Okushiri history

The history of the settlement of the territory where Okushiri is now located goes back to ancient times. Archaeological excavations confirm that people lived on this island as early as the Jomon period, several thousand years ago. The name itself is of Ainu origin: it is believed to come from the words "I-kus-ta-mosiri," which can be translated as "the island on the other side."

Key Factors of Development

The development of the settlement was largely determined by its island location and natural wealth. Several main factors can be highlighted that influenced the formation of Okushiri:

• Geography: The island is located in the Sea of Japan, to the west of Hokkaido. This made it a natural outpost and a stopping point for ships.
• Resources: The exceptionally rich marine waters became a magnet for settlers. Seafood harvesting was and remains the foundation of life for the local population.
• Administrative Development: The official establishment of the village as an administrative unit occurred during the Meiji era, when modern Japan began to actively develop and structure its northern territories.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the earliest stages, the region's economy was built around fishing. Okushiri was famous for harvesting abalone and sea urchins, as well as herring fishing, which played a key role in the prosperity of many coastal towns in the region during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The culture of the island was formed at the intersection of the traditions of the indigenous Ainu people and the customs of Japanese settlers. Life in close contact with the sea fostered resilience and a special respect for the forces of nature in the islanders, which is reflected in local festivals and sanctuaries.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of the island is rich in events related to both the development of northern territories and overcoming natural challenges. Below is a brief chronology of key moments in the development of this unique place.

• Around 6000 BC: Period of active settlement of the island by representatives of the Jomon culture, who left behind rich archaeological layers.
• 1869: The island officially comes under the administration of the Colonization Commission as Japan began administrative reform of Hokkaido.
• 1885: Regular ferry service opens, connecting the island with the port of Hakodate and the mainland.
• 1906: The village of Okushiri is founded as a result of the introduction of a new municipal system and the merger of several settlements.
• 1961: Opening of Okushiri Airport, ensuring rapid air connection with the island of Hokkaido.
• 1966: The settlement officially receives town status (cho) due to economic growth and population increase.
• 1993: An earthquake off the southwest coast of Hokkaido and the subsequent tsunami caused serious damage to the island, leading to massive infrastructure reconstruction.
• 1998: Opening of the Tsunami Memorial Hall, which became an important educational center and a symbol of the region's recovery.
• 2001: Completion of the construction of large-scale protective structures and dams designed to ensure the safety of residents in the future.
• 2017: The island celebrated the 110th anniversary of local self-government, focusing on tourism development and the preservation of unique nature.

Stages of Formation and Development

The island's journey from a seasonal fishing station to a modern, safe settlement is full of dramatic events and labor victories. Key milestones of development formed the unique architectural appearance and economic structure that guests of Okushiri observe today.

• Era of Marine Industry (Late 19th Century)
  The rich resources of the Sea of Japan, especially herring and abalone, became the economic foundation for settling the territory. The development of fisheries attracted capital and the first permanent residents, turning the island into an important production center.
• Administrative Unification (1906–1966)
  The formation of a single municipality and subsequent receipt of town status allowed for centralized management. This launched the systematic development of social infrastructure: the construction of schools, hospitals, and roads connecting scattered coastal villages.
• Transport Breakthrough (1960s)
  The opening of the airport and the modernization of the ferry crossing brought the island out of isolation. Regular communication with Hokkaido and the main territory of the country — Japan — opened opportunities for commerce and the first tourist flows.
• Urban Reconstruction after 1993
  The tragic earthquake and tsunami led to a complete rebuilding of the affected areas, especially Aonae. An unprecedented program to artificially raise the level of residential quarters was implemented, which radically changed the landscape and safety standards.
• Construction of Protective Structures (Late 1990s)
  The erection of massive breakwaters and dams became a crucial urban planning project. The new coastal protection system not only guarantees the safety of residents but is also a dominant feature in the architectural appearance of the coastline.
• Course towards "Blue Tourism" (21st Century)
  Shifting the economic focus from resource extraction to the hospitality sector. Creating the "Island of Healing" brand, improving natural parks, and promoting gastronomic culture have become drivers of modern development.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The appearance of the island of Okushiri differs strikingly from ancient metropolises. Here you will not find layers of Gothic or Renaissance; local architecture is a story of human adaptation to harsh conditions and the triumph of engineering thought over the elements. The urban development of the town was dictated not by fashion, but by the necessity of survival and safety.

Evolution of Styles and Historical Stages

The architectural history of the island can be roughly divided into two major periods, where the style of buildings directly reflects the priorities of the era:

• Traditional Wooden Construction (Meiji — Showa Eras): During the period of active settlement and the flourishing of fishing, architecture typical of rural Japan dominated. These were one- and two-story wooden houses with tiled roofs, standing densely along the coastline. The style was strictly utilitarian, oriented towards quick access to the sea.
• Modern Protective Functionalism (Heisei Era — Present): After the destructive tsunami of 1993, the island's appearance changed radically. Wood was replaced by reinforced concrete and steel structures. The modern style of Okushiri can be characterized as "engineering modernism," where reliability became the main criterion of beauty.

Urban Planning Phenomenon: Aonae District

The most striking example of the new urban planning policy was the Aonae district, located at the southern tip of the island. The restoration of this district became a unique project:

• Artificial Ground Elevation: Residential quarters were moved to a specially created platform rising above sea level. This is a rare example of how the landscape was altered for the safety of residents.
• Zoning: The urban environment is clearly divided: the port and fishing facilities remained by the water, while the residential zone and social facilities were moved to a safe height.

Landmark Structures and Architectural Dominants

The look of modern Okushiri is formed not by palaces, but by public buildings and protective structures that have become symbols of rebirth.

• Tsunami Memorial Hall "Tokimbal": The building is designed in a futuristic postmodern style. Its unusual shape, resembling a flying saucer or a wave, and its glass facade make it the main architectural accent of the coast.
• Protective Walls and Breakwaters: Massive concrete fortifications encircling important parts of the island have become an integral part of the landscape. They are called the "Great Wall of Okushiri," and they represent an impressive example of monumental hydraulic architecture.
• Miyatsu-Benten Bridge: A picturesque structure connecting the coast with a rocky shrine in the sea, demonstrating harmony between man-made objects and wild nature.

Distinguished Figures of Okushiri

Despite its modest size and small population, the island of Okushiri has become the birthplace and place of activity for a number of talented people who have left their mark in sports, arts, and science. The residents of the island are proud of their fellow countrymen, whose achievements have brought fame to this corner of Japan on a national level.

• Yoshinori Sato
  Professional Baseball Player and Coach (born 1954)
  The most famous native of the island, a legendary pitcher who played for the Hankyu Braves and Orix BlueWave clubs. Over his career, he achieved more than 160 victories and was named "Rookie of the Year" in 1977. After retiring as a player, Sato became one of the most respected pitching coaches in Japan, training world-class stars such as Masahiro Tanaka and Yu Darvish.
• Takeda Nobuhiro
  Samurai and Historical Figure (15th Century)
  A key figure in the history of the development of Hokkaido. In 1454, caught in a storm, he landed on Okushiri, which became one of the first documented contacts of Japanese military commanders with the island. Subsequently, he became the founder of the powerful Matsumae clan, which ruled the northern territories of the country for centuries.
• Hideo Sasamori
  Sociologist and Educator (1925–2014)
  A prominent scholar specializing in urban and medical sociology. A native of Okushiri, he made a significant contribution to the development of academic science and held the post of head of the Yoshida Gakuen educational corporation, influencing the training of specialists in the region.
• Tokiya Ganbara
  Musical Actor (born 1985)
  A talented artist who achieved success as part of the famous Shiki Theatre Company. Ganbara is known for his roles in major productions, including the musical "The Lion King." He is an example of how natives of remote islands conquer the big stages of the capital.
• Naoko Aso
  Poet (born 1941)
  A well-known literary figure whose work is permeated with subtle observations and lyricism. A native of the island, she contributed to modern Japanese poetry, maintaining a cultural connection with her homeland through words.
• Takumi Sakamoto
  Professional Baseball Player (born 2004)
  A representative of the new generation of athletes. The young pitcher, selected by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows club in the draft, became the second professional baseball player in history from Okushiri Island after Yoshinori Sato, inspiring local youth with his success.