Obi-iwa, Tsunami boulder in Miyakojima, Japan.
Obi-iwa is a coastal boulder positioned along Miyakojima's shoreline, rising noticeably from the surrounding landscape as evidence of past oceanic forces. The rock's size and placement reveal the powerful effects that waves have had on the local coast over time.
In 1771, the Great Yaeyama Tsunami sent massive waves across the region that shifted countless boulders and permanently altered Miyakojima's coastline. Obi-iwa was one of the rocks moved to its current position by this powerful event.
Local people view the boulder as a symbol of nature's power, and it features in traditional stories about how the ocean shapes the land. These narratives continue to influence how residents understand their relationship with the sea.
The boulder can be reached via marked coastal paths, though visitors should watch for changing tides and weather conditions. It helps to check local conditions before visiting and wear suitable shoes for uneven terrain.
Scientific research on the boulder provides valuable insights into historical tsunami patterns across the Ryukyu Islands. Researchers use the rock's composition and position to reconstruct past oceanic events in the region.
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