Oki Islands history

Ancient Roots and First Mentions

The history of the Oki Islands is rooted in deep antiquity, long before the appearance of written records. Archaeological excavations confirm that people inhabited this archipelago as early as the Paleolithic era, approximately 30,000 years ago. The islands hold an important place in Japanese mythology: they are mentioned in the ancient chronicles "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki" as some of the first lands created by the deities Izanagi and Izanami during the birth of Japan.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the region was determined by a combination of unique geology and its geographical position in the Sea of Japan:

• Obsidian Mining: In prehistoric times, the islands were one of the main centres for mining high-quality obsidian. This volcanic glass was used to create tools and weapons, which were distributed through trade throughout the territory of modern Japan and even reached the mainland.
• Marine Navigation: The islands served as an important transit point on maritime routes between the Japanese archipelago and the Asian continent, facilitating early involvement in international exchange.
• Political Isolation: Due to their distance from the capital, starting from the Nara period, Oki became an official place of exile. Political opponents were sent here, including two emperors — Go-Toba and Go-Daigo.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the islands was based for centuries on fishing, harvesting seafood, and salt production. An important stage was the inclusion of Oki ports in the route of the kitamaebune trading ships during the Edo period. This turned the islands into a thriving trade hub where sailors waited out storms and replenished supplies, enriching the local residents.

The presence of the exiled aristocracy had a tremendous influence on the culture. The blending of Kyoto's capital traditions with the local way of life gave rise to unique customs that have survived to this day, including special forms of classical theatre and the famous bullfighting, originally conducted for the entertainment of the exiled emperor.

Major Historical Milestones

• Approx. 30,000 BC — Humans begin mining obsidian on the islands, which is widely distributed through trade across Japan and beyond.
• 712 AD — The islands are mentioned in the oldest Japanese chronicle, "Kojiki," as one of the first lands created by the creator deities Izanagi and Izanami.
• Late 7th Century — Oki Province is established as an independent administrative unit within the Ritsuryo state system.
• 1221 — After his defeat in the Jokyu War, Emperor Go-Toba is exiled to the islands; his stay significantly enriched local culture and traditions.
• 1332 — Emperor Go-Daigo is sent into exile here, but a year later manages to execute a daring escape to return to the throne.
• 17th Century — With the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the islands come under the administration of the Matsudaira clan from the Matsue Domain.
• 18th–19th Centuries — The development of the maritime route for kitamaebune trading ships turns local ports into prosperous centres of trade and logistics.
• 1868 — During the events of the Meiji Restoration, an autonomy movement occurs on the islands, temporarily establishing local self-governance.
• 1876 — The Oki Islands permanently become part of modern Shimane Prefecture.
• 1936 — The archipelago becomes part of the Daisen-Oki National Park, securing its status as a protected natural area.
• 1965 — The opening of Oki Airport on Dogo Island significantly simplifies transport connections with the "mainland."
• 2013 — The Oki Islands receive the prestigious status of a UNESCO Global Geopark, recognizing their unique geological history and landscapes.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The development of the Oki Islands followed a unique path dictated by island geography and a special status in Japanese history. Several key milestones can be highlighted that defined the modern appearance of the region:

• Establishment as an Obsidian Mining Centre (Paleolithic — Jomon).
  The islands became the region's first major exporter. The mining of volcanic glass stimulated the development of early maritime logistics, linking the archipelago via trade routes with mainland Japan and even the Korean Peninsula thousands of years before the formation of statehood.
• Cultural Synthesis of the Exile Period (from the 8th Century).
  The arrival of exiled nobility and emperors transformed the social environment. Unlike a typical fishing province, a unique cultural layer formed here: capital traditions, poetry, and rituals mixed with the local way of life, which continues to attract ethnographers and tourists today.
• Integration into the Kitamaebune Trade Route (Edo, 17th–19th Centuries).
  The transformation of local harbours into key ports for ships plying between Osaka and Hokkaido led to an economic boom. This contributed to the urban development of coastal settlements (especially Saigo Port) and the accumulation of merchant capital.
• Transport Revolution (1960s).
  The opening of Oki Airport in 1965 and the modernization of ferry crossings radically changed the accessibility of the archipelago. This ended centuries of isolation, simplified the delivery of goods, and opened the islands to mass tourism.
• Reorientation towards Ecotourism and UNESCO Status (21st Century).
  Joining the UNESCO Global Geoparks network in 2013 became a driver for a new economic model. The focus shifted from traditional fishing to sustainable tourism, the preservation of geological monuments, and the development of educational infrastructure.

Architectural Appearance: Harmony with Nature and the Sea

The architecture of the Oki Islands is not a chronicle of imperial ambitions set in stone, but a living example of human adaptation to the harsh conditions of the Sea of Japan. Urban planning here has been dictated for centuries by the terrain: settlements clung to narrow coastal strips or took shelter in small valleys protected from strong winds. The absence of large-scale modern redevelopment has allowed the preservation of the authentic spirit of old Japan, where Shinto shrines stand alongside fishermen's huts.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

Unlike mainland metropolises, you will not find Gothic or Baroque styles here. The architectural chronicle of Oki is written in the language of wood, straw, and roof tiles, reflecting local traditions and the influence of maritime trade.

• Oki-zukuri Style (Heian — Edo Eras). A unique variation of the ancient style of shrine architecture, related to the Taisha-zukuri style (known from Izumo Taisha Shrine). It is characterized by massive wooden columns, elevated floors, and roofs with a gentle curve, covered with cypress bark or, in later periods, copper. This style emphasizes the sacred status of the islands.
• Architecture of Trade Routes (Edo — Meiji Eras). The period of prosperity of the kitamaebune maritime route brought wealth to the islands, which was reflected in the construction of sturdy merchant houses. Characteristic features include the use of black glossy roof tiles (resistant to salty winds), thick plastered walls, and latticed facades.
• Vernacular Architecture (Timeless). Functional architecture created by fishermen. The brightest example is the funagoya boat garages. These are simple yet ingenious structures made of wood and stone, standing right at the water's edge, designed to protect boats from the elements.

Iconic Structures and Districts

The appearance of the islands is formed not by high-rise dominants, but by objects integrated into the landscape and history:

• Mizuwakasu Shrine. The main architectural monument of Dogo Island. Its main hall (Honden) is a classic example of the Oki-zukuri style and is recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It demonstrates the skill of ancient carpenters in working with wood without a single nail.
• Boat Houses on the Akiya Coast. A picturesque row of traditional wooden shelters for boats, which have become a symbol of Oki's fishing culture. Their silhouettes against the backdrop of the sea are one of the most recognizable "postcard" panoramas of the archipelago.
• Saigo Port District. The historical gateway to the islands. Although many buildings have been modernized, the street layout and surviving warehouses remind one of the times when the harbour was filled with merchant ships waiting for a fair wind.

Imperial Figures and Politicians

• Emperor Go-Toba (1180–1239)
  82nd Emperor of Japan
  A key figure in the history of the archipelago. After his defeat in the Jokyu War (1221), he was exiled to Dogo Island, where he spent the last 19 years of his life. In exile, he continued to engage in waka poetry and, according to legend, personally forged swords. It is believed that he initiated the tradition of "bullfighting" on Oki to brighten his leisure time far from courtly luxury.
• Emperor Go-Daigo (1288–1339)
  96th Emperor of Japan
  He was sent into exile on Oki in 1332 after attempting to overthrow the Kamakura Shogunate. Unlike Go-Toba, he did not resign himself to the fate of an exile. A year later, Go-Daigo made a famous escape on a fishing boat, which led to the fall of the shogunate and the brief restoration of imperial power (the Kemmu Restoration).

Writers and Cultural Figures

• Ono no Takamura (802–853)
  Court official, poet, and scholar of the Heian period
  One of the first known exiled intellectuals. He was banished to the islands for criticizing state policy and refusing a diplomatic mission to China. His melancholic poems, written on Oki, entered classic Japanese anthologies and cemented the archipelago's image as a place of romantic sadness and solitude.
• Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) (1850–1904)
  Writer, translator, and Japanologist
  The famous Western writer who adopted Japanese citizenship visited the islands in 1892. He spent several weeks here documenting local folklore, customs, and daily life. His travel notes "From Hoki to Oki" opened the unique culture of the islands to the English-speaking world.
• Nakanishi Inosuke (1887–1958)
  Writer and social activist
  A native of Dogo Island (Fuse village). He became a well-known writer of the proletarian movement and a politician. In his work, he often turned to the history of his homeland; in particular, he described the dramatic events of the local peasant movement for autonomy in the novel "Storm Over Sudo."