Kumejima history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement of Kumejima dates back to ancient times, but the island began to take shape as a significant administrative centre during the Gusuku period (12th–15th centuries). The first probable written mentions appear in the Japanese chronicles "Shoku Nihongi" (8th century) under the name "Kyumi". For a long time, the island was ruled by independent local chieftains (aji) who built impressive castles, the ruins of which (such as Uegusuku and Gushikawa) have survived to this day. In 1506, the island became part of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

Key Factors of Development

The development of settlements on the island was driven by a unique combination of natural and geopolitical factors:

• Abundance of Fresh Water: Due to its geological structure, Kumejima is rich in water sources, which is uncharacteristic for many islands in the region. This allowed for the early creation of an effective irrigation system.
• Strategic Geography: The island was located on a vital maritime trade route between Okinawa Island and China. It served as a port of call for ships and diplomatic missions, stimulating trade and cultural exchange.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic foundation of early Kumejima was built on two key pillars:

• Rice Cultivation: Thanks to its water resources, the island became known as one of the main centres for rice cultivation in the Ryukyu archipelago, supplying food to neighbouring territories.
• Silk Production: In the 15th century, sericulture technologies were introduced, presumably from China. This marked the beginning of the creation of Kumejima-tsumugi fabric — a unique silk that served as currency for tax payments for centuries and was highly valued at the royal court.

Key Historical Milestones

• 12th–14th Centuries — During the Gusuku period, local chieftains erect powerful fortresses, such as Uegusuku Castle and Gushikawa Castle, which become centres of power.
• 1506 — The troops of King Sho Shin conquer the island, definitively integrating it into the political system of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
• 1609 — Following the invasion of Okinawa by the Japanese Satsuma clan, the island, like the entire kingdom, falls under vassalage to the Shogunate.
• 1879 — During the Meiji administrative reform and the creation of Okinawa Prefecture, the island comes under the direct administration of Japan.
• 1908 — The island municipality system is introduced, resulting in the official formation of Gushikawa and Nakazato villages on the island.
• June 1945 — American troops land on Kumejima during the final stages of the Battle of Okinawa.
• 1972 — The island returns to Japanese sovereignty along with the rest of Okinawa Prefecture after a period of American administration.
• 1983 — Opening of Kumejima Airport, which radically improved transport accessibility and opened the island to mass tourism.
• 1997 — Modernisation of the airport and the opening of a new terminal allowed for larger aircraft and increased visitor flow.
• 1 April 2002 — The villages of Gushikawa and Nakazato merged, forming the single administrative town of Kumejima.
• 2004 — The traditional Kumejima-tsumugi silk fabric received the status of an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The development history of Kumejima is a journey from an agrarian society to a modern centre for eco-tourism and innovative technologies. Below are the main milestones that have defined the modern appearance and economy of the island.

• Standardisation of Silk Production (Kumejima-tsumugi)

  Although weaving originated here long ago, it was the implementation of strict quality standards and the recognition of the "tsumugi" technique at the state level that turned the craft into an economic brand. This helped preserve the island's unique cultural identity and ensure employment in the traditional sector for centuries to come.

• Industrialisation of Agriculture

  The transition from barter trade to large-scale sugar cane cultivation became the backbone of the economy in the 20th century. The construction of modern processing plants allowed the island to become a major sugar supplier in the prefecture, which facilitated the development of the road network for transporting raw materials.

• Launch of the Deep Sea Water Project (2000)

  The establishment of the Okinawa Deep Sea Water Research Institute was a technological breakthrough. This led to the development of new industries: aquaculture (farming prawns and sea grapes), cosmetics production, and wellness tourism, making Kumejima a leader in this innovative field in Japan.

• Transport Revolution and Tourism Boom

  The opening and subsequent modernisation of the airport radically changed the urban structure. A resort zone with hotels and services grew around the transport hub and Eef Beach, reorienting a significant part of the economy from the agrarian sector to the hospitality industry.

• Administrative Consolidation (2002)

  The merger of Gushikawa and Nakazato villages into the single town of Kumejima allowed for the centralisation of the budget and urban planning. This simplified the implementation of major infrastructure projects, such as improving water supply and building community centres, uniting the island into a single organism.

Architectural Evolution: From Fortresses to Resorts

The architectural appearance of Kumejima was formed not under the influence of European styles (Gothic or Baroque), but as a result of adaptation to harsh climatic conditions (typhoons) and a close connection with Ryukyu culture. The island's urban planning can be divided into three key stages.

Gusuku Era (12th–15th Centuries): Stone Architecture

A period of feudal fragmentation and the rise of local chieftains. Architecture was exclusively defensive and sacred in nature.

• Style: Ryukyu fortification architecture. Characterised by the use of coral limestone to erect massive curved walls that blended organically with the landscape.
• Landmarks:
  • Uegusuku Castle Ruins: Located at the highest point of the island (310 m). This is an example of a mountain fortress where nature serves as part of the defence.
  • Gushikawa Castle Ruins: An example of a coastal fortress with walls descending directly into the sea. Unique "nozurazumi" stone masonry (piling of unshaped stones) is preserved here.

Ryukyu Period (16th–19th Centuries): Traditional Residential Development

After the unification of the kingdom, the focus shifted to civil architecture and settlement planning, taking into account Feng Shui and wind protection.

• Style: Traditional Ryukyu architecture. Key features include red tiled roofs (appeared later; originally roofs were thatched), low wooden structures raised above the ground for ventilation. Essential elements include stone walls (ishigaki) and windbreak plantings of Fukugi trees.
• Landmarks:
  • Uezu Residence: A beautifully preserved mid-18th-century house. It includes a main house, outbuildings, and a garden. The architecture reflects the status of the owners (island governors) and combines Japanese restraint with Okinawan functionality.
  • Nakazato Old Quarters: Streets that retain the atmosphere of the old town with stone walls and alleys of centuries-old trees.

Modern Stage (20th–21st Centuries): Concrete and Functionalism

After World War II and Okinawa's return to Japan, the island's architecture underwent radical changes dictated by safety and tourism development.

• Style: Modern functionalism and "typhoon-resistant" construction. Reinforced concrete dominates as the only material capable of reliably withstanding powerful storms and humidity. Roofs are often flat, equipped with water tanks.
• Landmarks:
  • Eef Beach Resort Zone: Hotel complexes built in the 1980s–90s combine concrete structures with tropical design elements (open lobbies, verandas).
  • Deep Sea Water Institute: An example of modern industrial architecture integrated into the coastal landscape.

Famous Natives and Residents

Kumejima is famous not only for its natural beauty and textiles but also for its outstanding people. The island has been the birthplace of politicians, scientists, artists, and athletes whose achievements are recognised both at the Okinawa Prefecture level and throughout Japan. Their activities contribute to the preservation of the island's unique culture and its promotion.

Politics and Science

• Masahide Ota
  Role: Governor of Okinawa (1990–1998), historian, sociologist.
  Contribution: A native of Kumejima who became one of the most significant figures in the modern history of the archipelago. As a professor at the University of the Ryukyus, he dedicated his academic career to studying the Battle of Okinawa and sociology. As governor, he actively defended the prefecture's interests and promoted ideas of peace and sustainable development for the region.
• Zenchu Nakahara
  Role: Educator, folklore researcher.
  Contribution: Born in the Nakazato settlement. He pioneered the academic study of "Omoro Soshi" — an ancient collection of sacred songs and poems of the Ryukyu Kingdom. His research helped preserve and decipher important layers of the islands' intangible cultural heritage that might otherwise have been lost.

Culture and Media

• Tarusuke Shingaki
  Role: Voice actor (Seiyu).
  Contribution: A successful voice in the Japanese anime and video game industry, born on Kumejima. His career in Tokyo serves as an example for local youth, demonstrating the possibilities of creative realisation beyond their home island.
• Yoshio Kojima
  Role: Comedian, TV presenter.
  Contribution: Although Kojima grew up in Chiba Prefecture, his mother is from Kumejima, and he maintains a close connection with the island. As the official tourism ambassador of Kumejima, he actively uses his media popularity to attract tourists, participate in local festivals, and promote the island's brand on national television.
• Shizuko Miyazato
  Role: Poetess.
  Contribution: A prominent figure in Okinawan literature of the early 20th century. In her poems, she described the daily life, nature, and traditions of Kumejima residents with great love, leaving descendants a poetic chronicle of island life from that time.

Sports

• Yoshicho Yamashiro
  Role: Professional basketball player.
  Contribution: A player who performed for the prefecture's main basketball team — the "Ryukyu Golden Kings". His success in the professional arena contributed to the growing popularity of basketball among children and teenagers on the remote islands of Okinawa.
• Takeshi Fukuri
  Role: Track and field athlete (Sprinter).
  Contribution: A world star in veteran sports (Masters category). Having won numerous gold medals at international championships at a mature age, he has become a living symbol of Okinawan longevity and excellent physical fitness.