Hirajima, Volcanic islet in Ogasawara Village, Japan
Hirajima is a small volcanic islet in the Ogasawara Islands group, situated about 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo in the Pacific Ocean. The rocky island is uninhabited and protected for its natural features and rare plant and animal species.
The Ogasawara Islands, including this islet, fell under American administration after World War II until Japan regained full control in 1968. This period left a lasting mark on the island communities.
The islet is part of an archipelago where fishing traditions remain central to how people relate to the sea and its resources. These practices shape daily life for those who live in these remote waters.
Visiting requires coordination with ferry services from the main Ogasawara ports, as weather and seasons greatly affect boat schedules. Plan for longer travel times and limited service frequencies.
The islet remains in a largely natural state with plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. This living diversity makes it a particularly valuable site for conservation and scientific study.
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