Formed from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago, Aogashima boasts a unique landscape with steep cliffs and a massive crater located right in the heart of the island.
For the brave residents of Aogashima—a picturesque island located 320 kilometers south of Tokyo—living with a volcano is a daily reality.
This island has been inhabited for hundreds of years, with a thriving community developed along the main crater. The volcano has been dormant for many centuries, having last erupted in 1785, which caused significant casualties on the island. Nevertheless, many residents fondly refer to this active volcano as their beloved home.
The island has been inhabited for hundreds of years.
The island’s folklore recounts that on that fateful day, May 18, 1785, the ground decided to “rise up.” The volcano erupted, spewing gases, smoke, rocks, and debris into the sky. By June 4, 327 islanders had to evacuate quickly, but only about half survived, while the rest faced their final moments in nature’s fury.
Residents of Aogashima have accepted the possibility of nature’s wrath while living here.
To this day, the Japan Meteorological Agency closely monitors the Aogashima volcano and confirms that it remains in an “active” state. Thus, it can be said that the residents of Aogashima possess extraordinary courage; they have accepted the potential for nature’s wrath, surrounded by lava, and are willing to gamble their homes and livelihoods to remain in their beloved homeland.
What do the residents say?
Masanubu Yoshida—a government official who has lived on the island for over 20 years—told Smithsonian Magazine that he does not lose sleep over the rumbling vibrations beneath him. After all, it has been 230 years since the last eruption, and luck has favored him and the others so far. He summarizes his philosophy as follows: “No one can conquer nature.”
Instead of worrying about what might happen, the 47-year-old focuses on the benefits of living in this lush paradise: fishing here is exciting—an island rising amidst the bountiful Philippine Sea—not to mention countless other enjoyable activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming. The hot springs and geothermal energy provided by the volcano also make life a bit easier.
The island features pristine and beautiful scenery.
While Yoshida works at a desk, his neighbors are primarily farmers and fishermen. However, the island is richer than what one might see: a shochu distillery, salt producers, a few corner shops, a bed-and-breakfast serving only breakfast, and an auto repair shop are all scattered across this beautiful volcanic island.
Speaking of cars, Aogashima prefers to move around in four-wheeled vehicles rather than two-wheeled ones. Although the island is very small, the strong winds and significant rainfall make cycling less appealing. The island also boasts many winding roads that traverse the center, creating a unique landscape.
Life on Aogashima is completely different from mainland Japan.
Life on Aogashima is entirely different from mainland Japan. Yoshida imagines having to commute to Tokyo by ferry or helicopter, coupled with the hustle and bustle of the city with its 13.4 million residents—making him slightly apprehensive: “I often go to the mainland for work, but I dread the traffic—there are too many people… Here in Aogashima, we can experience the wonderful nature that you can’t find in big cities.”
Fortunately, the volcano seems to accompany Yoshida’s longing for tranquility… at least for now. Each day on the island is a testament to the residents’ desire to enjoy peace and quiet, until nature decides otherwise.
Traveling to Aogashima is not easy. Visitors must undertake a long journey, combining flights and sea travel or choosing to travel by helicopter. However, due to harsh weather conditions, the number of flights to the island is very limited. This is why Aogashima has managed to retain its pristine and peaceful charm.
One of the unique features of Aogashima is its distinctive traditional culture. The people here still preserve ancient customs, such as seasonal festivals and rain-making ceremonies. Notably, Aochu, a traditional liquor made from sweet potatoes and wheat, is a famous product of the island. Its distinctive flavor has captivated countless visitors.
For those who love exploration and wish to enjoy a secluded atmosphere away from the surrounding world, Aogashima is undoubtedly an ideal destination. And certainly, visitors need to research and prepare thoroughly before coming here, as life on the island is quite simple and lacks modern conveniences.
