Île du Japonais, Artificial island in Cabo Frio, Brazil

Ilha do Japonês lies in Cabo Frio, Rio de Janeiro state, and is in fact a natural sandbar rather than a true island. Its shallow, warm waters are used by stand-up paddle and kayak enthusiasts, and casuarina and bajuru vegetation grows on the sand. Bars and restaurants with snacks stand around it, and on summer nights locals and visitors join shrimp dragnet fishing.

The name comes from Ysaburô Yamagata, a Japanese immigrant who, with his family, lived on the island during the 1920s after buying land tied to salt-working near São Pedro da Aldeia, staying until about 1936. The Yamagata family had been active in fishing and salt production in the Região dos Lagos since the early 20th century, and a Salina Yamagata is remembered locally.

The name recalls Ysaburô Yamagata, a Japanese immigrant who lived on the island with his family during the 1920s, after buying land tied to salt works near São Pedro da Aldeia, until about 1936. On summer nights, natives and visitors take part in shrimp netting (arrastão de camarão) around the island.

Reaching the island requires either a boat or swimming, with attention needed for water currents during crossing. The shallow channel varies in ease of passage depending on tidal conditions and time of day.

The name comes from Ysaburô Yamagata, a Japanese immigrant whose family lived on the sandbar during the 1920s, until about 1936, after buying land tied to salt works near São Pedro da Aldeia. The Yamagata salt works are still remembered in the region's salt-production history.