Unique Culture
Bull-Fighting Island
Amami's fighting bulls were born as recreation during peaceful agricul…
To adapt to daily life on subtropical islands, our forebears developed a unique body of know-how by necessity. Houses were surrounded by takakura, thatched-roof storage spaces elevated on stilts to protect grains from the ravages of humidity and rats, and walls made from coral to block the wind and tide. Boats emerged as essential to travel in these densely forested, mountainous islands surrounded by sea.
Under the ever-present threat of venomous snakes and water shortages, islanders expressed their gratitude to the gods in numerous ceremonies and rituals. Bull fighting and dancing also served to invigorate daily life.
Unique Culture
Amami's fighting bulls were born as recreation during peaceful agricul…
Unique Culture
In Amami Oshima, the sumo culture is so rooted in the region that ther…
Unique Culture
In the Southwest Islands, there were many fossil coral walls construct…
Unique Culture
Takakura is an elevated granary with a thatched roof. These granaries …
Unique Culture
Surrounded by both the ocean and rugged mountains, boats used to be an…
Unique Culture
I documented the Amami archipelago in photographs during 4 stays in th…