73
⚫
|source 1 = NOAA (1961-1990) <ref name= NOAA>{{cite web
|Nov humidity= 69
|url = ftp://ftp.atdd.noaa.gov/pub/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-II/JP/47942.TXT
|Dec humidity= 66
|title = Okinoerabu Climate Normals 1961-1990
|year humidity= 75
|publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
|Jan sun = 83.6
|accessdate = January 10, 2013}}</ref>
|Feb sun = 87.3
|date=January 2013}}
|Mar sun = 118.8
⚫
|Apr sun = 136.4
⚫
|May sun = 149.8
⚫
|Jun sun = 164.9
⚫
|Jul sun = 271.1
⚫
|Aug sun = 252.6
⚫
|Sep sun = 209.3
⚫
|Oct sun = 169.6
⚫
|Nov sun = 122.0
⚫
|Dec sun = 92.4
|year sun= 1861.6
⚫
|source 1 = [[Japan Meteorological Agency]]<ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/view/rank_s.php?prec_no=88&block_no=47942&year=&month=13&day=&view=h0
|script-title=ja:観測史上1～10位の値（年間を通じての値）
| publisher = [[Japan Meteorological Agency|JMA]]
| access-date = February 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = https://www.data.jma.go.jp/obd/stats/etrn/view/nml_sfc_ym.php?prec_no=88&block_no=47942&year=&month=12&day=&view=h0
|script-title=ja:気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）
| publisher = [[Japan Meteorological Agency|JMA]]
| access-date = February 18, 2022}}</ref>}}

==History==
⚫
It is uncertain when Okinoerabujima was first settled. It was ruled by the [[Aji (Ryukyu)|Aji nobility]] who built numerous [[gusuku]] fortifications from the 8th century onwards. From 1266 it was part of [[Hokuzan]], and from 1422 the [[Ryukyu Kingdom]]. The island was invaded by [[samurai]] from [[Satsuma Domain]] during the 1609 [[Invasion of Ryukyu]] and its incorporation into the official holdings of Satsuma was recognized by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] in 1624. Satsuma rule was harsh, with the inhabitants of the island reduced to serfdom and forced to raise [[sugar cane]] to meet high taxation, which often resulted in famine. The island was subordinate to Tokunoshima from 1616 to 1690, when an independent ''[[daikansho]]'' was established. Throughout the Satsuma period, the island was used as a prison settlement, especially for political offenders, including many members of the Ryukyuan royal family. [[Saigō Takamori]] was exiled to Okinoerabujima from 1862 to 1864.

⚫
After the [[Meiji Restoration]] the island was incorporated into [[Ōsumi Province]] and later became part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Following [[World War II]], along with the other Amami Islands, it was occupied by the [[United States]] until 1953, at which time it reverted to the control of Japan. In September 1977, a massive typhoon ([[Typhoon Babe (1977)]]) devastated the island, which experienced winds in excess of {{convert|210|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} for two hours as the typhoon passed by.<ref name="SR1">{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Spokesman-Review|date=September 11, 1977|access-date=April 17, 2013|title=Typhoon Rakes Japan|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=A5|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=F_VLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1e0DAAAAIBAJ&dq=typhoon%20babe%20china&pg=6777%2C4165931}}</ref> Nearly two-thirds of the homes across the island were damaged or destroyed by the storm and 73&nbsp;people were injured.<ref>{{cite news|author=United Press International|author-link=United Press International|newspaper=Spokane Daily Chronicle|date=September 10, 1977|access-date=April 17, 2013|title=Typhoon Babe Slashes Japan|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=2|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_flLAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8PgDAAAAIBAJ&dq=typhoon%20babe&pg=4948%2C2278812}}</ref> Most of the injuries across the island were caused by collapsing buildings.<ref>{{cite news|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Day|date=September 10, 1977|access-date=April 17, 2013|title=Typhoon Babe ravages Japan's island chain|location=Tokyo, Japan|page=1|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=My0iAAAAIBAJ&sjid=G3MFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4112%2C1724085}}</ref>


==Fauna==
==Fauna==
Okinoerabujima is home to several rare species of reptiles and insects endemic to the island itself, or more generally to the Ryukyu Islands. The island is one of fewer locations where swimming with whales ([[humpback whale]]s) is legally approved. <ref>Kamibayashi T.. 2014. [http://www.amsl.or.jp/midoriishi/25_36.pdf 沖永良部島の ホエールスイムとケイビング - Tourism activities in Okinoerabu Island：Swimming with whales and caving]. みどりいし (25). pp.36-37. Retrieved on February 15, 2017</ref>
Okinoerabujima is home to several rare species of reptiles and insects endemic to the island itself, or more generally to the Ryukyu Islands. The island is one of fewer locations where swimming with whales ([[humpback whale]]s) is legally approved.<ref>Kamibayashi T.. 2014. [http://www.amsl.or.jp/midoriishi/25_36.pdf 沖永良部島の ホエールスイムとケイビング - Tourism activities in Okinoerabu Island：Swimming with whales and caving]. みどりいし (25). pp.36-37. Retrieved on February 15, 2017</ref>


==Economy==
==Economy==
Line 137: Line 187:


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
The port of Wadomari, located in the town the same name has regular ferry services to Okinawa and Kagoshima and [[Kobe]]. The smaller port of China, in the town of China, has ferries to Kagoshima and other of the Amami islands.
The port of Wadomari, located in the town of the same name, has regular ferry services to Okinawa and Kagoshima. The smaller port of China, in the town of China, has ferries to Kagoshima and other of the Amami islands.


[[Okinoerabu Airport]], in Wadomari, is located on the island.
[[Okinoerabu Airport]], in Wadomari, is located in east side of the island. Flights connect the island to Kagoshima, Tokunoshima, Amami (via Tokunoshima), and Okinawa (Naha).


==See also==
==See also==
Line 145: Line 195:


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*Eldridge, Mark. ''The Return of the Amami Islands: The Reversion Movement and U.S.-Japan Relati''ons. Levington Books (2004) {{ISBN|0739107100}}
*Eldridge, Mark. ''The Return of the Amami Islands: The Reversion Movement and U.S.-Japan Relati''ons. Levington Books (2004) {{ISBN|0739107100}}
*Hellyer. Robert. Defining Engagement: Japan and Global Contexts, 1640-1868. Harvard University Press (2009) {{ISBN|0674035771}}
*Hellyer. Robert. Defining Engagement: Japan and Global Contexts, 1640-1868. Harvard University Press (2009) {{ISBN|0674035771}}

Latest revision as of 12:19, 14 September 2024

For the dialect cluster spoken on the island, see Okinoerabu dialect cluster.
Okinoerabujima
Japanese: Okinoerabujima (沖永良部島)
Okinoerabu: Yirabu (いぃらぶ)
Aerial view of the island. (2013)
Geography
LocationEast China Sea
Coordinates27°22′08″N 128°34′00″E / 27.36889°N 128.56667°E / 27.36889; 128.56667
ArchipelagoAmami Islands
Area93.63 km2 (36.15 sq mi)
Length20 km (12 mi)
Width7 km (4.3 mi)
Coastline50 km (31 mi)
Highest elevation246 m (807 ft)
Highest pointŌyama
Administration
Japan
PrefecturesKagoshima Prefecture
DistrictŌshima District
Demographics
Population13,767 (2012)
Pop. density150/km2 (390/sq mi)
Ethnic groupsRyukyuan, Japanese

Okinoerabujima (沖永良部島, Okinoerabu: いぃらぶ Yirabu, archaic Northern Ryukyuan: せりよさ Seriyosa), also known as Okinoerabu, is one of the Satsunan Islands, classed with the Amami archipelago between Kyūshū and Okinawa.[1]

The island, 93.63 km2 in area, has a population of approximately 14,000 persons. Administratively it is divided into the towns of Wadomari and China in Kagoshima Prefecture. Much of the island is within the borders of the Amami Guntō National Park.

Geography

[edit]

Okinoerabujima is isolated from the other Amami islands, and is located in between Tokunoshima and Yoronjima, approximately 536 kilometres (289 nmi) south of the southern tip of Kyūshū and 60 kilometres (32 nmi) north of Okinawa.

The island is an elevated coralline island with a length of approximately 20 kilometres (12 mi) and width of 7 kilometres (4.3 mi), with Mount Ōyama at 246 metres (807 ft) above sea level at its highest peak.[2] In the eastern part of the island is an extensive limestone cave system, one of the largest in Asia.[3] The coast of the island is surrounded by a coral reef.

Climate

[edit]

Okinoerabujima has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with very warm summers and mild winters. Precipitation is significant throughout the year, but is somewhat lower in winter. The island is subject to frequent typhoons.

Climate data for Tateyama, Okinoerabujima (1991−2020 normals, extremes 1969−present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 25.5
(77.9) 		27.4
(81.3) 		28.5
(83.3) 		29.8
(85.6) 		31.7
(89.1) 		33.9
(93.0) 		34.9
(94.8) 		34.4
(93.9) 		33.8
(92.8) 		31.8
(89.2) 		31.5
(88.7) 		27.1
(80.8) 		34.9
(94.8)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 18.8
(65.8) 		19.1
(66.4) 		20.8
(69.4) 		23.0
(73.4) 		25.7
(78.3) 		28.6
(83.5) 		31.3
(88.3) 		31.3
(88.3) 		30.2
(86.4) 		27.5
(81.5) 		24.2
(75.6) 		20.6
(69.1) 		25.1
(77.2)
Daily mean °C (°F) 16.5
(61.7) 		16.6
(61.9) 		18.2
(64.8) 		20.5
(68.9) 		23.1
(73.6) 		25.9
(78.6) 		28.5
(83.3) 		28.6
(83.5) 		27.6
(81.7) 		25.1
(77.2) 		21.9
(71.4) 		18.4
(65.1) 		22.6
(72.6)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 14.2
(57.6) 		14.3
(57.7) 		15.8
(60.4) 		18.2
(64.8) 		21.0
(69.8) 		24.0
(75.2) 		26.4
(79.5) 		26.5
(79.7) 		25.5
(77.9) 		23.1
(73.6) 		19.9
(67.8) 		16.1
(61.0) 		20.4
(68.8)
Record low °C (°F) 4.7
(40.5) 		6.1
(43.0) 		5.2
(41.4) 		10.2
(50.4) 		14.1
(57.4) 		17.5
(63.5) 		20.5
(68.9) 		22.0
(71.6) 		19.2
(66.6) 		16.2
(61.2) 		12.6
(54.7) 		7.8
(46.0) 		4.7
(40.5)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 91.5
(3.60) 		93.0
(3.66) 		141.7
(5.58) 		146.4
(5.76) 		196.9
(7.75) 		317.7
(12.51) 		144.7
(5.70) 		175.8
(6.92) 		176.9
(6.96) 		172.4
(6.79) 		107.8
(4.24) 		91.9
(3.62) 		1,856.7
(73.10)
Average rainy days (≥ 1.0 mm) 10.9 10.1 10.9 10.6 11.6 12.5 6.6 8.9 10.2 8.4 7.8 9.7 118.2
Average relative humidity (%) 66 68 71 76 81 88 83 81 78 73 69 66 75
Mean monthly sunshine hours 83.6 87.3 118.8 136.4 149.8 164.9 271.1 252.6 209.3 169.6 122.0 92.4 1,861.6
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency[4][5]

History

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It is uncertain when Okinoerabujima was first settled. It was ruled by the Aji nobility who built numerous gusuku fortifications from the 8th century onwards. From 1266 it was part of Hokuzan, and from 1422 the Ryukyu Kingdom. The island was invaded by samurai from Satsuma Domain during the 1609 Invasion of Ryukyu and its incorporation into the official holdings of Satsuma was recognized by the Tokugawa shogunate in 1624. Satsuma rule was harsh, with the inhabitants of the island reduced to serfdom and forced to raise sugar cane to meet high taxation, which often resulted in famine. The island was subordinate to Tokunoshima from 1616 to 1690, when an independent daikansho was established. Throughout the Satsuma period, the island was used as a prison settlement, especially for political offenders, including many members of the Ryukyuan royal family. Saigō Takamori was exiled to Okinoerabujima from 1862 to 1864.

After the Meiji Restoration the island was incorporated into Ōsumi Province and later became part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Following World War II, along with the other Amami Islands, it was occupied by the United States until 1953, at which time it reverted to the control of Japan. In September 1977, a massive typhoon (Typhoon Babe (1977)) devastated the island, which experienced winds in excess of 210 km/h (130 mph) for two hours as the typhoon passed by.[6] Nearly two-thirds of the homes across the island were damaged or destroyed by the storm and 73 people were injured.[7] Most of the injuries across the island were caused by collapsing buildings.[8]

Fauna

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Okinoerabujima is home to several rare species of reptiles and insects endemic to the island itself, or more generally to the Ryukyu Islands. The island is one of fewer locations where swimming with whales (humpback whales) is legally approved.[9]

Economy

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With moderate rainfall and a warm climate, the island is suitable for agriculture. Main crops include sweet potatoes, sugar cane and floriculture. Brown sugar refining and the production of distilled shōchū liquor is the major industry. The island is not a major tourist destination, unlike many in the Amami archipelago.

Transportation

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The port of Wadomari, located in the town of the same name, has regular ferry services to Okinawa and Kagoshima. The smaller port of China, in the town of China, has ferries to Kagoshima and other of the Amami islands.

Okinoerabu Airport, in Wadomari, is located in east side of the island. Flights connect the island to Kagoshima, Tokunoshima, Amami (via Tokunoshima), and Okinawa (Naha).

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Teikoku's Complete Atlas of Japan, Teikoku-Shoin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, ISBN 4-8071-0004-1
  2. ^ Map of Okinoerabujima
  3. ^ Guide to Amami Islands - Okinoerabujima Archived 2011-03-21 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ^ 観測史上1～10位の値（年間を通じての値）. JMA. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  5. ^ 気象庁 / 平年値（年・月ごとの値）. JMA. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
  6. ^ "Typhoon Rakes Japan". The Spokesman-Review. Tokyo, Japan. Associated Press. September 11, 1977. p. A5. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  7. ^ United Press International (September 10, 1977). "Typhoon Babe Slashes Japan". Spokane Daily Chronicle. Tokyo, Japan. p. 2. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  8. ^ "Typhoon Babe ravages Japan's island chain". The Day. Tokyo, Japan. Associated Press. September 10, 1977. p. 1. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
  9. ^ Kamibayashi T.. 2014. 沖永良部島の ホエールスイムとケイビング - Tourism activities in Okinoerabu Island：Swimming with whales and caving. みどりいし (25). pp.36-37. Retrieved on February 15, 2017
  • Eldridge, Mark. The Return of the Amami Islands: The Reversion Movement and U.S.-Japan Relations. Levington Books (2004) ISBN 0739107100
  • Hellyer. Robert. Defining Engagement: Japan and Global Contexts, 1640-1868. Harvard University Press (2009) ISBN 0674035771
  • Turnbull, Stephen. The Most Daring Raid of the Samurai. Rosen Publishing Group (2011) ISBN 978-1-4488-1872-3
  • Ravina, Mark. The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigo Takamori.　Whiley (2011) ISBN 1118045564
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