Amami history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the modern city of Amami was administratively formed only in 2006 through the merger of Naze City and the towns of Kasari and Sumiyo, the history of settlement in this area dates back to ancient times. The name "Amami" itself first appears in the Japanese chronicles "Nihon Shoki" as early as the 7th century, where it is mentioned as a vital point on the maritime route.

The historical core of the city is the Naze district, which has served for centuries as the main port and administrative centre of Amami Oshima Island. For a long time, these lands were under the strong influence of the Ryukyu Kingdom before coming under the direct control of Japanese feudal lords.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the settlement was determined by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position between the main islands of Japan and the Ryukyu archipelago made Amami an important transit point for seafarers and traders.
• Political Influence: In 1609, the island was conquered by the Satsuma Domain (modern-day Kagoshima Prefecture). This event became a turning point, integrating the local economy into the feudal system of Japan.
• Maritime Trade: The natural harbour in the Naze area facilitated the development of a port through which goods from the south were transported.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The region's economy in the early period was formed under the strict control of the Satsuma Domain. The foundation of prosperity was the production of cane sugar (kokuto), which was highly valued throughout Japan. Local residents were obliged to cultivate sugar cane as a form of tax.

The culture of Amami developed as a unique fusion of Ryukyu traditions and mainland Japan. Even in the early period, the art of creating Oshima Tsumugi fabric emerged here—a unique silk dyed using local iron-rich mud. This craft subsequently brought the region fame across all of Japan.

Major Historical Milestones

• 657 — The first written mention of Amami appears in the Japanese chronicles "Nihon Shoki", testifying to early contacts with the Imperial Court.
• 15th Century — The region integrates into the sphere of influence of the Ryukyu Kingdom, enriching local culture and architecture with southern traditions.
• 1609 — Troops of the Satsuma Domain establish control over the island, beginning an era of direct rule by the Shimazu samurai clan.
• 1879 — During the administrative reforms of the Meiji era, the territory is officially assigned to Kagoshima Prefecture.
• 1908 — The island municipality system is introduced, resulting in the founding of Naze Village—the historical core of the modern city.
• July 1, 1946 — Naze receives city status, becoming the main administrative and economic centre of the archipelago.
• 1946–1953 — The Amami Islands are under temporary administrative management by the USA, being legally separated from the rest of Japan.
• December 25, 1953 — The official return of the Amami Islands, including Naze City, to Japanese sovereignty takes place.
• March 20, 2006 — The modern city of Amami is founded through the merger of the old Naze City with the towns of Kasari and Sumiyo.
• 2017 — Significant territories of the city become part of the newly formed Amami Gunto National Park.
• 2021 — The city's unique subtropical forests are included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage list.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The history of shaping Amami's modern appearance is inextricably linked to the adaptation of the island economy to external conditions and gradual integration into the wider Japanese space. Below are the main milestones that defined the cultural and urban landscape of the city.

• Establishment of the "Sugar Economy" (Edo Period)

  The introduction of sugar cane monoculture under the management of the Satsuma Domain completely changed the island's agrarian landscape. This laid the foundation for the regional economy for centuries to come and formed the specific culture of producing black sugar (kokuto), which today is the city's main gastronomic brand.

• Flourishing of Oshima Tsumugi Production (18th–20th Centuries)

  The development of the unique mud-dyeing technique transformed a cottage craft into a powerful industry. Textile production became the economic engine of the city, providing employment for the population and forming a recognizable cultural code for Amami on a national level.

• Modernisation of Naze Port (Early 20th Century)

  The transformation of the natural harbour into a modern port was an urban planning breakthrough. Naze Port became the main maritime gateway of the archipelago, ensuring regular connections with Kagoshima and Tokyo, which is critically important for logistics and passenger flow on a remote island.

• Infrastructural Leap After Reversion (1950s – 1970s)

  After the return of the islands to Japanese jurisdiction in 1953, a special law on the development of the Amami archipelago was adopted. This led to the large-scale construction of roads, tunnels, and public buildings, allowing the region to overcome economic lags and modernise the urban environment.

• Administrative Consolidation (2006)

  The merger of Naze City with the towns of Kasari and Sumiyo into the unified city of Amami allowed for the optimisation of resource management. This combined the urbanised centre, the airport, and protected forest zones into a single administrative unit, simplifying the planning of tourist routes.

• Reorientation towards Ecotourism and UNESCO Status (21st Century)

  The inclusion of Amami's forests in the World Heritage list became a catalyst for a new economic model. The city shifted its focus from agriculture to sustainable tourism, which entailed the development of appropriate infrastructure: visitor centres, ecological trails, and hotels harmoniously integrated into nature.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Amami City is a story of adaptation to a harsh subtropical climate. You will not find European Gothic or Baroque here; the urban development vector was determined by the need for protection against frequent typhoons and high humidity. The city's appearance evolved from light wooden structures in the Ryukyu style to monumental reinforced concrete functionalism.

Traditional Architecture: Adaptation and Ryukyu Style

The historical development of rural areas (Kasari, Sumiyo) and old Naze was formed under the influence of cultural ties with Okinawa and mainland Japan.

• Style: Folk architecture (vernacular style).
• Characteristic Features: The use of coral limestone for erecting windbreak walls (ishigaki) and living hedges of Fukugi trees. Houses were traditionally built of wood with low roof eaves for protection against storm winds.
• Iconic Object: Takakura (high granaries). These are unique structures for storing grain with a thatched roof and a floor raised high above the ground on stilts. This design protected the harvest from moisture and rodents. Although they have almost disappeared from residential areas, stylised takakura are often found as decorative elements in public parks.

Showa Era: Concrete Functionalism and Urbanisation

After the return of the islands to Japan and a series of devastating fires in the mid-20th century, Naze City (the central part of modern Amami) underwent a radical reconstruction. Wood gave way to reinforced concrete, capable of withstanding any typhoon.

• Style: Industrial Modernism / Brutalism.
• Characteristic Features: Massive concrete buildings, flat terrace roofs, utilitarian design without excesses. The urban fabric became dense and functional.
• Iconic District: Yanigawa. The city's main entertainment quarter, preserving the atmosphere of the Showa era. It is a labyrinth of narrow streets with a high concentration of dining establishments and lounges, where the architecture is strictly applied, creating a unique retro flavour.

Modern Stage: Neo-Regionalism

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, especially after the unification of the towns into the single city of Amami, architects began to seek a balance between the reliability of concrete and the aesthetics of tradition. New public buildings strive to fit into the natural landscape.

• Style: Modern Japanese minimalism with traditional elements.
• Characteristic Features: Use of modern materials to imitate traditional forms, large open spaces, integration with tropical greenery.
• Iconic Building: Tanaka Isson Memorial Art Museum (Kasari district). The complex's architecture is inspired by traditional takakura granaries. Buildings with high roofs stand amidst water and greenery, symbolising the harmony of nature and art characteristic of modern Amami.

Prominent Figures of Amami

Amami Oshima Island and Amami City have become home and a source of inspiration for many talented people. From classics of literature and painting to modern sports and pop stars, these individuals have brought fame to the region far beyond its borders.

• Tanaka Isson (1908–1977)
  Artist, "The Japanese Gauguin"
  Although Isson was not born on the island, he became its main artistic symbol. Moving to Amami at the age of 50, he led an ascetic lifestyle in the Kasari district, working as a silk dyer to buy materials for his art. Isson created a unique style capturing the vibrant subtropical nature, birds, and plants of Amami. Today, a memorial museum named after him is open in the city.
• Shimao Toshio (1917–1986)
  Writer, Screenwriter
  A prominent Japanese literary figure whose fate was closely intertwined with the city. During the war, he served as a commander of a special attack unit on the island but survived due to the end of hostilities. Later, he settled in the Naze district, where he worked as a library director for a long time. His experience of life on the island formed the basis of the famous novel "The Sting of Death".
• Shimao Miho (1919–2007)
  Writer, Guardian of Traditions
  The wife of Shimao Toshio and a native of these parts. She came from a lineage of "Noro" priestesses, which allowed her to deeply understand and describe the mystical side of the island culture. Her works, such as "The Islands Where Deities Dwell", played an important role in preserving and popularising the folklore of Amami.
• Atari Kosuke (born 1980)
  Singer, Musician
  A native of the Naze district, famous for his unique performance style combining pop music with the traditional "Shima-uta" (island songs) technique. His characteristic falsetto, known as "guin", has become a calling card of Amami's musical culture on the international stage.
• Meisei Chikara (born 1995)
  Professional Sumo Wrestler
  An athlete from the Kasari district who has achieved high ranks in professional sumo (Makuuchi division). Amami is historically famous for its sumo school, and Meisei is a bright representative of this tradition, inspiring local youth.