What is the Yaeyama Islands?
Q: What is the Yaeyama Islands?
A: The Yaeyama Islands are an archipelago or group of islands in the southwest of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. They cover 591.46 square kilometres (228.36 sq mi).
Q: Where are the Yaeyama Islands located?
A: The Yaeyama Islands are located southwest of the Miyako Islands and they are part of the Ryukyu Islands archipelago.
Q: What is the most southern inhabited island in Japan?
A: Hateruma is the most southern inhabited island in Japan that is part of the Yaeyama Island group.
Q: What type of plants and animals can be found on these islands?
A: On these islands there are numerous species of subtropical plants and mangrove forests, as well as coral reefs which provide ideal habitats for dolphins, sea turtles, Manta rays and Whale sharks. Before being wiped out by humans, whales and Dugongs were also common on these islands.
Q: What type of industries exist on these islands?
A: Industries on these islands include sugarcane production and pineapple farming.
Q: Is there a special place on Aragusuku Island?
A: Yes, there is a Utaki on Aragusuku Island which has laid to rest Dugongs with their skulls and non-residents are not allowed to enter unless they get an okay from the locals - it's said that any aliens without permission will be driven out by force.
