Oshima District, Administrative district in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan
Ōshima district spans across multiple islands and includes eleven municipalities such as Amagi, China, Isen, and Kikai. The area consists of separate island communities connected by water, each with its own distinct geography and local character.
The district came under United States control in February 1946, marking a period of major change for the region. This occupation shaped the area through 1953, when new administrative arrangements were put in place.
Each island in the district has developed its own festivals and ways of cooking that grew from island life. These traditions show up in local crafts, regional dishes, and how people mark important days.
The islands are mainly connected by ferry services, with Kikai Airport providing the main air link for the district. Visitors planning to explore different municipalities should expect longer travel times between the islands.
The district played a key role in a movement for return to Japan during the occupation period, remembered through the phrase 'restoration of Ōshima.' This local activism shows how island residents worked to shape their own political future.
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