Manabeshima, Traditional fishing island in Kasaoka Islands, Japan
Manabeshima is a small island in the Kasaoka Islands that spans around 1.5 square kilometers, featuring a settlement built around a central fishing port. The village is defined by narrow pathways that wind between traditional wooden houses and create a connected community along the waterfront.
The island was established as a naval base during the Heian period and named after the Manabe clan who controlled nearby waters. Over the centuries, it evolved into a fishing community that remains inhabited today.
The island served as a filming location for the 1984 film MacArthur's Children, which marked a significant cultural moment in Japanese cinema. The production brought attention to the traditional ways of life and the built environment that visitors still encounter today.
The island is accessible by ferry from Kasaoka Port, with travel times varying depending on the vessel type. Visitors should plan to explore on foot, as the small settlement is best experienced by walking through the pathways and observing daily life.
The island is home to a cat population that outnumbers the human residents, who number around 200 people. These cats roam freely throughout the settlement and have become a notable part of daily life on the island.
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