Shimajiri

Shimajiri is a toponym used in Okinawa, Japan, referring to two related but distinct geographic concepts: a region on the Okinawa Main Island and an offshore archipelago. The name is found in administrative history as well as contemporary regional reference.

Shimajiri region on the Okinawa Main Island denotes the southern portion of the main island and the coastal areas adjacent to it. In historical and administrative contexts, Shimajiri District (島尻郡) existed as a rural district on Okinawa Island. The district's boundaries and composition changed over time due to municipal mergers, and the district was eventually dissolved as an administrative unit. Today the term survives mainly as a regional or cultural reference rather than as an active administrative jurisdiction.

The Shimajiri Islands (島尻諸島) are a southern archipelago of Okinawa Prefecture. This group lies off the south coast of the main island and includes several individual islands, both inhabited and uninhabited. The archipelago is characterized by a subtropical climate and rich coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangrove habitats. Economic activities in the region typically center on fishing, agriculture in surrounding areas, and tourism, with visitors drawn to natural scenery and biodiversity.

Etymology and usage: Shimajiri comes from Japanese elements meaning “island” and a directional or boundary concept, and the name is used in both geographic naming and historical administrative contexts within Okinawa. The term also appears in local place names and cultural references related to the southern Okinawa area.