Hachijo

Hachijo is a small island located in the Ogasawara archipelago, Japan, approximately 300 kilometers south of the Japanese mainland. The island is one of the Miyake Islands, which are collectively part of the Izu-Torishima-To archipelago.

Geologically, Hachijo is a volcanic island with a land area of approximately 62 square kilometers. The island is hilly with fertile soil, and its terrain is characterized by dense tropical forests and grasslands. The highest point on the island is Agely Peak, which stands at 314 meters above sea level.

The island has a subtropical oceanic climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 13 degrees Celsius in January to 28 degrees Celsius in August. Hachijo receives high levels of rainfall with an average annual rainfall of over 2,500 millimeters.

According to the 2020 census, the population of Hachijo is 7,156 people. The island has a single town, Nishihashi, which serves as the administrative center. Residents of Hachijo are largely engaged in fishing, agriculture, and tourism, with the island economy relying heavily on the sale of handicrafts and local products.

Hachijo is also known for its unique specialty, the Hachijo whirligig, a traditional handmade wooden machine used by locals to catch fish. The island is also home to the Hachijo Kaname-jinja Shrine, a sacred Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of peace and longevity. The island's remote location and limited size have contributed to its isolation, and the islanders have developed a distinct culture and way of life shaped by their off-shore location.