Tsushima (対馬市, Tsushima-shi) is a city located in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan, comprising the islands of Tsushima in the Tsushima Strait. The city occupies an area of approximately 708 km² and, as of the 2020 census, had an estimated population of about 31,000 residents.
Geography
Tsushima consists of two principal islands—Kamijima (Upper Island) in the north and Shimojima (Lower Island) in the south—separated by a narrow channel. The islands lie roughly halfway between the Japanese mainland (Kyushu) and the Korean Peninsula, making the archipelago a strategic maritime gateway. The terrain is hilly and heavily forested, with a temperate climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters.
Administrative history
The modern city of Tsushima was formed on March 1 1998 through the merger of the former towns of Tsushima, Ikitsuki, and others within Tsushima District. This consolidation created a single municipal government encompassing the entire island chain.
Economy
The local economy is primarily based on fishing, aquaculture, and agriculture, with sardines, mackerel, and seaweed among the principal marine products. Small‑scale tourism, focused on the islands’ natural scenery, historic sites, and proximity to Korea, contributes to municipal revenues.
Transportation
Tsushima is linked to mainland Japan by regular ferry services operating from the ports of Fukaura (on Kamijima) to Kagoshima and from the port at Izuhara to Busan, South Korea. An internal road network connects the major settlements, and the city is served by Tsushima Airport, which provides limited domestic air service.
History
The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times and were historically part of the Tsushima Domain (Tsushima han) during the Edo period, serving as a diplomatic and trade conduit between Japan and Korea. In the early 20th century, the Battle of Tsushima (May 27–28 1905) took place in the surrounding strait, resulting in a decisive Japanese naval victory over the Russian fleet during the Russo‑Japanese War.
Culture and landmarks
Key cultural sites include the Tsushima Shrine, the Sakaiminato Castle ruins, and the numerous Buddhist temples scattered across the islands. The region also preserves traditional festivals such as the Tsushima Summer Fireworks and local folk dances.
Demographics
The population has been in gradual decline due to aging and out‑migration, a trend common to many rural Japanese municipalities. The majority of residents are ethnic Japanese, with a small proportion of Korean and other minorities, reflecting the islands’ historical ties to the Korean Peninsula.
Education
Tsushima hosts a number of public elementary and junior high schools operated by the city, as well as a public high school administered by Nagasaki Prefectural Board of Education. Higher education institutions are limited, with most students pursuing post‑secondary studies on the mainland.
International relations
Given its geographic proximity, Tsushima maintains sister‑city agreements and exchange programs with municipalities in South Korea, fostering cultural and economic cooperation.
References
- Nagasaki Prefectural Government, “Tsushima City Statistics.”
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, “Port and Ferry Data for Tsushima.”
- Historical records of the Russo‑Japanese War, 1905.