Amami Islands

The Amami Islands are a Japanese archipelago located within the Satsunan Islands.

They form part of the larger Ryukyu Islands. Geographically, they sit southwest of Kyushu. Administratively, the islands belong to Kagoshima Prefecture in Japan. The group consists of several islands made of limestone from coralline origins. The total land area is approximately 1,200 square kilometers. This area includes the city of Amami-shi and the district of Oshima-gun.

The islands experience a humid subtropical climate, known as Cfa in the Köppen classification. This means the summers are very warm and the winters remain mild. Precipitation is high during every month of the year. Rainfall reaches its highest levels during May, June, and September. The region is also subject to frequent typhoons.

The landscape is shaped by these wet conditions and the limestone base. High points like Yuwandake on Amami Ōshima reach 694 meters.

Other notable islands include Kikaijima, Tokunoshima, and Yoronjima.

Human history on the islands began thousands of years ago. Islanders started producing earthenware about 6,000 years ago. This was influenced by the Jōmon culture of Kyushu. While early styles resembled those of mainland Japan, a unique local style emerged. This is called the Usuki Lower Style.

Written mentions of the islands appear in Japanese literature from the late 7th century. The Nihon Shoki and Shoku Nihongi both contain entries regarding the islands. During this prehistoric era, locals refer to the time as the Amami period.

Around the 12th century, a major shift occurred in how people lived. Agriculture arrived, and the population moved from hunting to farming. This led to the gusuku period. During this time, a nobility class known as the aji developed. These leaders lived in fortified castles called gusuku. Examples include Beru Castle in Kasari and Yononushi Castle in Wadomari.

Eventually, the aji had to pay tribute to stronger nations to keep their autonomy. This included the kings of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The Ryukyu Kingdom expanded into the islands during the 1430s and 1440s. By 1450, they had conquered almost all the islands except Kikai Island. However, this control was interrupted in 1609. The Shimazu clan of the Satsuma Domain invaded the Ryukyu Kingdom. They landed on Amami Ōshima and several other islands. Satsuma eventually defeated Ryukyu and captured the capital of Shuri. The islands were ceded to the Satsuma Domain in 1611.

Satsuma's rule lasted for over 170 years and changed the local economy. As the domain faced financial trouble, they began to exploit the islands. They imposed high taxes that had to be paid in sugar. This forced the islands into sugarcane monoculture. Growing only one crop often led to severe famines. During these difficult times, people found comfort in local culture. They sang folk songs and drank awamori, a liquor made from sugarcane.

This era also changed local names, resulting in many unique one-character surnames.

After World War II, the islands entered a period of American military control. The United States referred to them as the Northern Ryukyu Islands. In 1946, the islands were officially separated from Japan. This caused great dissatisfaction among the local people. Many residents wanted to return to Japanese rule. A massive movement for restoration began, with 99.8% of locals over age 14 signing petitions.

On December 25, 1953, the United States returned the islands to Japan. This event was called a "Christmas present to Japan."

Today, the Amami Islands maintain a distinct cultural identity. They belong to the Ryukyuan cultural sphere, but they are different from Okinawa. Amami was more influenced by Japan, while Okinawa had more Chinese influence. The local people speak the Amami language, which includes several dialects.

While most people speak standard Japanese, many use Amami Japanese. This dialect uses an Amami accent and local words. Music remains vital through shima uta, or "community songs." Singers of these songs are called utasha. These songs remain a central part of the islands' spirit.