Nakanoshima (Shimane)
{{short description|Dōzen Island in the Oki archipelago in the Sea of Japan}}
{{Infobox islands
| name = Nakanoshima
| image_name = Oki shrine.jpg
| image_caption = Oji Jinja on Nakanoshima
| image_size =
| map_image = Oki Islands.png
| map_caption =
| native_name =中ノ島, Nakanoshima
| native_name_link = Japanese language
| nickname = Ama-tō
| location = Sea of Japan
| coordinates = {{coord|36|5|N|133|06|E|region:JP_type:isle|display=inline,title}}
| archipelago = Oki Islands
| total_islands =
| major_islands =
| area_km2 = 32.21
| length_km =
| width_km =
| coastline_km =89.1
| highest_mount =
| elevation_m = 164
| country = Japan
| country_admin_divisions_title = Prefectures
| country_admin_divisions = Shimane Prefecture
| country_admin_divisions_title_1 = District
| country_admin_divisions_1 = Oki District
| country_admin_divisions_title_2 = Town
| country_admin_divisions_2 = Ama
| population = 2,400
| population_as_of = 2013
| density_km2 =
| ethnic_groups = Japanese
| additional_info =
}}
{{nihongo|Nakanoshima|中ノ島|also Naka-no-shima}} is one of the Dōzen Islands in the Oki archipelago in the Sea of Japan.Teikoku's Complete Atlas of Japan, Teikoku-Shoin Co., Ltd., Tokyo, {{ISBN|4-8071-0004-1}} It is also known as {{nihongo|Ama-tō|海士島|}}.
The island, 32.21 km2 in area, has a population of approximately 2,400 persons. The island is administered by the town of Ama in Shimane Prefecture. Much of the island is within the borders of Daisen-Oki National Park.
Geography
Nakanoshima is the third largest of the Oki Islands. It is located approximately three hours by ferry north of Honshu coast. The island is of volcanic origin, with deeply indented coastline of {{convert|89.1|km|mi}}, and with its highest point at {{convert|164|m|ft}} above sea level.[http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/ams/japan/txu-oclc-6900707-nj53-13.jpg Map of Dogo]
The climate of Nakanshima is classified as a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa) with very warm summers and cool winters. Precipitation is abundant throughout the year.
History
The Oki Islands have been inhabited since the Japanese Paleolithic era, and numerous artifacts from the Jōmon, Yayoi and Kofun periods have been found by archaeologists.{{cite web |url=http://www.town.nishinoshima.shimane.jp/english/about.nishinoshima.htm |title=Nishinoshima Town--About Nishinoshima |accessdate=2011-01-25 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125010519/http://www.town.nishinoshima.shimane.jp/english/about.nishinoshima.htm |archivedate=2011-01-25 }}
Nakanoshima was used as a place of exile from the Nara period, but is well known as the place of exile for ex-Emperor Go-Toba, who died on the island in 1239. Oki Jinja was erected on the island in 1939 in commemoration of this date.[http://www.sacred-texts.com/shi/atfj/atfj19.htm Ancient Tales and Folk-lore of Japan - A Story of Oki Islands] The island became part of the holdings under the control of Matsue Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate in the Edo period.
After the Meiji restoration, the Oki Islands became part of Tottori Prefecture in 1871, but were transferred to Shimane Prefecture in 1881.[http://www1.pref.shimane.lg.jp/contents/kokusai/kokusai-e/f-05/05.html Shimane Prefecture - History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115165934/http://www1.pref.shimane.lg.jp/contents/kokusai/kokusai-e/f-05/05.html |date=2009-01-15 }}
The island became part of Ama Village in 1904, and reached a peak population in 1950 with 6,986 inhabitants. It was raised to town status in 1969.
Transportation
Nakanoshima is connected by regular ferry service from Saigo Port on Dōgojima, as well as by direct ferry service to points on mainland Japan.
Economy
The economy of the island is based on agriculture and commercial fishing. Seasonal tourism also plays a role in the local economy.
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commonscat-inline| Ama, Shimane |Nakanoshima}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20130101141419/http://www.shimaneajet.com/okiislands/ Travel guide]
{{Oki Islands}}