Bungo Strait, Maritime channel between Kyushu and Shikoku, Japan.
Bungo Strait is a maritime channel between Kyushu and Shikoku that connects the Seto Inland Sea to the Pacific Ocean. The waters reach depths around 300 meters across a distance of about 90 kilometers.
The strait was a site of naval operations during World War II, particularly in 1944 when a major submarine mission took place in these waters. The channel played a strategic role in the conflicts of the Pacific War.
Fishing communities along the strait catch mackerel, octopus, and salmon using traditional techniques that have shaped local food traditions. These practices remain visible in the small ports and the daily rhythms of the coastal villages.
The strait serves as a major shipping route for cargo vessels traveling between eastern and western Japan, with ports in Oita and Uwajima handling traffic. Visitors can observe the waterway from the coastal areas or take boat trips to experience the marine environment.
Two opposing ocean currents collide in these waters, creating distinct conditions that shape the marine ecosystem and affect seafloor environments. The warm Kyucho and the powerful Kuroshio meet and mix, producing zones of interest for those observing ocean dynamics.
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