Iki history

Ancient Roots and First Mentions

The history of Iki dates back to deep antiquity, long before the formation of the modern administrative unit. The island was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic period, but it first appears in historical documents as a significant political entity in the 3rd century AD. In the famous Chinese chronicles "Wei-zhi" (Account of the Wa People), this territory is mentioned as the Kingdom of Iki-koku. According to the annals, an organized society numbering thousands of families already existed here at that time.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Iki was defined by its unique strategic role in the region. The main factors contributing to the establishment of settlements were:

• Geographical "Bridge": Located in the Tsushima Strait between the island of Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, Iki served as a crucial transit point on the route from continental Asia to Japan.
• Role in Navigation: The island was a vital stopover for ancient seafarers, allowing them to replenish supplies and wait out bad weather before difficult sea crossings.
• Trade Hub: The main flow of imports of advanced technologies for that time (metalworking) and cultural values (Buddhism) to the Japanese archipelago passed through Iki.

Early Culture and Economy

The economic prosperity of ancient Iki was based on intermediary trade and developed agriculture. Archaeological excavations, particularly at the site of the Harunotsuji ruins (one of the largest settlements of the Yayoi period in Japan), testify to a high standard of living.

Local residents actively traded raw materials and finished goods made of bronze and iron. Furthermore, thanks to the flat landscape—atypical for many Japanese islands—large-scale rice cultivation emerged here early on, which supported a significant population density and the formation of a rich local culture with its own rituals and traditions.

Antiquity and the Middle Ages

• 3rd Century BC — 3rd Century AD — Flourishing of the Harunotsuji settlement, which served as a major trade hub between Japan and the Asian continent.
• 3rd Century AD — First written mention of the Kingdom of Iki-koku in the Chinese chronicle "Wei-zhi" as part of the "Records of the Three Kingdoms".
• End of 7th Century — Official establishment of Iki Province within the framework of administrative reform and the Ritsuryo system.
• 1019 — The island was attacked by Jurchen pirates during a historic event known as the "Toi Invasion".
• 1274 — Battle of Bun'ei: the first Mongol invasion, during which Iki became the arena of fierce battles.
• 1281 — Battle of Koan: the second invasion by the Yuan fleet, leaving a deep mark on the island's history and folklore.
• 1590s — Iki becomes an important logistical base during the campaigns of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.

Modern Era and Contemporary Times

• 1603 — With the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the island was firmly secured under the administration of the Matsura clan (Hirado Domain).
• 1871 — As a result of the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures, the territory was included in Nagasaki Prefecture.
• 1970s — The beginning of active development of tourism infrastructure and ferry connections with Fukuoka.
• 2000 — The Harunotsuji archaeological complex received the status of a Special Historic Site of Japan of national significance.
• 1 March 2004 — Formation of the modern city of Iki through the merger of four towns: Gonoura, Katsumoto, Ashibe, and Ishida.
• 2015 — Iki Island was officially recognised as a "Japan Heritage" site as a key point on ancient maritime routes.

Key Milestones in the City's Development

The development of Iki as a unified municipal entity and an important economic centre of the region is inextricably linked to its island location. The city's evolution proceeded from scattered fishing villages to a unified administrative structure with a focus on unique local brands and tourism.

• Formation of Port Infrastructure (Edo — Meiji Era):

  The development of Katsumoto Port in the north of the island was a turning point for the local economy. From a whaling base, it transformed into a key fishing hub. This laid the foundation for the fishing industry, which remains one of the pillars of the city's economy today, ensuring supplies of fresh seafood to the markets of Fukuoka and Tokyo.

• Transport Modernisation (1970s):

  The opening of Iki Airport in 1975 and the launch of high-speed hydrofoil vessels (Jetfoil) radically changed the island's accessibility. This event brought the city out of relative isolation, stimulated the influx of visitors, and simplified logistics for local businesses by connecting Iki with the major metropolises of Kyushu.

• Global Recognition of the "Iki Shochu" Brand (1995):

  A crucial milestone in cultural and economic development was receiving Geographical Indication (GI) status from the WTO for the local beverage Iki Shochu. This placed the island's traditional product alongside Champagne and Scotch whisky, securing Iki's status as the "birthplace of barley shochu" and ensuring export potential.

• Administrative Unification (2004):

  The merger of four towns (Gonoura, Katsumoto, Ashibe, Ishida) into the single city of Iki allowed for the centralised management of resources. This urban planning decision helped optimise the budget, improve social services for the population, and develop a unified strategy for promoting the island as a travel destination.

• "Model of Sustainable Development" Status (Present Day):

  In recent years, Iki was selected by the Japanese government as an "SDGs Future City". The transition to the concept of a "green island" implies the introduction of renewable energy sources and the protection of the ecosystem, which attracts investment and eco-tourists, shaping a new image for the city.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architectural landscape of Iki is unique in that the high-rise buildings typical of metropolises are virtually absent here. The appearance of the city and the island is formed by a "horizontal" history: from ancient archaeological parks and traditional wooden shrines to modern buildings organically integrated into the natural terrain.

• Yayoi Period (Archaic Architecture):

  The urban planning roots of Iki go back to deep antiquity. A key object is the ruins of Harunotsuji. This reconstructed ancient settlement demonstrates early forms of Japanese architecture: sunken pit dwellings with high thatched roofs and wooden watchtowers surrounded by a system of moats.

• Kofun Period (Megalithic Architecture):

  The island is known for a high concentration of ancient burial sites. Many kofun (burial mounds) from the 6th–7th centuries have been preserved here. The internal stone chambers of these structures, for example in the Sasazuka mound, serve as an example of complex engineering work with massive stone blocks without the use of binding mortar.

• Traditional Japanese Architecture (Sacred Architecture):

  Iki is often called the "island of shrines" (there are over 150 registered here). The classical style of wooden temple architecture dominates: curved roofs, the use of natural unpainted wood, and stone torii gates. A significant example is the Sumiyoshi Shrine, which is a model of the austere and harmonious style characteristic of Western Japan.

• Edo and Meiji Era (Vernacular Buildings):

  In the area of Katsumoto port, the historical layout of the old fishing settlement has been preserved. Narrow winding streets and densely packed two-storey wooden houses (machiya) with latticed facades convey the atmosphere of a prosperous trading and whaling port of past centuries.

• Modernism and Organic Architecture:

  The symbol of the modern stage of development is the Ikikoku Museum (City Ikikoku Museum), designed by the world-renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa. The building embodies ideas of the symbiosis of architecture and nature: its roof is greened, and the smooth futuristic lines repeat the curves of the surrounding hills, making the structure a natural extension of the landscape.

The history of Iki is inextricably linked with the names of brave warriors, talented creators, and far-sighted reformers. Due to its location at the crossroads of maritime routes, the island became a home or place of activity for many outstanding people who left their mark on Japanese chronicles.

Historical Figures and Defenders

• Iki-no Hakatoko (7th Century)
  Diplomat and Poet
  An outstanding figure of the Asuka period who repeatedly visited Tang Dynasty China as part of Japanese embassies. He is known not only as a diplomat who brought knowledge from the continent but also as a talented man of letters. His poems were included in the "Manyoshu"—the oldest and most revered anthology of Japanese poetry, immortalising the culture of ancient Iki.
• Taira no Kagetaka (13th Century)
  Samurai, Shugodai (Deputy Military Governor)
  A national hero of the island who led the hopeless but heroic defence of Iki during the first Mongol invasion (Battle of Bun'ei) in 1274. With a small detachment of a hundred horsemen, he opposed the Yuan army numbering in the thousands. He perished in the battle at Hinotsume Castle, becoming a symbol of samurai valour and self-sacrifice.

Figures of Culture and Art

• Kawai Sora (1649–1710)
  Haiku Poet
  A faithful student and companion of the great Matsuo Basho, who accompanied him on the famous journey "The Narrow Road to the Deep North". At the end of his life, Sora arrived on Iki Island, where he passed away. His grave in the Katsumoto area is an important cultural landmark attracting admirers of Japanese poetry from all over the country.
• Shogoro Yano (1890–1990)
  Painter
  A famous painter working in the Western style (Yoga), a native of the town of Katsumoto. Shogoro Yano left a rich artistic legacy, often depicting the landscapes and daily life of his native island. He was an active participant in prestigious national exhibitions, such as "Nitten", and made a significant contribution to the development of fine arts in the region.

Figures of the Modern Era

• Matsunaga Yasuzaemon (1875–1971)
  Industrialist, "King of Electric Power"
  A native of the town of Ishida (now part of Iki City). Yasuzaemon played a key role in the post-war reconstruction and modernisation of Japan's energy system. He founded several major energy companies and was considered one of the most influential business leaders of the 20th century. A memorial museum in his honour has been opened on the island, located in the house where he was born.