

Balancing Development and Conservation in the Amami Islands
The Amami Islands, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 2021, face complex challenges in reconciling economic development with...
May 3


Does Amami Oshima need more tunnels?
“They’re building another tunnel!” And like clockwork, I respond: “What?! Another one?! Why?!”
Apr 29


Sustainable tourism in small islands
...it made me think, is that the kind of tourism Amami Oshima, Japan’s newest UNESCO World Natural Heritage site wants or even needs?
Mar 29


Not all is perfect in paradise: when other people’s trash turns up on your island home’s front beach
But islands, contrary to popular belief, are not isolated. They are living, breathing ecosystems, intimately connected to the oceans...
Mar 26


A Day Trekking Through Iriomote’s Subtropical Jungle
Our journey began with a boat ride from the river mouth, taking us upstream through breathtaking scenery.
Mar 25


The Womam who Carves Boats: Preserving Okinawa’s Sabani Tradition
Sabani are slender wooden fishing boats designed for the shallow waters of #Okinawa’s coral reefs.
Mar 22


Taketomi island's rules: Please understand the meaning of sacred
The Yaeyama Islands are each uniquely distinct.
Mar 21


In the deep south of the Japanese archipelago,
Lush and largely untouched by mainstream tourist development, thanks to the strong resistance of its local community, ...
Mar 20