Topography of okino-shima, kōchi prefecture

Abstract

Okino-Shima is a small island, belongs to Kōchi prefecture, on the southern part of the Bungo Channel. As this island is on the border line of Kōchi- and Ehime prefecture, it has been being to keep the peculiar characteristics as the historical, economical and cultural point of contact between the southern power and the northern one. This is also due to the double-sided natural characteristics of the island. The southern part of the Bungo Channel on which the island lies, is the transitional area between the Pacfic and the Seto Inland Sea. Temperature is high in this area, therefore this island has the oceanic characteristics as the wild growing place of the subtropical plants. They got the abundant haul near the island, and fishing was the most important industry with agriculture. But now the main industry is agriculture with few fishing. They cannot extend their farm on the island, population comes also to the maximum. As the island is mountainious, the small terrace farm and the residential land is on the sharp slope. The most houses are low due to many starms. Historically the island was included in the market area of Uwajima before the war, but during the war it was included into that of Sukumo artificially owing to the rationing system. As the sea transportation between the island and Sukumo has been facilitated, their economic relation has been closed. But now it is going to be included into the market area of Uwajima. © 1954, The Human Geographical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.