Yoroshima

Yorojima (与路島) is one of the Satsunan Islands, classed with the Amami archipelago between Kyūshū and Okinawa.|

Yorojima

Native name: 与路島, Yorojima, Yoroshima
Yorojima street
Geography
Location	East China Sea
Coordinates	28°02′39″N 129°09′50″E
Archipelago	Amami Islands
Area	9.35 km2 (3.61 sq mi)
Coastline	25 km (15.5 mi)
Highest elevation	297 m (974 ft)
Highest point	Okachiyama
Administration
Japan
Prefectures	Kagoshima Prefecture
District	Ōshima District
Town	Setouchi
Demographics
Population	140 (2013)
Pop. density	15/km2 (39/sq mi)
Ethnic groups	Ryukyuan, Japanese

Yoroshima from the air

The island, 9.35  km² in area, has a population of approximately 140 persons, and is administered as the town of Setouchi, Kagoshima, on neighboring Amami-Oshima. Much of the island is within the borders of the Amami Guntō Quasi-National Park.

Geography

Yorojima is the smallest inhabited island in the Amami archipelago, and is located offshore to the south of Amami-Ōshima, from which it can be reached by ferry in 80 minutes. The island is an elevated coralline island with its highest point, Okachiyama, at 297 metres (974 ft) above sea level. The island is noted for a high population density of habu poisonous vipers.

Climate

Yorojima 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.

History

After the Meiji Restoration the island was incorporated into Ōsumi Province and later became part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Following World War II, although with the other Amami Islands, it was occupied by the United States until 1953, at which time it reverted to the control of Japan.

References

• National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGIA). Prostar Sailing Directions 2005 Japan Enroute. Prostar Publications (2005). ISBN 1577856511